Many people love basketball because it’s so fast-paced, and exciting to watch. However, to play the best you can, you must learn some things. Here, you will read tips that will help you improve your basketball skills.

Your balance is an important aspect to consider when you are shooting. Sometimes you’ll see professional players fall out of bounds while making a shot from afar, but this doesn’t work at all times. Professional basketball players tend to improvise when need be. Point your feet towards the basket, guide the ball with your weaker hand and push the ball away with your strong hand whenever you shoot the basketball.

TIP! It is tempting to concentrate just on offense when just staring out, but defensive practice is absolutely vital. Defense is how you win a basketball game.

Learn how a bounce pass is thrown. Bouncing the pass to the receiver should be at their waist. It’s smart to get the ball to bounce about 75% to the receiving player. Of course, there are factors that should be taken into consideration when passing using the bouncing technique.

Frequently train yourself on your pass catching moves. When you practice, be sure to do drills that improve catching wild throws and making great passes. In the heat of the game, not every pass is going to hit the bulls-eye. You and your team mates will be happier if you (and they) are more versatile.

If you’re on the offense, you footwork needs to be excellent to stay open for passes and shots. While actually being beneath the basket is key, establishing a good position prior to the opposition is even more so. You need to be sure your spot is secure. Strong footwork is key.

TIP! Dribble the ball the right way. Use the fingertips, not the palm, for the best dribbling.

Understand your opponent. Study video tape on your opponent and read over any scouting reports. See if you can determine each players strong and weak sides. When you know your opponent, you will be better able to play an effective defensive game. A smart defender is someone who is good at his position.

Whenever you work out, practice footwork and work on your core strength. By developing strong core muscles, you will be able to recover quickly and keep your balance. Your muscles in your buttocks, hips, abdomen, and back should be worked. Jump rope like a boxer to improve your fancy footwork.

A consistent routine will help you to achieve great free throws. If you aren’t able to be consistent then you’ll be off when you shoot. If you want to perfect free throw shooting, pick a routine and repeat it continuously. If you alter your routine then chances are the shot will not be good.

TIP! Make sure you learn how to shoot free throws. That’s a shot that appears simple but is actually difficult in reality.

Changing pace can help you keep the offense guessing. When running toward the hoop, plant your leading foot and start to straighten up. The guard is sure to anticipate a slow-down and will then straighten their own body. When they do this, run ahead and push yourself forward.

Remain low when playing defense. Doing this allows you to have quick reactions, especially to your opponent. Always maintain a defensive position during game play. When you block a shot, go back to a defensive form quickly.

Never stop your dribble unless you are going to shoot or pass the ball. Standing there without dribbling takes away most of your options on offense. Your only option, besides shooting or passing, is to use your back foot to pivot. This leaves an opening for your opponents to double team and try get the ball away from you.

TIP! When dribbling, focus on what’s in front of you by keeping your head up. If you have to look at the ball while dribbling, that means you need to practice more.

Many shots from the court corner end up sailing right over the basket. Place yourself in position after this shot is made. You can get more rebounds by anticipating the ball trajectory.

Do not double dribble. This happens when you cease dribbling once and begin again within a few seconds. You only have two options once you stop dribbling, to shoot or pass. It is against the rules to recommence dribbling. This creates a turnover, which will cause you to lose the ball to your opponent quickly.

If you are aware that the person holding the ball has a weak hand, you should make them use it. For instance, you could step toward a player on their right side to force them to switch to their left hand. Keep your head low and be prepared to steal the ball.

TIP! Focus on your strengths to get better at basketball. If you can rely on your strengths, you will become a better player.

When you’re in possession of the ball you have to know when a shot should be made or a pass needs to be. Instead of hogging the ball and losing the game when you fail to make the shot, be a team player and pass it off to the player who has the better chance to make the winning shot.

This article has shown you why basketball is enjoyed globally. The above article proves you need expertise in order to become a pro. Use the tips above to become the best basketball player you can be.