TIP! Learn to correctly dribble the ball. Don’t use your palm, use your fingers.

What’s important for you to learn about the sport of basketball? What should I study to become better and to understand the game more completely? The article below offers you a beginning point to giving you an understanding of the fundamentals of basketball, so keep reading and take this information to the court the next time you go out and play.

TIP! Make sure to practice your layups whenever possible. This will make up about eighty percent of shots during any basketball game.

It is tempting to concentrate just on offense when just staring out, but defensive practice is absolutely vital. Defense is what wins basketball games. Offense may score points but defense keeps the other team from scoring points that your team will have to match.

TIP! A bounce pass is an important technique to learn. Good bounce passes need to hit the other player waist length when they receive it.

How would you like to trick the opposing team? The back pass is just the thing! If you wish to try this pass, get the ball in your dominant hand. With that same hand, bring the ball around your back. Then, quickly snap your wrist toward the location where you want the ball to end up. This will confuse the opposition.

TIP! Don’t pump too much iron if you plan on being a jump shooter. You do need muscle conditioning and strength, but you can have too much when it comes to shooting field goals.

Use hand signals to avoid errant passes. One of the more frustrating aspects of basketball is making a pass to a teammate at the same time they head to the basket. These common miscommunications can be avoided by utilizing hand signals, which tells the passing player the other player is ready for a pass. If the player does not flash the signal, then the player can avoid an errant pass.

TIP! Would you like to fool the opposing team? You should try a back pass. To work it, place the ball in your most dominant hand.

In order to get a good shot, you must use good footwork. While actually being beneath the basket is key, establishing a good position prior to the opposition is even more so. Once you’re in position, you also need to secure your spot. Expert footwork is the key to these skills.

TIP! Prior to basketball season, and even during it, you can play solo games. While basketball is a team sport, sometimes you just can’t find others to play with.

See if your teammates admire something in particular about your game play. What areas are your strong points? Perhaps you are great backup or fast on your feet. Learn what other’s see as your natural skills and make sure to keep and develop those skills more fully.

TIP! Make sure you know what is going on with your feet. This can help you avoid going out of bounds or making a bad pass.

Keeping your fingers spread will facilitate better ball handling. This will help you keep a better grip on the ball. Additionally, the palm of your hand should not come into contact with the ball. Fingers should be the only point of contact as you pass or shoot the ball at its target.

Free Throws

TIP! In order to become better at dribbling the ball you should learn how to practice using your weak hand. You will be able to get past your opponent more easily if you can use either hand to dribble the ball.

If you wish to shoot free throws better, you have to have a routine that’s consistent. If you aren’t able to be consistent then you’ll be off when you shoot. The simplest way to get better at shooting free throws is through constant repetitive motions when shooting the ball. A break in your routine will foul the shot.

TIP! You need to put a damper in your opponent’s plan if you want to be successful with defending. Force them into an uncomfortable zone.

A good defensive strategy will keep your opponent on their toes. Force them away from their comfort zone. Use aggression with your moves. Other players should not influence the plays you make. This will give your opponent the chance to run over you. To avoid this, stay aggressive and try to interrupt their thought patterns and rhythm.

TIP! A great way to stay in a correct defensive stance is to always stay in position no matter what. Shifting your weight back and forth between your feet will help you to stay in position.

In order to be good at rebounding the ball off a missed free throw, you must be quick with your feet. Be aware that the defender who is below you will start moving in your direction. Slip past him, and you can get the ball. This allows you to grab the rebound legally.

TIP! Use the NBA three point line when practicing your shots. The international line is much closer.

Make sure that you can see clearly. While it will allow you to catch passes and read the score, there is more to it than that. Working to improve you peripheral vision will help you become a more successful player. If you scan the entire court instead of keeping your eye on the basketball, you will be aware of oncoming defensive pressure as well as the positions of your open teammates.

TIP! Stay low and dribble the ball below the level of your knees. This will lower the chances of your opponent being able to steal the ball.

Strength training can improve your game. In addition, stamina is important to the game, too. Even youngsters can strengthen their arms and legs to improve game play. Use weights when they get older. Then they will be ready to really learn the skills that really make an excellent player.

TIP! Stay in communication with your teammates. You are sure to understand that it takes teamwork to play basketball.

If possible, keep the ball below your knees. Your opponents will find it tougher to steal the ball from you. It will be necessary to bend over, but you should be able to get down the court faster.

TIP! Build your team in and out of the basketball court. When your team is of one accord, your game will be the best possible.

Communication with your team mates is crucial to your overall success. Your actions and strategies must not be kept to yourself. It is a sport that requires team work. It is not a one-on-one game. Instead, all players help and support one another. Communicate well with your teammates about the help you need, and everyone wins.

TIP! Don’t double dribble. Double dribbling happens when you’ve stopped dribbling once, and then start again a few seconds later.

Are you a little more informed now? Can you take the whole court by storm? Has this article given you the feeling that you’re able to become a better player? Practice all you can and work hard towards your goals.