TIP! Make sure you are dribbling the right way. You need to use the tips of your fingers rather than your hand’s palm when you are dribbling.

The game of hoops was created by Dr. James Naismith in the year 1891. Since that time, it’s exploded into a beloved sport by many. So many great personalities have played this game. J and Michael Jordan are now huge celebrities. Read on to learn from the successes of some of the greats.

TIP! If you want to excel, you have to play to your strengths. You can contribute to the team by consolidating your best skills, even if these skills do not make you one of the star players.

When learning the game of basketball, it’s easy to get caught up in offensive play. But you should also give plenty of attention to defense. Basketball games are won with a good defense. Offense is often what gets the glory, but most winning basketball teams play great defense.

TIP! Perfect your layup technique. 80% of all shots in a game are usually layups.

Watch your form while you dribble the ball. Use fingertips to dribble. This allows you to control the ball much better while you dribble. Avoid dribbling in front of you and only dribble to the sides of your body. Look up and never down at the ground.

TIP! Would you like to fool the opposing team? Try using a back pass! Hold the basketball with your writing hand. The next step is to draw the ball behind you.

If you want to improve your game, play up your strengths. You might not become a big basketball star based on your strengths, but you will be an asset to your team. You can also focus on your weaknesses if you know what they are.

TIP! Avoid turning away from the ball so that you can always be prepared for what occurs on the court. You have to be aware of what is going on with the ball at all times.

A good tip is to practice your layups on a daily basis. Layups sometimes wind up being 4 out of every 5 shots in basketball. When you practice, run toward the net, and then get a high jump in so you can smoothly shoot. Jump to the net and concentrate on shooting the ball in a specific location on the backboard.

TIP! You need to practice dribbling with your weak hand in order to be a more effective player. If you have two hands that can dribble the ball effortlessly then it becomes easier to get by your opponent.

When posting up, solid footwork is essential to getting yourself into position to shoot. You do, of course, need to be near the basket, but finding the right spot without getting blocked is essential. Once you find a spot, you need to know how to defend it. Strong footwork skills help to build both types of skills.

TIP! To nab a rebound from a free throw attempt of a teammate, footwork is key. Try to anticipate the move of the defender between yourself and the basket so that you can maneuver around him and to the hoop.

Try practicing looking in the opposite direction when you pass. You can really confuse your opponents this way. When it’s done properly, it will cause the opponents to go to the wrong area so that you can pass to someone that has a good look at a basket before shooting. Practicing this pass can really help to give your team the winning edge.

TIP! You need to take a charge anytime you can. When you do that, you can earn defensive stops, get the ball back, and set up foul shots against the other team.

Make layups count by taking off with the foot that is opposite to your shooting hand. Use your left foot when shooting with the right hand. This gives you better balance, while keeping you poised toward the basket.

TIP! Changing pace can help you keep the offense guessing. When you approach the goal, put your front foot in firm place and start straightening up.

A consistent pre-shot routine when at the line will increase your chance at success. If you aren’t able to be consistent then you’ll be off when you shoot. The easiest way to make sure you’re doing great at free throws is to do repetitions of the same routines time and again. If you alter your routine then chances are the shot will not be good.

TIP! Maintain a lower position as you play defense. This will help you be quicker on the jump and react to the man in front of you easier.

You can prevent other players from stealing the ball from you by dribbling hard. A hard dribble returns the ball back to you faster, leaving less chance of it being snatched by the other team. If another player is getting too close to you, it is best to pass the ball if a teammate is open.

TIP! Shoot from NBA distances to see your three-point skills improve. High school lines, international standard lines, and college lines are much closer.

Once you are in your defensive stance, remember to hold your ground. Slide your feet to the sides or push off using the opposite foot to always be in position. Always keep your feet from crossing, and you will make it hard for any opponent to get past.

TIP! Dribble the ball below knee level. Opponents will have a hard time stealing the ball from you if you keep it low.

To play in regulation basketball, you’ll need ten players and a hoop that’s at least ten feet high. If you desire to become an amazing player, you need the right knowledge. This article has been a great start, so continue learning and practicing until you master the game.