TIP! Many people forget that defense is as important as offense during practice. Defense can make or break a basketball game.

The game of basketball was created by Dr. Basketball was invented in 1891. In the last century, basketball has become among the most globally appreciated sports. From Dr. Many basketball players enjoy a celebrity status, thanks to their skills. Continue reading to learn all the best tips about basketball.

TIP! Correct dribbling is key. You need to use the tips of your fingers rather than your hand’s palm when you are dribbling.

Crossing over is a vital skill to have for handling the basketball. Switch from one side to the other while dribbling. You need to perform crossovers very quickly to get good results. If you do it right, a crossover dribble will assist you in changing directions and getting down the court in an efficient manner.

TIP! Proper balance is essential when shooting. While the all-time greats have shown time and time again how they can shoot while off-kilter, this is not the ideal way to score.

A great way to hone your own basketball abilities is to watch the pros. Go to as many pro games as possible, watch them on TV, or watch videos of them playing. You’ll be able to learn from the moves they make.

TIP! Any good basketball player needs to know how to make a layup. You should expect layups to represent about 80% of all the shots you take in a game.

Practice playing a man-to-man defense and zone defense. Usually, a big part of the game is probably going to be in zone; however, the opposing team can suddenly switch to man-to-man to catch you off guard. Failure to prepare for this type of tactic makes you more vulnerable and hurts your team.

TIP! Your mind plays as big a part in making a free throw as your actual body does. You can train your body to complete the motions of making a free throw, but if you are mentally prepared to fail, you will.

Lay off the weights if you are trying 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. Some overzealous shooting guards buffed up too much, and it had an adverse effect on their overall field goal percentages.

TIP! Are you interested in being able to fool the other team? Try a pass back! To start, grab the ball using your good hand. Next, pull the ball behind your back.

Make use of hand signals so that wild passes can be avoided. It can be frustrating to attempt to pass the ball to a team mate as that person is heading toward the basket. A simple hand gesture can let your teammate know you’re ready for the pass. If you don’t see a signal, try to find someone else to pass to.

TIP! Before, during and after the season, play out games by yourself. You may not always be able to find someone to play with you.

Never try to push through pain after an injury. This sport is physically demanding and you can become injured. If you keep on playing after sustaining an injury, you may make the injury even more serious. Don’t hesitate to see the doctor if you feel the injury warrants it.

TIP! If you’re on the offense, you footwork needs to be excellent to stay open for passes and shots. Getting a great position under the goal is the most important.

During your workouts, concentrate on improving your footwork as well as your core strength. Your body will maintain balance and move more quickly when your core muscles are strong. You must work out your hip, back and abdomen muscles. Jump rope like a boxer to improve your fancy footwork.

TIP! Don’t play while injured or else your injury will worsen. Basketball is physically demanding and you can easily get hurt.

One of the most vital attributes one needs to play basketball is quickness. If you want the advantage, you need to be quicker than your opponents. You have to be steady as you play quickly. However, you should not attempt to play any faster than your abilities permit. If you play too quickly, you lose control over the ball and the match.

TIP! Find out what your teammates like most about how you play? They will probably notice the things you do best. You could potentially be excellent in one area while you are busy focusing on another, unaware.

Have a friend or family member videotape your games, then view the video to see the result. While reviewing the tape, look for opportunities you may have missed during the game. It is important that your assessment is an honest one, but isn’t overly critical. You can learn a lot by watching how you play and what you need to concentrate practicing on.

TIP! You never want to have your back to the ball if you can help it. This can help you to avoid surprises by fast passes, help you keep an eye on the rest of the court, and allow you to spot potential turnovers.

Consistency in your approach is vital to becoming solid at free throws. Focus on your shot and eliminate all outside distractions. Having a consistent routine is ideal, and that helps train your body to know how to be in the proper position every time you shoot the free throw.

TIP! A good basketball player is really quick on his feet. You’ll have an advantage if you’re faster than an opponent.

Between the leg passes are usually helpful when another team’s players are riding you hard. Take a step back or forward and bounce the ball hard through your legs. This technique can really throw off defenders.

TIP! Change up your pace so that you are not predictable to the offense. When you’re going towards the net you should plant the foot in front and start straightening up.

You want to strive in practice to bring the ball all the way up the court in no more than five dribbles. Although this might seem tricky in the beginning, this can really help your game if you can master this skill. In games, this drill will become useful when you have fast break opportunities.

TIP! To improve three-point shooting, do it from NBA distance at the very least. The international line is much closer.

If you see a chance to gain control of the ball, take it. A charge leads to a turnover by the opposing team and gives you the ball back. This is a great way to take control of the court and intimidate the other team.

TIP! Stay low and dribble the ball below the level of your knees. Defenders will have a more difficult time stealing the ball.

A great way to make sure you’re in a good position defensively is to keep yourself in the defensive stance. You can shuffle your feet to either side, or push with your opposing foot, so you will be ready and in position. Always keep your feet from crossing, and you will make it hard for any opponent to get past.

TIP! Many shots from the court corner end up sailing right over the basket. Place yourself in position after this shot is made.

Use the non-dribbling hand to create a buffer between the ball and your opposition. You don’t want to be pushing any of your opponents (that’s a foul), but you can use that non-dribbling arm as a separator to keep the ball safe. Keep this hand up as you’re dribbling the ball with the other.

TIP! You should be have ways to alter the path your opponent is planning on taking. Regardless of whether you play defense or offense, the ability to control the other team creates a significant advantage.

Make sure that you are exercising properly for basketball. Sprints helps with individual plays, and long-distance running gives you stamina. Weightlifting or resistance training improves your muscle tone. The aggression and confidence you get from this can also assist you more than most things if you’re shooting.

TIP! Manage your nerves whenever you shoot. You have to focus directly on the basket.

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. Using this article as a starting point, keep practicing and learning and you’ll soon be a master of the game.