TIP! It is important that you practice layups. During any game, layups make up about 75 percent of the game.

Basketball is a generally beloved and fun sport. However, it’s not easy to be the best talent in the game. While genetics and being athletic may help you to do a little better, anyone can be good at basketball. Read on to find out more.

TIP! Practice your bounce pass. Proper bounce passes ought to hit the recipient at the level of their waist.

It’s natural to be drawn towards offense as a novice, but the pros know defense is where the game is won or lost. Many times, defense actually wins the game. Offense gets more attention, but the team is going to lose without a strong defense.

TIP! There is a lot of pressure when shooting free throws. It’s easy to physically train for a free throw, yet mental preparation is also needed.

Dribble the ball the right way. Proper dribbling technique involves use of the fingertips, not the palm of the hand. This method gives you much more control of the ball. Bounce the ball no higher than your waist and keep the ball at your side rather than in front. Don’t look down, always look up.

TIP! To be a good post-up player in the pain, you need to have really good footwork. Although it’s important to have a physical presence underneath the basket, it’s more important that you get in a good place before your opponent can.

Learn how to hit a free throw shot. As easy as these shots may seem, they are rather hard. Practice constantly using this tip. Start with the ball ahead of your face. Concentrate on the basket and visualize the basketball going in. Bend your knees to control the arc of the ball.

Bounce Pass

TIP! The key for controlling the ball well is to spread your fingers. This gives you better control of the ball.

It is important to know the right way to throw a bounce pass. A bounce pass that’s good is going to end up hitting the other player near their waist. Aim for a firm bounce pass that hits the ground around 3/4 of the distance between you and the intended player. But, a series of other considerations can require you to make adjustments.

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

Quick and solid footwork is what it takes to make the shot when your posting up. There are two important points you must remember. You must create a physical presence below the basket, and you must secure a good spot in advance of your opponent. Once you’ve reached a good spot, you need to secure it. The key to mastering these skills is good footwork.

TIP! Upset and disrupt your opponent’s play. All successful basketball players do this.

Make sure your fingers are apart from one another when dribbling. That makes sure that you don’t lose the ball when you hold it. Do not allow the palm of your hand to make contact with the ball. Only use your fingers to dribble, pass or shoot.

TIP! A great way to stay in a correct defensive stance is to always stay in position no matter what. Slide your feet to and fro or use your opposing foot to push off to maintain your position.

As you exercise to improve your game, it is important to work on your footwork and strength. A strong core allows you to be more balanced during games. You should get a good workout in your hips, buttocks, back and abs. Jump rope like a boxer to improve your fancy footwork.

TIP! To help make the offense flow better it is a good idea to alter the pace. When you’re moving towards the net, act like you’re going to straighten up.

You should always be aware of the position of your feet and their actions. If you step on the baseline, you will be 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. A foul will result if you try to take a charge or set a pick and your feet are moving.

TIP! Have two of your guards wait for the point guard to go past midcourt for the best results. After he crosses the midcourt line, they should run and trap him.

If the opposing team is breathing down your neck, it’s a good idea to pass the ball between your legs. To practice this skill, bounce the ball between your legs so that it passes through as you step back and forth. Mastering this move can give you an advantage on the court.

TIP! Using your weak hand to brush your teeth can help you build skills with that hand. You will have more control as you use it to do daily activities that require dexterity.

Are you prepared to show what you’re made of? You might want to spend some time practicing first! Get pumped, get fired up, get on it, and get out on the court and play the game! You will soon see changes for the better in your game.