TIP! It’s natural to focus on offensive abilities when practicing the sport of basketball, but your practice time needs to focus on defense. Many times, defense actually wins the game.

We all know it takes a lot of practice and dedication to become a basketball star. Even if you just play for fun, you want to be good right? Well, by reading this article, you will surely make some improvements to your basketball game.

TIP! Pay attention to what you are good at. Your talents might not make you a star, but when you make the most of your strengths, you might better contribute to your team.

Learn proper dribbling. Finger tips, not palms, are the key to successful dribbling. This provides you with much more ball control. Dribble off to the side waist high. Instead of focusing on the ground, gaze upward.

TIP! Learn the way to throw proper bounce passes. A good bounce pass should hit the player on the receiving end at waist level.

When you dribble, look forward, keeping your head up. Lack of practice will manifest itself in looking down towards the ball when dribbling. Make the basketball an extension of your body, taking it wherever you are. Dribble the ball while you’re walking around. Always look ahead when you are dribbling the ball.

Bounce Pass

TIP! Don’t just practice playing against a zone defense. Always try to anticipate when your opponent is going to switch up their game to catch you off guard.

You should learn the best way to throw a great bounce pass. The bounce pass needs to reach the player at waist level. Letting the ball bounce close to the other person will help the accuracy of your pass. At the same time, take into account any other extraneous factors that may affect the pass.

TIP! When injuries occur on the court, it is unwise to keep on playing. Basketball is challenging physical sport and you can get injured.

Don’t pump a lot of iron if you wish to become a jump shooter. It’s possible to have excessive muscles when you play the perimeter. Certain pro guards ended up increasing their arm size so much that their shooting started to suffer.

TIP! Ask teammates what they admire about your playing skills? Can they tell you what you’re really good at? Continue to develop the skills that play into your natural abilities. See what others view as your own natural skills, then be sure you retain and develop them more.

Never have your back to the ball so that you’re ready for anything in a basketball game. Passes and turnovers won’t take you by surprise because you will be more aware of what is happening on the court. Also, keep your eyes on areas that open up on the court for an easy basket.

TIP! 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.

Using a weaker hand helps improve overall dribbling skills. If you use both your hands to dribble, it is easier to control. Exercise your non-dominant hand by securing your dominant hand at your side or behind your back. Eventually, your weak hand will be able to dribble well.

TIP! When playing a game of basketball, have a friend tape the game. This way, you can take a look at your game.

If you see a chance to gain control of the ball, take it. This play gets your team possession of the ball and a foul against your opponent. This may completely break the competition down.

TIP! Do your free throw shooting the same way every time. Whatever you do, from bending your knees to dribbling three times, do every time.

Trip up the offense by constantly changing your pace. When running toward the hoop, plant your leading foot and start to straighten up. The guard will assume you are reducing speed and will do the same. When they do this, push yourself forward and take the chance to run by them.

TIP! The key to great defense is being a nuisance to the player you are guarding. Force opposing players into an unfamiliar or unexpected position.

While you’re dribbling the basketball it is wise to bend your knees. If you are standing up straight, you will have more difficulty controlling the ball. Some minor bending of the knees makes a big difference in your ability to control the ball.

TIP! Practice drills that force you to get the basketball to the other end of the court in less than 5 dribbles. This may not seem feasible, but once you master it, your speed and stride will be truly impressive.

Stay in communication with your teammates. You need a team to play basketball. This means that offense and defense doesn’t mean one on one. By communicating, you can work together more efficiently. Constantly let your teammates know when you are open or in need of some assistance.

TIP! Never break your defensive stance when playing ball. Keep your feet moving to each side or push your opposing foot off so you can keep yourself in position.

Use these tips mentioned above and you’ll improve your game in no time. You’ll get better a little bit at a time if you keep the tips here in mind and practice them as well. Follow the 3-step plan for ensured success.