TIP! Bounce passes are extremely efficient when done properly. In order for a bounce pass to be sufficient, the person should receive the ball around their waist.

Basketball knows not of gender discrimination. Regardless of background, few people can resist the allure of basketball. The next time you’re playing a game, show your friends your new moves. I’m sure you’re wondering what moves I’m talking about. Continue reading this article to learn new things that you can try.

TIP! Don’t spend all your time practicing how to confront a zone defense. Always try to anticipate when your opponent is going to switch up their game to catch you off guard.

Correct dribbling is key. When dribbling the basketball, use your fingertips rather than the palm of your hand. Using your fingertips will allow you to have better control when dribbling the ball. Dribble on the sides of your body instead of directly before you, and bounce it waist level. Always look upwards, never at the ground.

TIP! You can improve your passing skills by practicing a simple drill where dribbling is forbidden. This is very hard to accomplish, but it forces you and your fellow players to work on accurate passing skills.

You should practice your crossovers a lot. A crossover happens when you switch hands the ball is in. Crossovers must be done quickly to keep defenders at bay. By having the ability to move either way quickly, you will become a better all-around player.

TIP! Don’t bulk up if you want to be good as a jump shooter. While muscle mass is good for any basketball position, perimeter play requires less than other positions.

Balance is essential to shooting. You have seen some crazy shots made by professionals, but these shots aren’t going to be based on fundamentals. They improvise to do that. 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! Good footwork remains a vital part of basketball. Although physical presence under the basket is important, getting to a good spot before your opponent does is even more important.

Make sure that you practice your layups frequently. Four out of every five shots taken in a given game will be layups. The best practice strategy is to go full tilt toward the hoop, then do a smooth jump shot. This will assist you in perfecting your ability to jump and then shoot.

TIP! The key to ball control is to spread your fingers out. This keeps it under control.

Understanding the opponent is a good way to win with defense. One great way to get a better understanding of your opponent is to take the time to watch film and get information from other players or scouts. Figure out which people are right or left handed. This knowledge will help you play the best game possible. One of the most important keys to being a solid defender is an understanding of your opponent.

TIP! Play a good defense by knowing your opponent. Follow the scouting reports and watch tapes of their games.

Dribbling the ball fast and hard will help you to keep better control of it. If you dribble hard, the ball will go back to your hand quickly and the offense will not be able to snatch it easily. If you have somebody guarding you very closely, pass the ball to an open teammate.

TIP! It’s great to be quick in basketball. If you can play quicker than the opposing team can, then you will be at an advantage.

Practice moving the ball from one courtside to the other in just 5 dribbles of the ball. It isn’t impossible, it just takes practice. In games, this drill will become useful when you have fast break opportunities.

TIP! Practice your footwork and control the position of your feet at all times. You will be called out of bounds if even one toe is touching the baseline as you hold the ball.

Take charges whenever possible. The charge lets you build a defensive stop and get control of the ball. This can devastate a competitor psychologically as well as being a powerful play on the court.

TIP! When you want consistently good free throws, repeat your routine. Perhaps you will dribble twice, follow up by bending your knees, pulling your earlobe or performing some other ritualistic action for good luck.

Keep changing up your pace to help keep your opponents on their toes. When running towards the net, step on your front foot, and start to straighten up your body. This will confuse your opponent into adjusting their stance. You should push and get past them as they straighten themselves.

Defending Guards

TIP! When you dribble, bend your knees. Standing straight up lessens your ability to control the ball and increases the chances that it will be stolen.

To trap the opposing players in a 2-3 zone, have the defending guards hold back till the opposing point guard has moved beyond the midcourt line by about ten feet. Then your defending guards should encircle the point guard to trap him in place. While they are doing that, the forwards should move out to the wings. The guard on point should make a pass that can easily be stolen by the forwards.

TIP! In order to be a more effective player, one thing you have to do is talk to teammates about strategies. Basketball is a sport played by a team.

Increase your weak hand’s capabilities by using it for everything you normally would not. Try becoming ambidextrous outside of the court, and you will soon find that you do not have a weaker hand when playing basketball. Keeping your opponents on their toes is an important part of basketball.

TIP! Keep your dribbling consistent until the time you want to confuse your opponent. Consistent dribbling disrupted by a sudden, fast pace will surprise your opponent, giving you the advantage.

To get better at three-point shots, work on shooting from the NBA three-point line. The standard line , high school and college lines are all going to be closer. If you make your shots from where the NBA players shoot, you will improve your skills and increase your range.

TIP! Work together with the other players on the team. Basketball teams can achieve greatness when the whole team blends cohesively.

Switch the weight of your body while you are dribbling. This will have you ready for a game, when you will need to move any direction on a moment’s notice. You might be able to go through an open court or have to switch sides to avoid opponents. Remember to dribble while leaning in various directions. This allows you to extricate yourself from high-pressure situations.

TIP! If you figure out which hand is non-dominant, make your opponent use it as much as possible. If your opponent favors their right side, step to them using your left foot.

Armed with the information presented here, you can enjoy your next basketball game with confidence and flair. With the advice from this article on your side, your game is sure to improve. Have fun and keep practicing. But, it is always fun to win.