TIP! Be sure to dribble correctly every time. Don’t use your palm to dribble, but use your fingertips instead.

Basketball is a much-loved sport. Basketball is easy for people of all ages to enjoy. When you start learning to play, you have to cooperate with teammates and have the spirit of sportsmanship whether you lose or win. If you would like to get educated on basketball then read on for great tips.

TIP! If you handle the ball often, you need to learn how to do a crossover. Crossovers involve sending the basketball from one of your hands over to the other one.

Free throw practice is vitally important. These shots look easy on television, but are actually hard when you are doing the shooting. Practice often using the following technique. Begin by bringing the ball up to eye level. Your eyes should be on the goal. You should be thinking about the ball going in the hoop. Then shoot! Shoot the ball in the trajectory you imagined.

TIP! A good tip is to practice your layups on a daily basis. Layup shots make up nearly 80% of a game’s shots.

A bounce pass is an important technique to learn. If done properly, the pass will land near waist level with the opposite player. A useful tip is to have the ball bounce roughly 3/4 of the distance to the recipient. But, there are some factors that can change this.

TIP! Don’t limit your practice to just playing against the zone defense. While a great portion of a game will be concentrated in the zone, your rivals could opt to go to man-to-man covering to keep you guessing.

When playing basketball, it is important to always keep your eye on the ball. This will give you court awareness and keep you from being surprised by quick passes or turnover potentials. Also, keep your eyes on areas that open up on the court for an easy basket.

TIP! If you want to take jump shots, don’t build your arms up too large. Perimeter players don’t need the muscle strength that is necessary for other team members.

It is important to be aware of the location of your feet and just what they are up to. Stepping your toe in a baseline with a ball in your grip will mean that you’re out of bounds. Not dribbling when you take more than a few steps will result in a walking call as well as a forfeit of the ball. Avoid lifting your feet when you are screening or in position for a charge or the foul will be called on you instead of your opponent.

TIP! Footwork is the best way to find an opening shot. Getting a great position under the goal is the most important.

Have your games taped so you can play them back later and observe your court presence. Can you see chances that you missed or ways that you could have done better? Be honest with yourself, but avoid being too critical. It can be an eye-opener to see how you’re playing the game really, not just what you picture it to be.

TIP! Never try to push through pain after an injury. You can easily tear a muscle or even break a finger while playing.

A good player on defense will annoy the heck out of the opponent and cause the other team to get flustered. Take them out of their own comfort zone. Make assertive moves, keeping your opponent unsure of your next move. Don’t let them dictate the game. By doing so, the opponent will take advantage of you. Rather, move first; attack their rhythm.

TIP! Spreading out your fingers is key to handling the ball correctly. This will help you to be sure that it won’t escape your grasp when trying to hold it.

Your forearms and hands should be strengthened if you wish to handle the ball better. Do some wrist curls as much as possible and your dribbling should get better. Do not remain in one place. It’s not likely that you will be able to successfully catch and shoot without moving. Your ability to handle the ball will affect your success on the court.

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

What makes basketball so popular? It’s probably due to the fact that it’s fun and easy to learn. If this game is something you love, then this article gave you tips that can really benefit you. Enjoy the game, but also get better at it, by using the ideas in this article in both practice and competition.