TIP! Make sure to dribble properly. When you dribble, use the fingertips, not the palm.

People all over the world love the game of basketball. It is a game that anyone can play. When playing, be sure you get along and work with your fellow teammates and stay positive no matter if you lose or win. When learning a lot about basketball is what you want to do, you should read through the article below.

TIP! Practice your bounce pass. This means your pass should be aimed towards the receiving player at the level of his waist.

Learn to correctly dribble the ball. When you dribble, use the fingertips, not the palm. This gives you the best ball control. Dribble off to the side waist high. Don’t look at the ground, always keep your eyes focused forward.

TIP! You need to practice more than defeating a zone defense. While a great portion of a game will be concentrated in the zone, your rivals could opt to go to man-to-man covering to keep you guessing.

One of the most important skills when playing basketball is balance. While the all-time greats have shown time and time again how they can shoot while off-kilter, this is not the ideal way to score. They have just improvised, is all. You need the right balance to shoot; it is the only way to eventually make consistent baskets.

TIP! Are you interested in being able to fool the other team? Try using a back pass! Use the dominant hand to hold onto the basketball when trying this pass. Keep control of the ball while it is behind your back.

If you want to improve your basketball game, you must identify and intensify your strengths. Your best skills may not be center-stage every game, but knowing how to play the best angles can help you give more to your team. Know the things you’re great at and keep practicing until there is no one better than you.

TIP! Never try to push through pain after an injury. This is a physically challenging game, so you may end up hurt much worse.

Practice your layups a lot. This will make up about eighty percent of shots during any basketball game. When you practice, be sure to run at the goal with full speed, jumping and shooting in a smooth series of motions. Running and jumping well in practice means better jump shooting in actual games.

TIP! One good way to always be ready for whatever happens on the court is to never turn your back on the ball. You must always be prepared to receive a pass and you need to know where players are on the court.

Watching the pros can help you pick up on certain skills for improving your game. Attend as many professional games as you can, watch the pros on TV, or watch video of professionals. You’ll see that every great player has specific skills that cause them to be great and you have the opportunity to practice what you’re watching them do.

TIP! One thing to consider if your shooting percentage drops is that your shoulders may be inconsistent when you are shooting. If your shoulders aren’t properly positioned, your shot is not going to go in.

A good tip about passing is try doing it without dribbling the ball. It is difficult playing without dribbling; however, it helps the team make better passes. The accuracy of passes will greatly improve over time and the drill will become a lot easier.

TIP! Always be aware of where you have your feet and what you are going to do with them next. Placing even a single toe atop the baseline while holding the ball will result in you being ruled out of bounds.

If there’s no one around to play with, it is okay to play a basketball game by yourself. It is possible to enjoy this team sport even in the absence of your team. This is just fine. You’ll still be able to get a lot done when playing solo. Work on your free throws or your pivot moves. You can always practice something.

TIP! If your opponent is pressing hard, you can give yourself some room to work by dribbling the ball between your legs. Try practicing this by bouncing your ball hard in between your legs while stepping forward or backward.

It is best to take a break if you sustain an injury while playing. It’s easy to be hurt when playing basketball. Being tough is one thing, but playing through injury can only harm you even further and make the problem much worse. Be sure to talk to a doctor if you feel that the injury isn’t going away.

TIP! You need to mess with your opponent’s head. Force them to leave their comfort zone.

Avoid turning away from the ball so that you can always be prepared for what occurs on the court. This will make you more aware of the court and you won’t be surprised when turnover potentials come up or quick passes. Also, watch for areas to open up so you can make an easy basket.

TIP! To avoid having the ball stolen, dribble hard. This makes the ball go back to your hand quicker, so offense has reduced chances at taking it from you.

Remember to spread your fingers when handling the ball. This keeps it under control. Don’t let your palm touch the ball either. Your fingers should be all that is holding the ball when you pass it or shoot it.

TIP! Be sure your vision is unobstructed. This isn’t just for reading the score, but for catching passes and making shots.

Be aware of what your feet are doing and where they are. An errant toe to the baseline while holding the ball will result in an “out of bounds” call. If you take several steps while holding the ball, you could be called for traveling. In addition, moving one foot while working on setting a screen or pick will produce a foul.

TIP! Varying your pace and direction keeps the offense off guard. While you run at the net, plant the front foot and start straightening your body.

Why is basketball very popular? It’s because it is both simple and fun. These tips will be very valuable to you if you love basketball. Follow this advice to enhance your skills and your enjoyment of the game.