TIP! Many people only direct their attention to the offensive part of the game without realizing that defense is the key to winning. Basketball games are often won by the defense.

People all over the world love basketball. Anyone can play basketball, no matter what age. When you play, you learn to cooperate with your teammates and have good sportsmanship if you win or lose. Keep reading for tips and tricks about the wide world of basketball.

TIP! In order to be a great shooter, good balance is key. You’ve seen the pros fall out-of-bounds and shoot a basket up to 300 feet away, however, this isn’t proper technique.

Make sure you are dribbling the right way. Instead of using your palm to dribble focus on using your fingertips. This will give you better control of the basketball. Dribble on the sides of your body instead of directly before you, and bounce it waist level. Always look up and never look down at the ground.

TIP! Watching the pros play is a great way to see how great basketball players use their skills in the game. Go to actual games or watch on TV.

If you want to improve your game, play up your strengths. Your best talent may not make you the star of every game, but learning to play your best angle will help you contribute more to the team. Focus on the skills you have and work to make them better.

TIP! Focus on your footwork and your core strength in your workouts. A strong core allows you to be more balanced during games.

Keep practicing your layups. Up to eighty percent of the baskets attempted in a game are layups. When you practice, run toward the net, and then get a high jump in so you can smoothly shoot. Practicing this technique helps you learn to make layups during a game.

TIP! Quickness is a blessing in basketball. If you want the advantage, you need to be quicker than your opponents.

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. A useful tip is to have the ball bounce roughly 3/4 of the distance to the recipient. There are many factors which come into play, though.

TIP! Try practicing looking in the opposite direction when you pass. This is a great technique in order to help confuse the opponents.

Want to make the other team not know what’s going on? Try doing what is known as a back pass. Perform this pass by holding the ball using your dominant hand. Next get the ball pulled up behind the back. Then, quickly snap your wrist toward the location where you want the ball to end up. You can use this action to deceive your opponents.

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. If you use both your hands to dribble, it is easier to control.

Hand signals can help stop you from turning the ball over. It can be frustrating to attempt to pass the ball to a team mate as that person is heading toward the basket. Hand signals help ensure that the player is ready to take the ball. If the signal is absent, do not pass to that player.

TIP! Perform drills where you attempt to get the ball up full-court in 5 dribbles or less. This may seem to be too difficult at first, but once you’re able to do it you’ll have a lot of speed and stride length.

A great way you can prepare for what happens on the basketball court is to avoid having your back to the ball. You develop a good feel for the game around you, making it much easier to quickly react to your opponent. Always watch for areas opening up where you can go for a quick basket.

TIP! Don’t leave your defensive stance. Slide your feet to the sides or push off using the opposite foot to always be in position.

Keeping your fingers spread wide is important for holding onto the ball. This will keep the ball from getting away while you hold it. Don’t let your palm touch the ball either. Don’t let anything but your fingers touch the ball during passing or shooting.

TIP! In order to improve your game, make sure you do plenty of strength training. You need both stamina and strength to be a good player.

If you find yourself unable to shoot well, consider your shoulders. If your shoulders aren’t correct, you may not be able to make the shots. Be sure to keep the shoulders squared up to the hoop. The dominant shoulder needs to be lined up with the rim.

TIP! To build up your skills with your weaker hand, use it for everything from opening jars to brushing your teeth. By improving your weaker hand’s dexterity, your control over the hand will significantly improve.

Passing between the legs is something that helps when you have defense all over you. To practice this skill, bounce the ball between your legs so that it passes through as you step back and forth. Perfecting this technique will help thwart the opposing team while you’re trying to advance the ball.

TIP! When you dribble, bend your knees. The basketball is much harder to control if you stand tall and the opposing team can snatch it more easily.

If you want to dribble the basketball better, you need to practice dribbling with your weaker hand. If you use both your hands to dribble, it is easier to control. Exercise your non-dominant hand by securing your dominant hand at your side or behind your back. Very soon, you will develop dribbling skills with the hand you considered weak.

TIP! To become a better three-point shooter, make sure you attempt shots from where the NBA three-point line would be. The standard line and college lines are much closer.

Why do so many people love basketball? That’s because it’s fun and easy to learn to play. If you love the game of basketball, then the ideas and advice within this article should prove useful to you. Enjoy yourself as you play and use these great tips to increase your skills.