TIP! It is important to focus on both offense and defense when learning to play basketball. Defense can make or break a basketball game.

The inventor of basketball was Dr. James Naismith (1891). Since then, it has blown up to become one of the most popular sports of our time. Basketball has made many celebrities out of its players, from Shaq, to Magic Johnson. Magic Johnson and Dr. J are just some of many players who have become celebrities through the game. If you would like to join their league, then now is the time to up your game skills.

TIP! Bounce passes are important in the game of basketball. If done correctly, a well-executed bounce pass will reach the player in a way that allows them to move immediately with the ball.

Learn proper dribbling. You want to dribble with the tips of your fingers, not your whole hand. Using your fingertips will allow you to have better control when dribbling the ball. Also, dribble off to the side instead of in front. The ball should bounce no higher than your waist. Always look upwards, never at the ground.

TIP! A great way to bolster your basketball ability is to observe those who are considered to be the best in the sport. Go to a bunch of professional games in person, watch them on television, or just get online to search for basketball videos.

It is vital that you learn to crossover the basketball while dribbling. A crossover means moving the ball between your hands. The action needs to be performed quickly in order to be successful. After doing so correctly, a crossover gives you greater control over the court’s flow.

TIP! Make sure to practice catching passes. You need to be able to retrieve perfect passes and not so perfect passes.

To get better in your basketball game, focus on your strengths. Your best skills may not be center-stage every game, but knowing how to play the best angles can help you give more to your team. Understand your strengths and use it to your advantage to help your team win!

TIP! You can learn how to better pass the ball if you run drills without the dribble. Passing drills with your team is important for accurate passes during game time, and you can try doing them without dribbling at all.

Before, during and after the season, play out games by yourself. While basketball is a team sport, sometimes you just can’t find others to play with. That is okay. You can still get a lot accomplished with solo games. You can practice many different techniques, such as your free throw routine. You can always hone your skills when practicing alone.

TIP! If you want to be a jump shooter, avoid pumping iron excessively. Muscle strength is beneficial for playing any basketball position, but there is such a thing as too much.

Your defensive game will be more successful if you know your opponents. One great way to get a better understanding of your opponent is to take the time to watch film and get information from other players or scouts. Keep track of which players are right hand dominant and which are left hand dominant. If you know their game, you can defend against it. A person that knows about defending makes a strong defender.

TIP! If you have a kid wanting to play basketball in high school, be certain that they are properly training their core muscles. Core muscles include the hips, abs, and lower back.

Watch your shoulders if you obtain a shooting slump. If your shoulders aren’t properly positioned, your shot is not going to go in. Keep your shoulders square to the hoop. Your dominant shoulder should also be lined up perfectly with the rim.

TIP! Pay attention closely to the shoulders if you’re starting to slump when you shoot. You won’t be able to make a shot if your shoulders aren’t in the right position.

Practice with your weak hand when it comes to dribbling. You will be able to get past your opponent more easily if you can use either hand to dribble the ball. Immobilize your dominant hand by tying it behind your back, then practice using your other hand for everything. You will quickly strengthen your non-dominant hand for dribbling.

TIP! Speed is everything in basketball. Developing speed and vision is vital to playing the game well.

In order to be good at rebounding the ball off a missed free throw, you must be quick with your feet. The more quickly you get under the basket, the better you chance of grabbing the rebound. This allows you to secure the rebound without finding yourself penalized.

TIP! Ask someone to take a video of you playing and watch it. You’ll likely see ways that you can improve.

If you see a chance to gain control of the ball, take it. Taking charges gives you a chance for earning a defensive stop, gives your team the ball, and gives one more foul called in your favor. This can devastate a competitor psychologically as well as being a powerful play on the court.

TIP! Being a successful defensive player means upsetting and disrupting your opponent’s play. Don’t let your opponent get comfortable out there on the court.

One way to increase your three-point skill is to practice at the NBA range. High school lines, international standard lines, and college lines are much closer. Nailing shots from the NBA line can really help improve your overall shooting skills.

TIP! To improve ball handling, consider focusing workouts on your forearms and hands. Wrist curls are great for bettering your ball handling in basketball to the point where you could practically do it sleepwalking.

To play basketball all you need is a rim that is ten feet high and hard pavement to bounce the ball. You’ll need a bit of knowledge to play the best that you can. This article has been a great start, so continue learning and practicing until you master the game.