Read on to learn more about basketball. As a devotee of basketball, your goal is to become the best. Nonetheless, you can’t know everything there is to know. No matter how good you are, there is always more to learn. With that knowledge in mind, you are likely to be taught a tip or two that you did not know before. Read on to find out how to make the game even more special.

Remember to practice a lot of different possibilities so that you will not limit your game. The majority of game play might take place in the zone, but that doesn’t mean that the opposing team will not try to catch you off guard. Failure to prepare for this type of tactic makes you more vulnerable and hurts your team.

TIP! Many people forget that defense is as important as offense during practice. You can win a game, thanks to good defense.

You can play a great defensive game if you know the opposition well. One great way to get a better understanding of your opponent is to take the time to watch film and get information from other players or scouts. Know which players are left and right handed. Understanding your opponent allows you to effectively play defense. When you are prepared, you play better defense.

If you are shooting as well, pay attention to the position of your shoulders. When the shoulders are wrongly positioned, your shot is unlikely to succeed. Keep your shoulders squared with the basket at all times. The shoulder that is dominant should be perfectly aligned with the hoop rim.

Video tape your games, and then review your technique later. Are you able to see what you’ve missed or things that you could improve on? It is important that your assessment is an honest one, but isn’t overly critical. It can be an eye-opener to see how you’re playing the game really, not just what you picture it to be.

Free Throws

For more consistency in making those free throws, stick with the same sequence of motions before you take each shot. Always dribble the same way, or with the same movements. Just make your routine quick, so that it can be consistent, and your body is going to remember just how to nail free throws following your ritual.

A consistent pre-shot routine when at the line will increase your chance at success. If you aren’t consistent, you will find that your shooting is off. You should work on your free throw techniques as much as possible until they become a second nature. This will help you develop a routine. If that routine goes off, it will cause you to miss your shot.

TIP! Watching the pros play is a great way to see how great basketball players use their skills in the game. You can do this by watching games in person and on television.

A good player on defense will annoy the heck out of the opponent and cause the other team to get flustered. Don’t let your opponent get comfortable out there on the court. Execute aggressive moves. Do not allow them to decide which plays to make. If you do so, then your rivals have the control. Try to interrupt their game plan by taking charge and controlling the tempo.

Dribble hard to make it less likely for the ball to be stolen. This makes the ball come back to you faster so the people on defense aren’t able to steal it as easily. When someone is right on top of you, pass the ball instead of dribbling.

Don’t break out of defensive stance always remain in the proper defensive position. Slide your feet to and fro or use your opposing foot to push off to maintain your position. Remember not to let yourself get crossed up with your feet, which will throw off your balance, making it easier to get around you.

TIP! You should practice pass catching regularly. Try to catch all of the passes that are thrown to you.

Keep changing up your pace to help keep your opponents on their toes. When running towards the net, step on your front foot, and start to straighten up your body. Your defender is going to assume that you’re slowing your speed and will start straightening up, too. Push forward and blast by them.

Using your weak hand to brush your teeth can help you build skills with that hand. You will have more control as you use it to do daily activities that require dexterity. This will help you with your basketball game also.

Always set your three-point shooting practice goal at the official NBA distance. The standard line , high school and college lines are all going to be closer. By learning to shoot from NBA distances, you improve your range tremendously.

TIP! Play basketball games with yourself during the season and before it. Basketball is usually a team sport, but just because you can’t find others, doesn’t mean you have to just stop thinking about it.

Use the hand you’re not dribbling with to create a barrier between the ball and the opponent. You can’t push the person guarding you, but you can hold your arm out gently. Keep your other arm up slightly while you dribble.

A great way to improve your game involves communicating with teammates so that you can anticipate their moves. The sport of basketball is truly a team game. That means offense and defense aren’t one on one. Instead, all players help and support one another. Speak to others and tell them when you’ll need help so everyone can play better.

You need to follow a rhythm when you dribble so you can break the rhythm and throw off an opponent. By dribbling consistently and then breaking it up into a different rhythm that’s fast, you can trick an opponent so you have more time to shoot. Changing the speed also changes the sound which can be off-putting.

TIP! When posting up, solid footwork is essential to getting yourself into position to shoot. You always want to beat your opponent to the open spot.

If you already know that the ball handler has a weak side, try to force the use of it. For example, if your opponent is right handed, force them to use their left hand. Your head should be parallel to their chest and your body should be low since this is the best way to prepare to steal the ball.

Using these tips will have you energized when playing basketball. Learning to do something new and excelling at it is one of the best feelings you can have. Once you have gained new skills and improved old ones with these tips, you can amaze your spectators. Basketball is a terrific and enjoyably sport.