TIP! A great way to hone your own basketball abilities is to watch the pros. Try to go to games, watch televised games, or check out videos of the pros playing.

Basketball season is always an obsession for the fans of the game, and the players themselves. It is important to make the games exciting for the spectators. You’re a contributor as a teammate, so be sure you practice; go hard! Here are some tips to guide you along the way and to help you be a part of a winning team.

TIP! Frequently train yourself on your pass catching moves. Be sure to be able to catch off-target throws on top of good ones.

You can easily focus on offense when learning to play basketball, however, you must really focus how playing defense. Defense can make or break a basketball game. The offense gets lots of attention, but if the defense is lacking no basketball team will ever win a game.

TIP! If you’re posting up, good footwork is the key to getting open and getting a good shot. You always want to beat your opponent to the open spot.

When dribbling the basketball you should keep your head up. If you have to ever look at the ball while dribbling, then you haven’t practiced that enough. Wherever you go, take your ball with you. Whenever you are walking and it is appropriate, dribble there. You will not be able to see what’s happening before you on the court while beholding the ball.

TIP! If you’re injured when playing basketball, don’t push through the pain. Basketball is physically demanding and you can easily get hurt.

Your balance is an important aspect to consider when you are shooting. Your knees should be bent with your feet slightly wider than your shoulders. They are professionals, and they are able to improvise successfully. Point your feet towards the basket, guide the ball with your weaker hand and push the ball away with your strong hand whenever you shoot the basketball.

TIP! One way to get a good understanding of your game is to ask your fellow players about your ability. What do you need to focus in on and practice more? Perhaps you are great backup or fast on your feet.

You should learn the best way to throw a great bounce pass. Bounce passes should not go above or below the receiving players waist. It’s best to bounce the basketball about 75 percent of the way towards your teammate. There are other variables to consider though.

TIP! Your defensive game will be more successful if you know your opponents. Watch tapes of their games and see how others move on the court.

Work on catching passes frequently. Don’t just work on waist-level, perfect passes, though, work on receiving tougher passes as well. During a game, not all of your passes will hit the mark. Cover for your teammates’ errant passes by developing the hands to cover their mistakes.

TIP! Quickness is something you have to have when playing basketball. If you can play quicker than the opposing team can, then you will be at an advantage.

Would you like to learn how to fool your opponent? Back passes can give your team the opportunity to score while the other team is still wondering what happened. To properly perform this pass you will need to have the ball in your dominant hand. The next step is pull the basketball behind the back. Lastly, flick your wrist in the direction that you want the ball to land. This is a good way to trick your opponents.

TIP! A good way to see yourself playing is to have someone record your games. Are you able to look at your skills in a different light? It is important that your assessment is an honest one, but isn’t overly critical.

One good way to always be ready for whatever happens on the court is to never turn your back on the ball. Passes and turnovers won’t take you by surprise because you will be more aware of what is happening on the court. Scan the court looking for openings to make a basket.

TIP! Accept a charge when you can. Taking charges gives you a chance for earning a defensive stop, gives your team the ball, and gives one more foul called in your favor.

You can use a variety of methods to become a better basketball player. A better player leads to a better team which means a bigger, happier fan-club and cheering section. Many things from players to fans to concepts play their part in this sport. If you’re a player on the team, do whatever you can to help. Just keep these concepts close at hand, and you can be transformed into a truly valuable player.