Many people enjoy the fast-pace and excitement of basketball. However, if you want to thoroughly enjoy the game, you should know all you can. You can find the following information to be quite helpful.

Free throws are an excellent skill to practice in your spare time. The execution of a free throw is not as simple as it may appear. Try using this technique in practicing. First, keep the ball in front of you and at eye level. Picture yourself going through the shot in your mind, with the ball sinking through the net. Once you’ve visualized this, take your shot as you just saw it in your head.

TIP! Make sure you are dribbling the right way. Avoid using your palm while dribbling.

If you typically handle the ball a lot, it pays to learn the crossover. This technique passes the ball back and forth from the right hand to the left hand. This must be done quickly to be successful. Once you have learned how to do a crossover, you can travel down the court quickly.

Bounce Pass

Teach yourself how a bounce pass can be properly thrown. A bounce pass that’s good is going to end up hitting the other player near their waist. Remember you should bounce the ball approximately three-quarters of the distance between yourself and the receiving player. There are many factors which come into play, though.

TIP! Practice using different types of defenses. While you might see a zone defense mostly, a team can switch defenses to man-to-man quickly in order to confuse you.

Want to make the other team not know what’s going on? Back passes are a great way to confuse other players. To accomplish this pass, grasp the ball using your dominant hand. Next get the ball pulled up behind the back. Then do a wrist flick in the same direction that you want the ball to end up. This will confuse the opposition.

Don’t play while injured or else your injury will worsen. You can easily tear a muscle or even break a finger while playing. You can quickly turn a strain into a debilitating medical issue if you do not take a break from the action. If you are seriously injured, obtain medical care.

See if your teammates admire something in particular about your game play. Do you do something really good? Perhaps you have an excellent understanding of defensive strategies or you are the fastest player on your team. Find out what others think your natural abilities are, and be certain to keep developing those skills.

TIP! Would you like to completely fool the opposing team, making them look silly? Make use of the back pass. To do this pass, hold on to the ball with your dominant hand.

When playing basketball, it is important to always keep your eye on the ball. That will keep you aware, so you don’t get surprised by turnovers or quick passes. Always watch for areas opening up where you can go for a quick basket.

Knowing your opponent is the best way to play a tough defensive game. Watch games if you can and look at their tendencies. You should know if a player is right or left handed. Defense is more effective when you know what your opponent is likely to do. Smart defenders are good defenders.

Basketball can be one the most fun sports to play, but you must know the basics. You need to know more than just the basics in order to play ball like a pro. Follow these tips to enhance your game and play at the top of your ability.