TIP! It’s natural to be drawn towards offense as a novice, but the pros know defense is where the game is won or lost. Defense ultimately determines the winner of a game of basketball.

Years ago, basketball was invented by Dr. It was invented by a man named Dr. James Naismith. In the last century, basketball has become among the most globally appreciated sports. People of all ages love the sport of basketball. Many celebrities have come out of basketball. For tips from the basketball experts, read the paragraphs below.

TIP! A bounce pass is an important technique to learn. Bouncing the pass to the receiver should be at their waist.

Learn proper dribbling. Avoid using your palm while dribbling. Instead, use your fingertips. This provides you with much more ball control. Dribble off to the side waist high. Keep your head up and do not look at the ground.

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

You need to keep your balance if you’re shooting. Sometimes you’ll see professional players fall out of bounds while making a shot from afar, but this doesn’t work at all times. This kind of improvisation is the result of years of practice and loads of ability. You need to be balanced properly if you’re going to be making shots, so that over time you’ll be able to always hit the basket.

TIP! Dribble hard to make it less likely for the ball to be stolen. This makes the ball come back to you faster so the people on defense aren’t able to steal it as easily.

Work on improving your strengths to become an even better player. Your skills may not turn you into the star player, but knowing how to make the most of your skills will make you a more valuable player. Figure out what you do well at and then you can practice that until you perfect it.

TIP! If an opponent charges at you, let him run into you. This helps get the ball for the team and allows another foul on the opponent.

Don’t play while injured or else your injury will worsen. Basketball is very challenging physically, and this can cause further serious injury. Trying to continue playing even if you’ve got discomfort can make the injury worse. If the pain is bad, visit a doctor.

TIP! Don’t break out of defensive stance always remain in the proper defensive position. Shuffle your feet in a side to side motion, then use your opposite foot to push off and give you good leverage.

If you aren’t shooting the ball well, you need to concentrate on your shoulders. If your shoulders are in a bad position, no matter how good you are, you won’t make the shot. Be sure that your shoulders square up in front of the hoop. Line up your shooting shoulder with the rim as well.

TIP! You can use your guards and point guard to trap an opponent with a 2-3 zone defense. Then they need to get to the guard on point to trap him.

Always have an awareness of the location and movement of your feet. Just touching the baseline is going to get you called out of bounds. Also, you can cause a turnover if you walk without dribbling the ball. In addition, moving one foot while working on setting a screen or pick will produce a foul.

TIP! When you dribble while playing basketball, focus on bending your knees. You will have a hard time controlling the ball if you always stand straight and opponents will be able to steal the ball.

When playing a game of basketball, have a friend tape the game. This way, you can take a look at your game. Did you spot something that could be improved? Be honest with yourself but don’t be too harsh. You can learn a lot by watching your plays instead of just trying to remember what you did.

TIP! To improve your perimeter shooting, it is important to practice every day from various spots on the court. Try to practice a hard dribble followed by a quick shot.

If you wish to do free throw shots reliably, always do the exact same thing before making each shot. This could mean dribbling twice, shaking out your head to loosen your neck or whatever else makes you comfortable. As long as this is a quick set of movements and it’s consistent, you won’t have any trouble having your body memorize what you’re doing.

TIP! Make sure you don’t pick up your dribble unless you are prepared for a shot or pass. After you have stopped dribbling, your options are quite limited.

Practice dribbling with your weaker hand. If you have two hands that can dribble the ball effortlessly then it becomes easier to get by your opponent. Immobilize your dominant hand by tying it behind your back, then practice using your other hand for everything. After a while, your weak hand will be able to dribble better.

TIP! Practice dribbling while switching the momentum of your body from side to side. Remember that you must dribble in a variety of situations during a basketball game.

You need to constantly disrupt your opponents in order to be a great defensive player. Force them out of their comfort zone. Make assertive moves, keeping your opponent unsure of your next move. You don’t want the defense choosing your plays so to speak. If you allow this to happen, your opponent will have the upper hand. You should make the initial move and throw them off.

TIP! Communication with your team mates is crucial to your overall success. Your actions and strategies must not be kept to yourself.

In order to play a game of regulation basketball, you need a court that almost measures a football field, a hoop ten feet in height and ten players. Knowing the basics will enable you to play better. This article should have started you off in the right place, so you have to keep at it until you’re a master of it.