TIP! While focusing on offense is fun, you must also make sure you focus on defense. Basketball games are often won by the defense.

Basketball is a great sport beloved by many people around the world. Still, it is a difficult sport to master. You do not need to be a great player, the point of the game is to have fun. Continue on so you’re able to figure out what can be done if you wish to play basketball.

TIP! Make sure to dribble properly. When dribbling the basketball, use your fingertips rather than the palm of your hand.

You can easily focus on offense when learning to play basketball, however, you must really focus how playing defense. Defense is essential to winning these games. Offense is often what gets the glory, but most winning basketball teams play great defense.

TIP! Figure out how to perfect your free throw. This is one of those shots that seem easy but in real life are difficult.

The way to properly dribble is to keep your head up while looking ahead of you. If you have to keep your eye on the ball when you’re dribbling, practice can remedy that. Take you ball with you everywhere. Dribble as you walk to the market. Remember, if you are directly staring at the ball, there’s no way for you to see what’s happening on the court.

TIP! It is important that you practice layups. During any game, layups make up about 75 percent of the game.

Any good basketball player needs to know how to make a layup. Layups comprise approximately 80 percent of all shots. Run full tilt to the basket, then smoothly jump and shoot. Perfecting this skill will enable you to get to the rim effortlessly during a game.

Bounce Pass

TIP! One great thing to do if you wish to be prepared while playing is to make sure your back isn’t turned to the ball. This will make you more aware of the court and you won’t be surprised when turnover potentials come up or quick passes.

Learn how a bounce pass is thrown. Proper bounce passes ought to hit the recipient at the level of their waist. Aim for a firm bounce pass that hits the ground around 3/4 of the distance between you and the intended player. There are other factors you have to think about too, however.

TIP! To become a better free throw shooter, use the same routine prior to every shot. This could mean two dribbles before taking your free throw, bending your knees, or some other thing you do to get into a rhythm before shooting.

You should practice pass catching regularly. When you’re practicing, you should drill in being able to catch random throws in addition to passes that are perfect. During the game, not all passes will go where they’re intended. So do your teammates a favor by learning how to consistently haul in their less than perfect passes.

TIP! Practice passing while looking the opposite direction. This is a simple thing that could easily confuse your opponents.

When an injury occurs while you are playing ball, don’t keep playing with pain. This sport is physically demanding and you can become injured. You can quickly turn a strain into a debilitating medical issue if you do not take a break from the action. If you are seriously injured, obtain medical care.

TIP! Playing basketball well means developing good court “eyesight.” This will prepare you for unexpected passes and help you evade defenders.

What do your teammates admire about your skills? Are you really good at any one thing? Perhaps they see you as someone who is fast on the court, or that you’re a really good teammate. When you find out what they think, you may learn a lot.

TIP! You can use your guards and point guard to trap an opponent with a 2-3 zone defense. At that point, both guards should move in for the trap.

A great way to stay prepared at all times is to always face the ball. Always knowing where the ball is will make sure that you are ready if it quickly comes your way. Pay attention to open areas for passes, too.

TIP! In order to help develop your non-dominant hand, you should use that hand only when trying to open things, and also when brushing your teeth. The more dextrous you become with it in your daily life, the better able you will be to control it.

As you exercise to improve your game, it is important to work on your footwork and strength. This allows your body to be in balance and be more explosive on the court. Work the muscles in your abdomen, back, buttocks and hips. Your speed and footwork can be improved by jumping rope.

TIP! Be sure to keep your knees bent while you dribble. When you stand straight up, you’ll find that the ball is harder to control and the ball will be a lot easier for an opponent to steal.

Quickness is something that’s desired in basketball. If you want the advantage, you’ve got more quickly. If you want to play the game fast, you need to drill continuously. Don’t try playing fast until you can. You will end up in a turnover if you play too fast.

TIP! Try to contain the action to the area below your knees. Defenders will have a more difficult time stealing the ball.

Be aware of what your feet are doing and where they are. You want to make sure you don’t step over the bounds by even a teeny bit. If you travel without dribbling, you’re going to get yourself into a turnover situation. Moving your feet as you are setting a screen or pick usually results in you being called for a foul.

TIP! Create a barrier between the ball and your opponent with the hand you are not using for dribbling. You don’t want to be pushing any of your opponents (that’s a foul), but you can use that non-dribbling arm as a separator to keep the ball safe.

Have your games taped so you can play them back later and observe your court presence. You’ll likely see ways that you can improve. Appraise your performance honestly but don’t be overly harsh with yourself. It can be an eye-opener to see how you’re playing the game really, not just what you picture it to be.

TIP! Be sure to be well acquainted with your team mates so that you can all work well in cooperation. Each team has multiple players on it.

Try practicing how to pass while looking in another direction. This may confuse your opponents, greatly. If you do it right, the look makes members of the opposing team look in the wrong direction, which gives the person to whom you passed the ball plenty of time to make the shot. It’s a powerful play when done right.

TIP! Practice shots from all regions of the court. Practice your grip and proper balance.

Now are you prepared to take on the game and show off your skills? You need to practice the tips you’ve just found out first. Go crazy and get the motivation you need to rule the court. You should soon see improvements to your skills all thanks to using these tips.