TIP! Make sure you are dribbling the right way. Don’t use your palm to dribble.

Well, now you are about to learn about playing basketball. You are a player; you love the game. However, you cannot know everything there is to know about basketball, and all good players are aware of that fact. With that knowledge in mind, you are likely to be taught a tip or two that you did not know before. Continue to read to see how this information can improve your game.

TIP! Crossing over is a vital skill to have for handling the basketball. Switch from one side to the other while dribbling.

Many people forget that defense is as important as offense during practice. Defense is how you win a basketball game. Offense is flashier, so it draws the attention of fans and journalists, but a team that can’t defend well won’t win any games.

TIP! It is important that you practice layups. Almost 80% of shots will be layups.

Dribble the ball correctly. Proper dribbling technique involves use of the fingertips, not the palm of the hand. This gives you the best ball control. Dribble on the sides of your body instead of directly before you, and bounce it waist level. You should always look upwards instead of at the ground.

TIP! Practice playing a man-to-man defense and zone defense. Learn how to play a man-to-man defense and a zone defense to get the best understanding of how the game works.

Free throws are an excellent skill to practice in your spare time. The free throw shot might seem simple, but it can actually be pretty difficult. The following technique should be practiced often. To start off, hold the ball in front of you. Keep looking at the goal while visualizing the basketball going through the hoop. You should then shoot and try following the trajectory you visualized.

TIP! You can learn how to better pass the ball if you run drills without the dribble. It is hard to play basketball without dribbling, and demands accurate passing and teamwork, so it will be a challenge.

Make sure you dribble properly by keeping your head held up, facing forward. You need more practice if you feel that you cannot dribble without focusing on the ball. Take you ball with you everywhere. On your way to the grocery store, practice your dribbling. If you’re trying to look at the ball then you’re not concentrating on what’s going on down the court.

TIP! Find out what your teammates like most about how you play? Do they feel you are really good at something? You could potentially be excellent in one area while you are busy focusing on another, unaware. Honest feedback can really help you to narrow in on areas where you might need a little extra help practicing.

Practice using different types of defenses. Your opponent may change their game up to keep you on your toes. Be sure to practice for this eventuality so you will not become rattled and lose the game.

TIP! Turning away from the ball can be a costly mistake in basketball. This will help you stay on top of quick changes in possession or plays attempted by your opponent.

A good tip about passing is try doing it without dribbling the ball. Playing basketball without dribbling is very challenging, but your entire team will quickly improve their passing skills. Keep your emotions in check if quality passing is not happening right away as it takes time to perfect this part of the game.

TIP! Practice looking the other way when passing. This is a great way to fake out your opponents.

If you have student that wants to play basketball for their high school team, they will need to spend some time training their core muscles. Hips, abdomen and back must be worked on. A core that is not strong enough limits the linkage between arms and legs. A solid and strong core lets force that comes from the legs get used for beneficial movements when playing, like faster running and higher jumping.

TIP! Launch your layup jumps from the foot that is opposite the hand you shoot with. This means that if you shoot with your right hand, take off from your left foot.

It can help you when you pass through your legs. Practice this maneuver by bouncing the basketball between your legs while taking steps. This technique can really throw off defenders.

Opposite Direction

TIP! To avoid turning the ball over to the other team, make sure that you’re dribbling hard. This speeds up the dribbling cycle, which means the person covering you has less of a chance to steal the ball each cycle.

Try practicing looking in the opposite direction when you pass. Your opponents can really get confused by this, as well. By looking in the opposite direction, your teammate has a few extra seconds to make the shot. If this is pulled off, then it usually has good results.

TIP! You need good vision if you are going to play basketball. This is not just to make reading the scoreboard easier, but also to facilitate the making of shots and catching of passes.

You must disrupt your opponent’s game when you’re playing defense. Don’t let your opponent get comfortable out there on the court. When you are guarding, do so aggressively. Don’t let your opponent decide their own plays. If you let them control the game, you will lose. Rather, you move first so that you interfere with their rhythm.

TIP! Accept a charge when you can. Turnovers are an important part of the game that can end up giving your team the upper hand.

You need to work on your forearms and your hands to handle the ball more efficiently. One important exercise is wrist curls, which help you with your dribbling. Don’t stay stopped; always move around the court. You have to learn to move the ball if you want something to happen.

TIP! In basketball, strength is important, so do strength training. Strength, flexibility and stamina are all important things to have in basketball.

Do not release your defensive stance. You will always be in a defensive position if you slide your feet one way and then the other and push off using your opposing foot. Remember not to let yourself get crossed up with your feet, which will throw off your balance, making it easier to get around you.

TIP! Use wrist curls to increase the strength in your weaker arm. Using both hands when playing is an important skill if you can develop it when you’re not playing.

Keep dribbling until you’re ready to either pass or shoot. When you cease dribbling, you’re really limiting your options. You can’t do anything but pivot if you don’t shoot or pass. Putting yourself in this position makes you more vulnerable to having the ball stolen by the opposing team.

TIP! To increase your three-point shooting skill, shoot from where the NBA players range. All other distance lines, high school, college and International, are not as far.

Practice dribbling as you sway your body from side to side. Basketball games are fast and you will encounter different scenarios while dribbling. You may see an open court but there are opponents ready to swarm you. You must know how to dribble effectively by leaning your body in both directions. It will help you when you need it most.

TIP! If possible, keep the ball below your knees. This makes it more difficult for the opposing players to get control of the ball from you.

If it is possible, keep all action below the knee. This makes it more difficult for the opposing players to get control of the ball from you. You’ll have to bend over, but it will be worth the effort.

TIP! Serious basketball players take their diets seriously too. You use a lot of fuel playing basketball so a lot of carbs is needed, as well as adequate protein and fats.

Keep a rhythm while dribbling to throw your opponents off. A consistent dribbling broken up by a fast paced dribble can surprise your opponent and give you a major edge for a shot. Both the speed and the sound will contribute to confusing the player that is guarding you.

TIP! If the person whom you are guarding is bigger than you, you should be the barrier between this player and the player with the ball. That way, they will never be open to receive a pass, and they will not be able to make an easy shot over your head.

Using the information you got here, you can hit the court with new-found energy. It’s fun to apply new tips to the court. Don’t forget everything you’ve just learned. Basketball is fun to play and it’s a great sport to be a part of.