What’s important for you to learn about the sport of basketball? What will help me enjoy the game more and play better? In this article we will provide you with some basic information to act as a solid foundation for your basketball performance.

It is tempting to concentrate just on offense when just staring out, but defensive practice is absolutely vital. Defense is essential to winning these games. While everyone focuses on shots made, a good defense can kill the chances of even an amazing shot taker.

Bounce Pass

Learn how a bounce pass is thrown. The bounce pass needs to reach the player at waist level. Try bouncing it about three-quarters to them. At the same time, take into account any other extraneous factors that may affect the pass.

Don’t bulk up if you want to be good as a jump shooter. While muscle strength is good to have in any basketball position, it is possible to have too much for perimeter play. As a shooting guard, having bulky arm muscles can actually reduce the number of successful shots.

TIP! Know your strengths and they’ll help you become a better player. If you can rely on your strengths, you will become a better player.

Asking for feedback from coaches and teammates about your playing is important in order to become a stronger player. You may have a certain skill that you have perfected. It could be your speed, or it could be your back-up abilities. You can learn a lot about your skills by knowing how others see you on the court.

Never turn away from the ball, so that you can always stay ready for anything. Always knowing where the ball is will make sure that you are ready if it quickly comes your way. When your eyes are constantly assessing the game, you will be better able to make easy shots.

Quickness is something that’s desired in basketball. You need to be faster than the opposing team if you want the advantage. You will have to do a lot of drilling to play faster. Make sure you never play past the speed you are comfortable. Doing so can cause the game to spin out of control as turnovers and faulty passes are made.

TIP! Practice your layups a lot. Up to eighty percent of the baskets attempted in a game are layups.

Always be aware of where you have your feet and what you are going to do with them next. If you slide onto the baseline, you will lose the ball for being out of bounds. Also, you can cause a turnover if you walk without dribbling the ball. Do not move your feet when attempting to set up a screen, a foul can be called.

If you need some help seeing where you need work, try to get a friend or relative to record your games. You should be able to see what you missed or can do better. Be honest with yourself, but avoid being too critical. Analyze your skills honestly so you can become the player you want to be.

To help perfect your free throw abilities you should perform a consistent routine. This could mean dribbling twice, shaking out your head to loosen your neck or whatever else makes you comfortable. Keep it simple and consistent, and the routine will become a part of your muscle memory.

TIP! Work on being able to receive a pass. When you practice, mix it up so that you can catch perfect passes and errant throws.

To dribble the ball better, it is important that you practice dribbling with the hand that’s weaker. Opponents are a lot easier to blow by when you can dribble with ease using both hands. Immobilize your dominant hand by tying it behind your back, then practice using your other hand for everything. This will train your weaker hand to dribble and control the ball well.

Make sure you don’t pick up your dribble unless you are prepared for a shot or pass. You do not have many options after you stop dribbling. You can’t do anything but pivot if you don’t shoot or pass. The chances of the ball being stolen is high, and you might be double teamed as well.

Try practicing your dribbling while switching the momentum of your body from side to side. Dribbling during game play requires you to adopt a variety of dribbling skills. You will have many opponents swarming you. Because of this, you must be able to dribble efficiently regardless of your body’s position. It will allow you to escape trouble a lot of the time.

TIP! Would you like to learn how to fool your opponent? You should try a back pass. Hold the basketball with your writing hand.

Keep your dribbling consistent until the time you want to confuse your opponent. Dribble consistently, then break it up by dribbling fast. This will keep your opponent off balance so you can get in a good shot. Speed and rhythm are two of the strongest advantages you can have to thwart the opposing team.

A missed shot from the corner often results in the ball landing on the opposite side of the net. If that happens, you need to anticipate when it will land so you can catch it on the rebound.

You need to learn how to change your opponent’s personal path. Whether you are in an offensive or defensive stance, make other players do what you want. This enables you to get to the spot that you need to get to without letting your opponents control you.

TIP! One of the keys to becoming a great basketball player is developing core muscles. Show them how to exercise their hips, lower back and abs.

Have you had all of your questions answered? Are you prepped to hit the court running? Will you be able to handle being a much better player after reading these tips? Then get out there and start practicing and playing and showing what you have just learned.