Many people love basketball. Whether you’re watching it on TV, playing it with friends, or just playing it on your own in the driveway, basketball isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Anyone who plays basketball wants to improve their game. The tips below can better your game dramatically and help you score many winning points.

Make it a point to concentrate on both your defensive and offensive skills. Focusing only on offense does not make you a well-rounded player. Defense is how you win a basketball game. While offensive players sometimes seem like the stars of the show, it is the efforts of defensive players that allow them to shine.

TIP! Learn proper dribbling. When dribbling the basketball, use your fingertips rather than the palm of your hand.

Balance is essential to shooting. You’ve seen the pros fall out of bounds when trying to shoot 30 feet from the basket; this is a bad move. They are improvising. If you have correct balance when you are making a shot, you will make more consistent baskets over time.

Passing quickly without dribbling is a great way to practice. It is difficult playing without dribbling; however, it helps the team make better passes. The accuracy of passes will greatly improve over time and the drill will become a lot easier.

You can learn to trick the opposing team. Try doing what is known as a back pass. You want to grip the basketball with your strongest hand. Next, pull the ball behind your back. The last step is to flick your wrist in the direction you want the ball to land. It can be a dangerous maneuver that catches the other team off guard.

TIP! Having a good foundation is key when shooting the ball. Sometimes you’ll see professional players fall out of bounds while making a shot from afar, but this doesn’t work at all times.

You can play basketball solo before and during the season. Basketball is sport played in teams, but there are times when no one is around to play with you. That is okay. You can still get a lot accomplished with solo games. Practice pivoting and free throw shooting. You can always find things to practice.

Talk to your teammates and find out what they like about your game. Can they tell you what you’re really good at? Perhaps you have good dribbling skills or maybe your footwork is enviable. Learn what other’s see as your natural skills and make sure to keep and develop those skills more fully.

Make sure you know what is going on with your feet. When you are in possession of the ball, touching the baseline will get you out of bounds. Going too many steps with no dribbling is a waking call and turnover situation. Do not move your feet when attempting to set up a screen, a foul can be called.

TIP! Get educated on the way to properly pass the ball on a bounce. It is best when the ball hits the receiving player near the waist.

If your opponent is pressing hard, you can give yourself some room to work by dribbling the ball between your legs. Step forward and back while dribbling the ball between your legs hard. If this move is something you master, you’ll have an advantage when you go out to play a game.

Make layups count by taking off with the foot that is opposite to your shooting hand. If you normally shoot using your right hand, jump with your left. Your body will develop good coordination and you keep your defender at a distance.

Free Throws

TIP! When developing your jumping skills, limit your use of weight-training. Muscle strength is beneficial for playing any basketball position, but there is such a thing as too much.

Consistent free throws require a consistent technique. A routine that is constantly in flux will only open up more opportunities for failure. The easiest way to make sure you’re doing great at free throws is to do repetitions of the same routines time and again. If you don’t stick to your routine, you could miss the shot.

Your forearms and hands should be strengthened if you wish to handle the ball better. Wrist curls can work good if you wish to start handling the ball like you’re able to dribble in any situation. Do not make the mistake of thinking you can stay stationary, catch all the ball, and shoot them from that same location. Motion is key to being successful on the court.

Be slick with your feet so you can get a rebound from a teammate. Be aware that the defender who is below you will start moving in your direction. Slip past him, and you can get the ball. You are able to rebound the ball without fouling someone.

TIP! Basketball players of all ages benefit from exercises that strengthen their core. This includes their abs, lower back, and hips.

There are several ways you can improve your basketball skills. Many are simple, like learning a concept and practicing it over and over. No matter what you are trying to learn, practice makes perfect. You just need a basketball and a hoop. Any kind of playing will be beneficial to your skill. Play for your love of the game. Don’t hesitate to go for a casual game with your friends or join in with the neighborhood kids.