TIP! You can easily focus on offense when learning to play basketball, however, you must really focus how playing defense. Defense is what stands between you and a win.

All kinds of people love the game of basketball. Nonetheless, it is no simple matter to become a basketball star. Though your rank can count slightly on your genetically determined athleticism, it has the potential to be fun for anyone. Continue to read and learn more about basketball.

TIP! Make sure you are dribbling the right way. Don’t use your palm, use your fingers.

Look forward when dribbling. Looking at your ball when you dribble indicates that you haven’t practiced enough. Take the ball with you wherever you go. Dribble the ball while you’re walking around. If you look at the ball, you’re unable to see what’s going on down the court before you.

TIP! Balance is essential to shooting. You have seen some crazy shots made by professionals, but these shots aren’t going to be based on fundamentals.

If you hold the ball a lot, you have to learn crossovers. In a crossover, you transfer the basketball from hand to hand. The action must be very swift if it is to be successful. Crossovers can help you get out of a tight spot.

TIP! Bounce passes are extremely efficient when done properly. If done properly, the pass will land near waist level with the opposite player.

Balance is essential to shooting. You’ve seen the pros fall out of bounds when trying to shoot 30 feet from the basket; this is a bad move. This is simply an improvised move. If you are able to improve your sense of balance, then you will find that your percentage of successful shots improves.

TIP! Passing the ball is an important part of playing basketball so practice making and receiving passes. When you’re practicing, you should drill in being able to catch random throws in addition to passes that are perfect.

Never practice only against the zone. While much of the game is played in zone, the opponent can flip to man-to-man coverage, changing everything and surprising you. Practicing these techniques can give you a competitive edge over your competition.

TIP! If you’re a jump shooter, don’t lift weights too often. Muscle strength can be great for basketball players, but it is actually possible to have excessive amounts for playing on the perimeter.

A great way to learn how to pass is by doing drills often with no dribbling. Playing the game without the use of dribbling is a challenge, but it can help you and your team learn to make more precise passes. Even though this is not an easy drill, you will be rewarded for your efforts during game time.

TIP! Perform skills, practice your ball handling and shoot free throws when you are practicing alone. You may not always be able to find someone to play with you.

Keep your skills sharp in the off-season by playing different challenging games. Many times you are unable to find people to play with. That is not a problem. Playing on your own can give you the chance to work on isolated areas of your game. Work on your pivot moves or practice your free throws. You can always practice something.

TIP! Footwork is the best way to find an opening shot. You need to have physical presence beneath the net, but you also have to choose the right spot to be in.

When avoiding errant passes, use hand signals. Basketball passes can be really frustrating when shot wrong. Players should use hand signals often when available for a pass. If no signal is displayed, a pass ought not be made.

TIP! Ask your fellow team members which of your skills that they admire. Can they tell you what you’re really good at? Continue to develop the skills that play into your natural abilities.

Don’t play while injured or else your injury will worsen. This is a physically challenging game, so you may end up hurt much worse. 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! One thing to consider if your shooting percentage drops is that your shoulders may be inconsistent when you are shooting. When they are out of alignment, all shots will fail.

To become a better free throw shooter, use the same routine prior to every shot. Whatever you do, from bending your knees to dribbling three times, do every time. Keep it simple and consistent, and the routine will become a part of your muscle memory.

TIP! Speed is a key attribute in the game of basketball. Developing speed and vision is vital to playing the game well.

Is it time to let others know how good you are? Consider first practicing the pointers in this article. Go crazy and get the motivation you need to rule the court. Soon you’ll start to see how much you’ve improved because you put the advice you were given here into practice.