For years, fans of all ages have loved the game of basketball. However, just because people love the sport doesn’t mean they play well. The tips in this article will help you improve your game whether you are a complete beginner or have been playing for years.

To get better in your basketball game, focus on your strengths. Your talent might not make you a star; however, learning your strengths will help you become a better team player. Find you best position and then refine it until you are unbeatable.

TIP! It’s natural to focus on offensive abilities when practicing the sport of basketball, but your practice time needs to focus on defense. Victory requires the ability to play defense.

Be sure to get lots of practice on layups. In a typical game, up to four-fifths of all shots are layups. The best practice strategy is to go full tilt toward the hoop, then do a smooth jump shot. Practicing your running and jumping as a single motion will improve your technique faster than practicing them separately.

Learn how a bounce pass is thrown. Bounce passes need to be at waist level when received. One good rule of thumb is to bounce the ball around three quarters of the way to the other player. But, a series of other considerations can require you to make adjustments.

Would you like to completely fool the opposing team, making them look silly? Back passes are a great way to confuse other players. To do a back pass, begin by grasping the basketball using your dominant hand. Now, pull it behind your back. Pass the ball from behind your back by flicking your wrist in the direction you want the ball to go. This should make it easy to trick the other team.

TIP! If you get possession of the ball a lot, you must learn the crossover technique. This term refers to switching the hand you use.

Basketball players of all ages benefit from exercises that strengthen their core. Focus on hips, lower back and abs. The lower and upper extremities are linked by the core, and athletes with a weak core will exhibit limited performance. By developing a strong core, your legs will follow suit.

One good way to always be ready for whatever happens on the court is to never turn your back on the ball. This provides court awareness and prevents you from unexpected turnovers or quick passes. Keep an eye open for easy shots.

Make sure your fingers are apart from one another when dribbling. This gives you better control of the ball. Additionally, the palm of your hand should not come into contact with the ball. The only things that should touch the ball are your fingers, as you shoot or pass.

TIP! Frequent pass catching practice is important. When you practice, drill yourself to pay attention to errant throws and passes that are picture perfect.

When your shooting isn’t accurate, check out your shoulder position. Regardless of your skill level, if you don’t have your shoulders positioned correctly, you will miss. To help improve your shot, focus on squaring up on each of your shots. The shoulder that is dominant should be perfectly aligned with the hoop rim.

If you wish to do better a shooting three pointers, you should do it from where NBA players shoot from. College, as well as high school three-point lines are set at a shorter distance. Putting in the shot from the NBA distance will give you an advantage over defenders who are not expecting it.

Make sure you stay in a constant rhythm until it is time to make your move. The opposing player expects you to maintain that rhythm, so when you switch things up you create an element of surprise. Even a slight change in the sound the ball makes when you dribble can throw another player off balance.

TIP! Do not practice solely against zone defense. Zone play will be important, but man-to-man will pop up from time to time, too.

Make sure you practice shooting all over the court. You should first practice on balancing and your grip. It is possible to make a shot when your balance is off, but it is a lot less likely. Use your basketball’s valve for perfecting your grip. Spread your dominant hand over the ball, positioning the valve in the middle of your hand; this is the center of the ball.

To help maintain your balance when catching a rebound, try to land with your feet shoulder width apart. Keep your hands along any side and hold it up to your chest tightly. Keep your elbows in so that you do not hit an opponent and get a foul.

Where you are standing on the court can make a difference as to whether you get a rebound. If you wish to have better balance and power, then make sure you use both feet when you jump. After getting the rebound, place the ball near your chest and keep your feet shoulder length apart as you land for increased stability.

TIP! There are passes that can confuse the other team momentarily. Try doing what is known as a back pass.

Basketball brings pleasure to many different kinds of people. The secret to both enjoying a good game and playing a good game is personal knowledge. Keep this article bookmarked so that you can refer back to it as you practice and improve your game.