Basketball is such a fun sport and loved by many. It can be hard to become good at it. The game of basketball can still be a fun game even if you don’t rank at the top in genetics and athleticism. The article below will give you some valuable tips to make playing this sport more fun.

It is tempting to concentrate just on offense when just staring out, but defensive practice is absolutely vital. In the end, it’s defense that consistently wins you games. Offense is often what gets the glory, but most winning basketball teams play great defense.

TIP! Dribble properly. Finger tips, not palms, are the key to successful dribbling.

Learn proper dribbling. Avoid using your palm while dribbling. Instead, use your fingertips. Using your fingers allows you to better control the basketball. Bounce the ball no higher than your waist and keep the ball at your side rather than in front. Keep your eyes up.

When dribbling, focus on what’s in front of you by keeping your head up. If you are looking at the ball for any reason while dribbling, you have not put in enough practice. Take the basketball around off-court wherever you are. Dribble while walking to the store. Remember, if you are directly staring at the ball, there’s no way for you to see what’s happening on the court.

You need good balance when you shoot. You have seen how pros shoot a basket from thirty feet away and fall out of bounds, which is not the right technique. These shots are improvisational and usually desperate attempts. Keep your balance so you can consistently win points.

TIP! Making free throws are almost as much a mental part of the game as they are a physical part. 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.

Are you now ready to show off your skills? Or, do you need to practice first? Take all the excitement you have for the sport to lace up your shoes and start improving your game. Before long, you will be a much better player, thanks to these amazing tips.