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Basketball is fun to play and watch, but to play the game expertly takes practice. Of course, you need to understand the basic techniques before you can actually practice them. These tips should help you become a much better basketball player.

It's natural to focus on offensive abilities when practicing the sport of basketball, but your practice time needs to focus on defense. Basketball games are won with a good defense. Offense receives all the glory, but it is nothing without the best defense.

Would you like to learn how to fool your opponent? Try the back pass. Use the dominant hand whenever trying a behind the back pass. Then you will want to pull the ball into position behind your back. Then you will use your wrist and flip it in the direction you want the ball to be going. This should help to trick the other team.

Your balance is an important aspect to consider when you are shooting. Everyone has seen professional basketball players make a shot from 20 feet away as they are falling. They improvise to do that. Non-professionals should focus on having good balance to ensure good shots. As time passes, you will make more and more baskets with this method.

If an opponent is staying with you, try passing the ball between your legs. You can train for this maneuver by stepping forward or backwards as you bounce the ball real hard in-between your legs. This move can give you an advantage when playing a tough defense.

Would you like to completely fool the opposing team, making them look silly? Trick them using a back pass. You want to grip the basketball with your strongest hand. The next step is pull the basketball behind the back. And last, flick the wrist in the direction you want the ball to go. This will confuse the opposition.

jump houses for rent park ridge A routine can enable your free throw percentage to rise. If you are inconsistent then your shot will be off. You can shoot better free throws by making sure you use the same exact routine every time, and of course practice. If you alter your routine then chances are the shot will not be good.

Ask a friend to record your games so that you can see how yourself in action. While reviewing the tape, look for opportunities you may have missed during the game. Assess yourself honestly, but don't be a harsh critic. You can learn a lot by watching how you play and what you need to concentrate practicing on.

Your forearms and hands should be strengthened if you wish to handle the ball better. Strong hands make it easier for you to keep control of the basketball. Never assume you can just stand somewhere, catch and then shoot. You have to learn to move the ball if you want something to happen.

Turning away from the ball can be a costly mistake in basketball. This keeps you aware of what is going on so you aren't surprised. Make sure you also have the court in your line of vision as well, so you know when and where you can drive in for the score.

No matter your basketball experience, this article is going to help your game. With one simple tip, your skills can improve. You can improve your game in every way, just like professional.