TIP! You must learn how to dribble, how a crossover is done and other important ball handling skills. Crossovers involve moving the ball from hand to hand.

With so many fans around the world showing their love for the game, it is clear that basketball is one of the most popular sports. A basic understanding of basketball will make the game more enjoyable. This article helps a reader understand perfectly.

TIP! Focus on your strengths to get better at basketball. Your strengths might not make you a star player, but you’ll be contributing a lot to your team.

You can learn how to better pass the ball if you run drills without the dribble. While this may be difficult, it gets you used to finding teammates and thinking on the run. Work through the initial frustration and see how the challenge will improve your game in the long run.

TIP! You should practice pass catching regularly. While you are practicing, you should be sure to drill yourself on catching errant throws, as well as catching those perfect passes.

How would you like to trick the opposing team? Try a pass back! Hold the ball in your strong hand to start the pass. Then you will want to pull the ball into position behind your back. And last, flick the wrist in the direction you want the ball to go. Doing this will trick your opponent.

TIP! Don’t pump a lot of iron if you wish to become a jump shooter. Strong muscles are certainly useful for basketball, but you can overdo it if you plan to play on the perimeter.

Your fingers should always be spread out when handling the ball. You will have better luck holding onto the ball as well. Your palm should touch the ball as little as possible. When passing and shooting the ball toward its target, the sole contact point should be fingers.

TIP! Want to make the other team not know what’s going on? Trick them using a back pass. You want to grip the basketball with your strongest hand.

Boost your defensive abilities by studying the opposing team and its players. Review videotapes and monitor scouting reports. Keep track of which players are right hand dominant and which are left hand dominant. Once you start to get to know the other team, you can do a lot better when you’re on defense. Knowledge is power, even in basketball.

TIP! You can play basketball solo before and during the season. Basketball is a multiple player sport, but other people won’t always be around.

You want to always be aware of foot placement and what you’re doing. An errant toe to the baseline while holding the ball will result in an “out of bounds” call. Also, you can cause a turnover if you walk without dribbling the ball. Moving your feet as you are setting a screen or pick usually results in you being called for a foul.

TIP! If you’re injured in a basketball game, don’t attempt to play while in pain. Basketball is very challenging physically, and this can cause further serious injury.

Get someone to analyze how you play on tape. Looking at tapes can help you identify strengths and weaknesses. Do not waste time criticizing yourself. Just make an honest assessment. The reality of your play is often very different from your perception.

TIP! Find out what your teammates like most about how you play? Do you do something really good? Continue to develop the skills that play into your natural abilities. Find out what your strong points are in the eyes of others.

To avoid turning the ball over to the other team, make sure that you’re dribbling hard. This makes the ball come back to you faster so the people on defense aren’t able to steal it as easily. If you have an opponent who is guarding you relentlessly, it is time to pass the ball.

TIP! Don’t let the ball go behind your back. You will enjoy greater court awareness and avoid feeling surprised by rapid changes in game play.

Don’t break out of defensive stance always remain in the proper defensive position. Shifting your weight back and forth between your feet will help you to stay in position. Don’t let your feet get crossed and it will be hard to get around you.

TIP! Pay attention closely to the shoulders if you’re starting to slump when you shoot. When your shoulders are not properly positioned, then it is almost impossible to perform at your best.

Altering your own pace is a good way to disrupt the opposition. When running in the direction of the net, straighten up while planting the front foot. Your defender is going to assume that you’re slowing your speed and will start straightening up, too. After that, push hard in a forward motion and scoot by them.

TIP! Stay conscious of your foot motion and placement. You want to make sure you don’t step over the bounds by even a teeny bit.

Maintain a lower position as you play defense. This helps your reaction time against your opponent. Maintain your proper defensive stance no matter what. When you must break from your stance in order to block shots, make sure to return to form right away.

TIP! If you have someone who can tape your game, you can view the recording to see how well you performed on the court. Do you see how you could’ve handled a situation differently? Be honest with yourself but don’t be too harsh.

It’s so exciting for fans to gather around and cheer for their favorite team. That said, knowing the game is key to really enjoying it. This article should provide a guide for you to use in improving your game.