Basketball is a game invented by Dr. James Naismith in the year 1891. Since that time, it’s exploded into a beloved sport by many. From Dr. Basketball has made many people famous, such as Michael Jordan. Keep reading if you’re looking to learn a few things about the sport.

Having a good foundation is key when shooting the ball. Everyone has seen professional basketball players make a shot from 20 feet away as they are falling. They’re just improvising at this point. Consider proper balance when you shoot, and eventually you’ll consistently make baskets.

TIP! When learning the game of basketball, it’s easy to get caught up in offensive play. But you should also give plenty of attention to defense.

To get better in your basketball game, focus on your strengths. Even though your best abilities might not make you stand out each game, it is sure to help you contribute to the overall success of the team. Know your strengths and keep practicing to get even better.

You should ask your teammates about your strengths and weaknesses. What do you need to focus in on and practice more? Perhaps they see you as someone who is fast on the court, or that you’re a really good teammate. Find out what others think your natural abilities are, and be certain to keep developing those skills.

If your shooting is in a slump, take a look at your shoulders. When your shoulders are not properly positioned, then it is almost impossible to perform at your best. Your shoulders should always be square towards the basket. You want your strong-side shoulder in perfect alignment with the rim.

TIP! Learn to correctly dribble the ball. Finger tips, not palms, are the key to successful dribbling.

If the opposition is hot on your tail, pass between your legs. Bounce the ball very hard through your legs while stepping to the front or the back. Perfecting this technique will help thwart the opposing team while you’re trying to advance the ball.

Make layups count by taking off with the foot that is opposite to your shooting hand. What this practically means is that if your right hand is your shooting hand, you need to take off with your left foot. This will keep you balanced and going towards the basket.

Your routines must be consistent for free throws. Your shot could be off if you are inconsistent. The most effective method to achieve a great free throw is by practicing it repeatedly until you get it right. If your routine is off, then you will miss the shot.

TIP! If you handle the ball often, you need to learn how to do a crossover. This is when the ball is moved from hand to hand.

Make your forearms and hands stronger so you can handle the ball better. Wrist curls can be effective at helping you to control the ball as if you’ll be dribbling in your sleep. One thing that is important to remember is that it is difficult to be static and be a scorer. Things rarely happen unless you are actually moving the basketball.

Sly feet will help you get the rebound of your team mates free throw. The defender may be coming toward you, so its important to slip away from him and get the ball. This allows you to grab the rebound legally.

It is important that you can clearly see everything that is occurring during a game. Your eyesight will affect more than just making shots. Working to improve you peripheral vision will help you become a more successful player. If you look across the whole game and not just focus on the ball, you can see oncoming defensive pressure in advance, as well as open teammates.

TIP! To improve your game, concentrate on your strong points. Your skills might not make you an all-start every time out, but playing up your strengths makes you a great contributor.

Once you are in your defensive stance, remember to hold your ground. You can shuffle your feet to either side, or push with your opposing foot, so you will be ready and in position. Stay low and make it hard for opponents to get around you.

A powerful play called the trapping machine, is to have your guards wait for the point guard to come just past midcourt. Then they should run to the point guard and trap him. While this is going on your forwards can be sprinting to the players located on the wings. This can cause the point guard to pass the ball in a way that your teammates can easily steal.

To boost your ability with the weaker hand, try to use it for all daily tasks. If you’re able to do more with your other hand daily, you can start controlling it better. This will begin to spill over into your basketball game as well.

TIP! Don’t spend all your time practicing how to confront a zone defense. Your opponent may change their game up to keep you on your toes.

When dribbling, bend your knees. If you are standing straight, you will have a harder time controlling the ball and your opponent will be able to steal it more easily. To help out your ball control, try bending the knees.

If a shot is taken from the corner and missed, the ball typically ends up across the court from the player. If that happens, you need to anticipate when it will land so you can catch it on the rebound.

It is necessary for you to change the path of your opponent. Whether you are in an offensive or defensive stance, make other players do what you want. By doing this you will be able to go wherever you want on the court without their interference.

TIP! If you’re going to be a jump shooter, don’t lift too many weights. Muscle is good, but you can have too much.

Always keep an eye on the basketball, whether it’s under control of your teammate or your opponent. One of the biggest key plays in the game is the rebound. If you are unable to rebound, it doesn’t matter how good you are at defense.

One of thing you should learn if you are going to be a good basketball player is how to pivot. Practice your footwork so that you can pivot without thinking about it, and avoid getting tangled in your feet or disoriented. Work on your stance as well as your ability to react.

All you need to have a game of basketball is a team, a ball and a hoop. If you desire to become an amazing player, you need the right knowledge. Reading this article was a great first step. Continue to learn more as you practice your skills.