TIP! Dribble properly. Avoid using your palm while dribbling.

Even the best players don’t fully know all the changes and intricacies of the game. The sport is evolving, which means that even after you’ve become an expert, there’s more to learn. Do you want to become better? Get an advantage by using the tips in this article.

TIP! Improving your balance means improving your shots. Having good balance will allow you to keep better control of the ball as well as play a better defense.

Focusing on the offense may come easily but you need to be able to focus on the defense as well., Defense can make or break a basketball game. Offensive skills are usually the most impressive ones but defense is something every team should work on.

TIP! Practice your layup shot often. Since layups account for the majority of scoring in a game.

Watch the pro’s play if you want to improve your game. Go to as many pro games as possible, watch them on TV, or watch videos of them playing. Every player has skills that make them good, and you can work on the skills they use.

Zone Defense

TIP! Perform skills, practice your ball handling and shoot free throws when you are practicing alone. While it’s a team sport, you may not be able to find others that will play.

Don’t just practice playing against a zone defense. Learn how to play a man-to-man defense and a zone defense to get the best understanding of how the game works. Failure to prepare for this type of tactic makes you more vulnerable and hurts your team.

TIP! Try using hand signals to ensure that your passes are received. You can become easily frustrated when a teammate does a poor job of anticipating your next passing move.

Never play through an injury on the court. Basketball is very challenging physically, and this can cause further serious injury. Trying to play while injured will just make your situation worse. If the pain is bad, visit a doctor.

TIP! Quickness is a blessing in basketball. Speeding up the temp allows you to out-quick your opponent.

Seek advice from your teammates about how you play the game. Are you skilled at something? They may say you’re fast or that you share well. It’s great to get an idea of how your teammates think of your skills, this way you know what areas of the game to focus on.

TIP! Watch tapes of yourself playing basketball to get a more objective perspective. Can you see chances that you missed or ways that you could have done better? Assess yourself honestly, but don’t be a harsh critic.

To hold the ball right, spread your fingers out. That makes it less likely that you lose control of the ball. Don’t let your palms touch it. You should only let the fingers touch the ball during passing or shooting.

TIP! If the opposing team is guarding you to much, you can try a pass between your legs. Practice this maneuver by bouncing the basketball between your legs while taking steps.

In order to be your best on defense, take the time to completely understand the player you are guarding. Review tapes and keep up with scouting reports. For example, you might look to see which players favor their left side and which have dominant right hands. Understanding your opponent allows you to effectively play defense. The more knowledgeable a defender is, the stronger he is.

TIP! To maximize your layups, take off with the foot that opposes your shooting hand. This means that if you shoot with your right hand, take off from your left foot.

If you find yourself unable to shoot well, consider your shoulders. If your shoulders aren’t correct, you may not be able to make the shots. Keep your shoulders square to the hoop. You want your strong-side shoulder in perfect alignment with the rim.

TIP! To help you shoot better free throws you need to come up with a consistent routine. A routine that is constantly in flux will only open up more opportunities for failure.

Never pass up a charging opportunity. Letting the other guy run into you stops the game without having to use a time out, and adds another four to the opponent’s total. This may lower the other team’s morale, and it gives you a chance to take the offensive when play resumes.

TIP! It is important that you can clearly see everything that is occurring during a game. Your eyesight will affect more than just making shots.

Stay in your defensive stance while defending your basket against opponents. Slide your feet to the sides or push off using the opposite foot to always be in position. Don’t allow your feet to cross and opposing players will have difficulty getting around you.

TIP! Whenever possible, take advantage of an attack. This strategy can result in your opponent taking a foul and your team getting a defensive stop and taking possession of the ball.

Now that you’ve read these tips, you should now much more confident about playing on the court. They were put together so you can become better at the game. Practice daily and continue learning. Keep these tips in mind to become a better player.