TIP! It is tempting to concentrate just on offense when just staring out, but defensive practice is absolutely vital. Defense is how you win a basketball game.

The first time playing basketball can be a surprising treat! You were figuring out the best ways to dribble the ball, to pass it, and to shoot it. Even if you have been playing for years, there are plenty of skills you can learn. The following article will offer some great advice, for even the most seasoned player.

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

You need to learn the correct way to dribble the ball. Avoid using your palm while dribbling. Instead, use your fingertips. This will give you better control of the basketball. Avoid dribbling in front of you and only dribble to the sides of your body. Keep your eyes up.

TIP! Focus on your strong point to help you become a better ball player. You can contribute to the team by consolidating your best skills, even if these skills do not make you one of the star players.

Put the emphasis on your strengths can help you to be a better basketball player. You can contribute to the team by consolidating your best skills, even if these skills do not make you one of the star players. Knowing what you excel at and then practicing that can help you become perfect at it!

TIP! Make sure that you practice your layups frequently. Up to eighty percent of the baskets attempted in a game are layups.

Any good basketball player needs to know how to make a layup. Up to eighty percent of the baskets attempted in a game are layups. Dribble the ball in front of you while taking large strides followed by a smooth shot. Running and jumping well in practice means better jump shooting in actual games.

Bounce Pass

TIP! You can learn to trick the opposing team. Try a pass back! To do this pass, hold on to the ball with your dominant hand.

Practice your bounce pass. Executed properly, a bounce pass will connect with the receiving player at the waist. Aim for a firm bounce pass that hits the ground around 3/4 of the distance between you and the intended player. Of course, there are factors that should be taken into consideration when passing using the bouncing technique.

TIP! One way to get a good understanding of your game is to ask your fellow players about your ability. Are you great at any one thing? Perhaps they see you as someone who is fast on the court, or that you’re a really good teammate.

Free throws require both mental and physical abilities. You can practice for hours on how to make the shot, but if you over think things or get distracted you will miss every time. Relax yourself and concentrate on your shot.

TIP! Concentrate on your shoulders if you have gotten into a shooting slump. Whenever your shoulders aren’t in a good position, you simply will not shoot well, regardless of your skill level.

A good way to get your basketball game up to speed is to start trying to see how the pros are playing. Watch pro games on TV, or attend games in person. Each player has their strengths and you can learn a lot from each one.

TIP! Make sure you know what is going on with your feet. If you slide onto the baseline, you will lose the ball for being out of bounds.

Play by yourself to practice. Even though basketball is usually played with teams, it is sometimes the case that there just isn’t anyone around to play with. There is nothing wrong with that. You are able to do a lot with solo games. Practice pivoting or doing free throws. You can always practice.

TIP! Passing between your legs can be helpful when the other team is riding you hard. You can train for this maneuver by stepping forward or backwards as you bounce the ball real hard in-between your legs.

Try using hand signals to ensure that your passes are received. It is very frustrating when a teammate isn’t open for the perfect pass. Using signals helps communicate passes with your team. If they don’t signal, don’t pass to them.

TIP! Practice passing while looking another way. This will easily confuse your opponents.

If you’re injured in a basketball game, don’t attempt to play while in pain. Basketball is very physical and there’s always a risk of injury. Pushing through the pain often results in a more serious injury. See a physician if you think your injury is serious.

TIP! In order to be successful with layups, the foot that is opposite from shooting hand is the one you should take off from. If you normally shoot using your right hand, jump with your left.

This article has provided you with excellent ideas for improving your game, so the ball is in your court. Make goals for yourself and keep improving. Put putting these tips to use, along with your plan, you will notice the difference in your game.