Basketball is for everyone, whether they be man or woman. It does not matter what someone’s gender, age or race might be, anyone can enjoy a fun game of basketball. Have your friends take a look at your new skills. Basketball is a complex sport so there is always opportunity to improve your game. Keep reading to find out.

It is important to focus on both offense and defense when learning to play basketball. Many times, defense actually wins the game. Offense is often what gets the glory, but most winning basketball teams play great defense.

TIP! You need good balance when you shoot. Your knees should be bent with your feet slightly wider than your shoulders.

Make sure that your regular practice includes catching of passes. Make sure you get used to catching less than perfect passes smoothly. When the game is being played, passes may not be as perfect as we’d like. Therefore, it pays to practice catching passes that are a bit off-target.

In order to get a good shot, good footwork is essential when posting up. While physical positioning is important, it is even more essential to move quicker than an opponent. Once you get into your position, you need to secure it. Good footwork is key to a good basketball game.

You can improve your control of the ball by spreading your fingers. This way, you won’t lose the ball when holding it. Do not allow your palm to come in contact with the ball either. You should only use your fingers to touch the ball when passing or shooting.

TIP! It is important to know the right way to throw a bounce pass. Executed properly, a bounce pass will connect with the receiving player at the waist.

Work on passing through your legs to add another skill to your arsenal. To practice, simply bounce the basketball between your legs while stepping either forward or backwards. Perfecting this technique will help thwart the opposing team while you’re trying to advance the ball.

Free Throw

Build a routine to improve your free throw game. If you aren’t consistent, you won’t make the basket. 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! Watch how the pros play basketball. Watch professionals play or go check out talented local teams to see who has the moves that you want to learn.

Be sure that your site is good. You will need it for more than checking the scoreboard or passing and shooting. You need to have the best peripheral vision possible. This will help you to find open teammates and keep an eye out for the defensive players.

Once you are in your defensive stance, remember to hold your ground. Slide sideways and use your back foot to push off in order to maintain the defensive stance in stride. Stay low and make it hard for opponents to get around you.

It can help your basketball skills when you strength train. When you play basketball you need a lot of stamina and strength to keep going through the entire game. Even younger kids will benefit from strength training. As they reach their teen years, bring weights in to further enhance exercise. When you get to be an adult is when you want to concentrate on strength training to help improve durability on the court.

TIP! Never play through an injury on the court. Basketball is physically demanding and you can easily get hurt.

To increase the strength of your weaker hand, utilize it for doing everything, including brushing your teeth and opening jars. You’ll find it becomes more controllable. This will make you a force to be reckoned with on the court.

Shoot hundreds of shots every day from every position on the court to improve your shooting skills. Try dribbling a little and pull up for your shot. Don’t look at the target until you are in the air. This can help you simulate the conditions of the game and also helps you improve accuracy.

Practice dribbling while you switch your body’s momentum from one side to the other. Dribbling during game play requires you to adopt a variety of dribbling skills. The court might be wide open, but you could just as easily be swarmed by many opponents. This is why it’s important to switch the direction you will be dribbling. Dribbling can help get you out of trouble.

TIP! Make it your goal to never turn away from the ball on the court. This will make you more aware of the court and you won’t be surprised when turnover potentials come up or quick passes.

Be sure that off-court exercises are proper for playing on-court. For example, you can improve individual plays with sprinting. You can improve overall game performance and endurance with long distance running. Lifting weights can build the muscle you need for shots and the hustle of the game. The aggression and confidence you get from this can also assist you more than most things if you’re shooting.

You can now be confident in your ability to play basketball. Perhaps you have even learned a few new secrets. Never forget that the game should always be fun. Of course, winning is a great deal of fun!