It doesn’t matter if you plan to play basketball or just watch a game, you should have a basic understanding of how the game is played. Just starting out? Never fret! It’s easy to learn more about basketball. This article will give you tips whether you’re watching or playing.

Frequent pass catching practice is important. While you are practicing, you should be sure to drill yourself on catching errant throws, as well as catching those perfect passes. Some passes may be too high, too low or off target, so you should practice receiving passes often. Therefore, learn how to catch any type of pass so that you can help lead your team to victory.

TIP! Frequently practice passing and catching the passes of others. You want to practice catching perfect passes and bad passes.

Do not only practice zone defense plays. You can count on quite a bit of the game being played in zone; however, you should not be surprised if it becomes one-on-one coverage just for the sake of confusion. This can cause your team to lose momentum to the other side if this isn’t something you’ve practiced.

There are passes that can confuse the other team momentarily. Make use of the back pass. Use the dominant hand whenever trying a behind the back pass. Then, move the ball so it is behind your back. Then you will use your wrist and flip it in the direction you want the ball to be going. This will confuse the opposition.

When exercising, concentrate on building up core strength and improving your footwork. Your body will naturally balance well if you have strong core muscles. Give your hips, buttocks, back and stomach a workout. As with boxing, you can increase footwork speed and dexterity by jumping rope.

TIP! You need to practice more than defeating a zone defense. Your opponent may change their game up to keep you on your toes.

Watch your shoulders and their position if you notice yourself developing a slump in your shooting. If you do not have your shoulders positioned properly, you will not make the shot. Your shoulders need to be squared up towards where you’re shooting. The dominant shoulder needs to be lined up with the rim.

You need to be quick to be good at basketball. You will have the advantage over your opponents if you can really play fast. To speed up the pace of your play, you need to keep practicing. Do not try playing faster than you can. This can cause you to get out of control and make careless mistakes.

You can improve a weak hand by using it in daily life. Being able to dribble and shoot the ball with both hands will make it much more difficult for opponents to defend you. This will have a positive impact on your basketball game, too.

TIP! You may get injured while practicing or playing. Don’t try to play if you are hurt.

AS you dribble the basketball down the court, keep your knees bent. You will have a hard time controlling the ball if you always stand straight and opponents will be able to steal the ball. To help out your ball control, try bending the knees.

Use the NBA three point line when practicing your shots. All other three point lines are closer than what the NBA uses. Being able to shoot successfully from the NBA range will give you a great advantage.

If you want to improve your outside shooting skills then you need to take hundreds of shots each day from all over the court. Also practice transitioning from dribbling to a quick shot. Hone in on your target while you are jumping, but not before you leave the ground. This can help to improve your accuracy by simulating actual game conditions.

TIP! In order to be your best on defense, take the time to completely understand the player you are guarding. Review tapes and keep up with scouting reports.

Never stop your dribble unless you are going to shoot or pass the ball. You are limited once you cease dribbling. Aside from using your back foot to pivot, you have very little freedom. Then, you will be vulnerable to being double teamed by the opposition, and you are likely to have the ball stolen.

A great way to improve your game involves communicating with teammates so that you can anticipate their moves. Basketball is played by a team. Meaning offense and defense is played, not just one on one. You all help each other out. Communicate with your team and you will have more success.

That was a lot easier than you thought it would be, wasn’t it! Your fun level will only increase since you know more information about the sport of basketball. Keep this information in mind to become a great basketball player.