Basketball is not a particularly complex game and the rules are simple to understand. You can pick them up after just a minute or two. But, you can always stand to gain some additional knowledge, and this piece is here to help.

TIP! It is easy to be focused on offense when you are learning how to play basketball, but you really should focus your practice on defense. Defense can make or break a basketball game.

Watch your form while you dribble the ball. Proper dribbling technique involves use of the fingertips, not the palm of the hand. You’ll have a lot more control over the ball this way. Always dribble to your side, not your front. Always look up and never look down at the ground.

A great way to learn how to pass is by doing drills often with no dribbling. Playing without any dribbling is very hard, but builds your passing skills. Don’t let it frustrate you, just be patient.

TIP! To be a better basketball player you should concentrate on the things that make you great. You can contribute to the team by consolidating your best skills, even if these skills do not make you one of the star players.

Don’t bulk up if you want to be good as a jump shooter. Muscle strength is great for any position in basketball, you can have too much when it comes to perimeter play. There have been instances where great shooters bulk up so much that it adversely affects their shooting percentage.

Are you interested in being able to fool the other team? Back passes can give your team the opportunity to score while the other team is still wondering what happened. To work it, place the ball in your most dominant hand. With that same hand, bring the ball around your back. The last step is to flick your wrist in the direction you want the ball to land. This will confuse the other team into wondering where the ball went.

TIP! Teach yourself to throw bounce passes correctly. In order for a bounce pass to be sufficient, the person should receive the ball around their waist.

In order to perfect your layup shooting technique practice, take off with your left foot if you shoot with your right hand and vice versa. Use your left foot when shooting with the right hand. This can help you to remain balanced, continue moving toward the hoop, and will keep your body between the defender and yourself.

If you want improve your free throws, you have to develop a routine. If you aren’t able to be consistent then you’ll be off when you shoot. The best way to perfect your free throw shooting technique is through repetition by practicing the same routine over and over again. If you don’t stick to your routine, you could miss the shot.

TIP! In order to help you improve your basketball acumen you should watch how the pros play. Get tickets to some pro games, if possible, or catch some games on television.

Alternating your pace is critical to keeping the defense guessing. Try to block the net by planting your foot hard. Your opponent will see you as stopping, then will also stop themselves. You should push and get past them as they straighten themselves.

Defensive players need to stay low. This helps your reaction time against your opponent. Hold a defensive stance always. You may have to break your stance if you must block a shot, but return as fast as you can.

TIP! Do you want to fool the other team? Back passes can give your team the opportunity to score while the other team is still wondering what happened. If you wish to try this pass, get the ball in your dominant hand.

Never stop your dribble unless you are going to shoot or pass the ball. You have few options remaining to you after you stop dribbling. If you cannot pass or shoot, you can only pivot with your back foot. This makes you open up to people that want to double team you and that means you are also more likely to get the ball stolen.

Use the hand you’re not dribbling with to create a barrier between the ball and the opponent. This is much safer than just shoving an opponent, which is a serious foul and bad sportsmanship to boot. By doing this, the ball will be better protected and you will have better control of the ball.

TIP! Do not wait for any special season to play some basketball. Sometimes during off season, or when practicing, you can’t play as a team or find even a single opponent.

Be sure that off-court exercises are proper for playing on-court. Sprints help you gain skill in individual plays, while running longer distances will increase your stamina. You can build muscle to support your shots and ability to hustle by lifting weights and engaging in resistance training. Your shooting abilities are greatly enhanced by a more self-assured, aggressive mindset.

Become a better basketball team by becoming a stronger team when playing and in practice. Great basketball games happen when teams work together. If you think you know each of your teammates really well and trust them, then your game improve, and theirs too.

TIP! During your workouts, concentrate on improving your footwork as well as your core strength. You will stay balanced if your core is strong.

You have to learn to get your opponent to alter their path. With practice, you can learn how to control the path of others players with your footwork. This enable you to make the choices on where you are going rather than letting them decide.

Maybe you are now able to learn to play basketball after reading this. Maybe you have been playing your whole life. No matter what, the tips in the article above are great for helping you improve. Try this advice out whenever you can play.