TIP! Many people only direct their attention to the offensive part of the game without realizing that defense is the key to winning. You can win a game, thanks to good defense.

The excitement and fast pace of basketball makes it a loved sport. To make the most of your abilities, you need to learn all aspects of the game and how to improve. You can find the following information to be quite helpful.

TIP! Want to become a better basketball player? Watch the pros! Go to a bunch of professional games in person, watch them on television, or just get online to search for basketball videos. When you find a player who has the skills that you want, then watch them and emulate.

Dribble properly. When dribbling the basketball, use your fingertips rather than the palm of your hand. Using your fingers allows you to better control the basketball. Dribble to your body’s side instead of doing it out front, and bounce the ball at your waist’s level. You should always be looking up instead of at the ground.

TIP! You may have better luck honing your passing skills if you forgo dribbling during practice. It is tough to play when not dribbling, but your accuracy is sure to inprove.

When dribbling the basketball you should keep your head up. You should never be looking at the basketball while dribbling. Bring the basketball with you everywhere you go. Dribble the ball as you go about your day doing errands like walking the dog. Remember, if you are directly staring at the ball, there’s no way for you to see what’s happening on the court.

TIP! Play basketball against yourself even during the off-season. Sometimes you cannot find a team of people to play basketball with.

If you get possession of the ball a lot, you must learn the crossover technique. In a crossover, you transfer the basketball from hand to hand. You need to perform crossovers very quickly to get good results. One done the right way, the crossover dribble can help you change directions and get down the court more efficiently.

TIP! Bad passes can be avoided with the right hand signals. One things that’s frustrating in basketball is passing to a teammate while they try heading to the basket.

Know your strengths and they’ll help you become a better player. You might not have star ability, but you can be an outstanding team player. Understand your strengths and use it to your advantage to help your team win!

TIP! Spreading out your fingers is key to handling the ball correctly. This makes sure that it does not escape away from your grip.

Teach yourself to throw bounce passes correctly. It is best when the ball hits the receiving player near the waist. Bounce it 3/4 of the distance to the receiver. There are other things to keep in mind, though.

TIP! Watch your shoulders and their position if you notice yourself developing a slump in your shooting. No matter your skill level, you won’t make shots if your shoulders aren’t in the proper position.

If you have a child who has expressed interest in becoming a basketball player in high school, make sure he trains his core muscles. This includes their abs, lower back, and hips. The core is the muscle group that links the arms and legs together. If their core strength is poor, then so will their athletic performance be. A core that’s solid and strong will allow you to use force that comes from your legs so you can jump higher and run faster.

TIP! One of the most vital attributes one needs to play basketball is quickness. Always stay ahead of the opposition.

You can play a great defensive game if you know the opposition well. Study video tape on your opponent and read over any scouting reports. Also know which is their dominant and weak hands. Once you start to get to know the other team, you can do a lot better when you’re on defense. Understanding the intricacies of the game will make you a better player.

TIP! Good footwork can really help you to get those rebounds. The person defending the position down-court from you will be coming at you, so you need to find any way you can to slide around him that gets you to the ball.

If you’re shooting isn’t what you’d like it to be, make sure that your shoulders are in the correct position. If your shoulders aren’t properly positioned, your shot is not going to go in. Be sure that your shoulders square up in front of the hoop. Line up your shooting shoulder with the rim as well.

TIP! Dribble hard to avoid ball stealing. When you dribble hard, the ball bounces back to your hand faster.

Give your layouts the most by launching from the foot that opposes the hand you are shooting with. Use your left foot when shooting with the right hand. This will keep you balanced and going towards the basket.

TIP! Here is how you can change a normal two-three zone to become a trapping machine. You will need for the top two guards to wait until the time when the point guard is approximately 10 feet beyond the midcourt.

To be a good dribbler, and a more versatile player, you have to develop not only your dominant hand but your weaker side as well. If you have two hands that can dribble the ball effortlessly then it becomes easier to get by your opponent. Tie the main hand you use behind your back so that you have to use the weak hand. Your weak hand will soon develop better dribbling skills.

TIP! Make sure your off-court exercise is appropriate to help your on-court game. Running for short quick bursts at a time will help you become quicker, and running long distance can help with stamina.

Use small weights and resistance training to build the muscles in both forearms and hands. Do some wrist curls as much as possible and your dribbling should get better. Don’t just think you’re able to stand around, catch the ball and then shoot it. You have to learn to move the ball if you want something to happen.

TIP! A missed shot from the corner of the basketball court will usually go to the opposite side. It may bounce back right into the opponent’s hands.

To rebound off your fellow player’s free throws, use sly feet. The defender in your path will be moving at you, so be sure you’re thinking of how to get past that defender. This allows you to secure the rebound without finding yourself penalized.

TIP! You have to know how to change the path of your opponent. Whether you’re playing defense or offense, it’s crucial to control the other player’s movements.

Dribble the ball hard to keep it from being stolen. This is because the ball returns to you hand faster, so the opposing team has less of a chance to get it. If you are being closely guarded, then halt your dribbling and quickly pass the ball to a teammate who is open.

TIP! Try to calm your nerves in order to become a top-notch scorer. Keep your eyes on the rim and don’t lose focus.

Make sure that you can see clearly. This is so that you’re able to catch passes, get shots in, and look at the scoreboard. Your peripheral vision needs to be as strong as possible. This will help you to find open teammates and keep an eye out for the defensive players.

TIP! Make passing an important element of your game. Passing keeps the defense confused.

To convert the typical 2-3 zone to a trapping machine, get the best pair of defenders available to wait just until the opposing point guard reaches roughly ten feet beyond the mid-court line. At this point, your guards must rush the point guard thus trapping him. Have forwards sprint to players on the wing. Your forwards should easily be able to steal the pass that the point guard throws.

TIP! If the opposing team is playing zone defense, a penetrating dribble can beat them. Getting by defenders and into lanes cause the defensive players to collapse or shift on the ball.

Basketball is a sport that is enjoyed around the globe. You also know that it is vital to learn all you can about basketball in order to excel. Apply the tips you’ve just been given, and turn yourself into a star basketball player.