TIP! Shake things up rather than focusing solely on a zone defense. Always try to anticipate when your opponent is going to switch up their game to catch you off guard.

Millions of people love the game of basketball. Having a thorough understanding of the game is the very best way to enjoy it. Read this article to gain the knowledge that will make watching or playing the game more fun.

TIP! Want to make the other team not know what’s going on? Trick them using a back pass. To do this pass, hold on to the ball with your dominant hand.

Dribble properly. Don’t use your palm to dribble. Instead, use your fingertips. This helps you to control the ball better. Always dribble to your side, not your front. Keep your head up, do not stare down towards the ground.

TIP! If you have a kid that wants to play basketball in high school, ensure they’re training core muscles in the right way. They should train their lower back, hips, and abs.

You may get injured while practicing or playing. Don’t try to play if you are hurt. Basketball is physically challenging, and injuries are not uncommon. Trying to play while injured will just make your situation worse. Don’t hesitate to see the doctor if you feel the injury warrants it.

TIP! Hand signals will help you avoid those errant passes. One of the most challenging aspects is trying to send the ball to your teammate as they are going for the basket.

Seek advice from your teammates about how you play the game. Do you have an area where you excel? You might be quick, or you might always be around to support them. You can learn a lot about your skills by knowing how others see you on the court.

TIP! 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. Being able to effortlessly dribble with both hands gives you the ability to run both sides on an opponent and keep them off guard.

Spreading out your fingers is key to handling the ball correctly. The ball will not get away if you always keep your fingers spread when handling the ball. Additionally, the palm of your hand should not come into contact with the ball. You should only use your fingers to touch the ball when passing or shooting.

TIP! Dribbling hard helps you protect the ball. When you dribble hard, the ball bounces back to your hand faster.

Pay close attention to your shoulders if you’ve suddenly developed a shooting slump. When your shoulders are positioned improperly, you will never make the basket regardless of how good your abilities are. You’ll want to ensure that your shoulders are squared up towards the hoops. The shoulder that’s dominant needs to be lined up with the rim perfectly.

TIP! Make sure that you can see clearly. This will prepare you for unexpected passes and help you evade defenders.

You want to always be aware of foot placement and what you’re doing. If you have the ball and you step outside the baseline, then you’re out of bounds. Holding the ball for too many steps and not dribbling will result in a walking call which will cause you to you will lose possession of the ball. Moving your feet as you are setting a screen or pick usually results in you being called for a foul.

TIP! To help make the offense flow better it is a good idea to alter the pace. As you run towards the net, plant your front foot and begin to straighten up.

If the opposing team is guarding you to much, you can try a pass between your legs. Bounce the ball very hard through your legs while stepping to the front or the back. If you manage to master this, you will have a tremendous advantage during games.

TIP! When you’re working with defense, staying low is a good idea. That helps you stay quick when it comes to the jump and will help you react more quickly to the person just ahead of you.

To increase the strength of your weaker hand, utilize it for doing everything, including brushing your teeth and opening jars. These tasks help to make your weaker hand feel more natural when you use it on the court. This will make you a force to be reckoned with on the court.

TIP! If possible, the action should remain below your knees. This makes it more difficult for the opposing players to get control of the ball from you.

Bend the knees when you dribble a basketball. 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. Slightly bending your knees improves ball control significantly.

TIP! Do off court exercises that will improve your game on the court. Sprints helps with individual plays, and long-distance running gives you stamina.

The thrills and excitement that basketball hold for legions of fans worldwide is tough to match. However, those who are new to the game may not really know what it is going on when they lack knowledge about the game. Hopefully the information learned here has helped you to have a better grasp on how to play better basketball.