It is about time you learned about basketball. Even if you are a basketball player, there are things left for you to learn. But you still lack a bit of knowledge. Perhaps you will pick up a few new ideas from the information provided here. The following article will give you some great basketball tips that you don’t want to miss.

It is tempting to concentrate just on offense when just staring out, but defensive practice is absolutely vital. Basketball games are won with a good defense. Offense is often what gets the glory, but most winning basketball teams play great defense.

TIP! Practice your defense more than your offense. Many times, defense actually wins the game.

Watch your form while you dribble the ball. Proper dribbling technique involves use of the fingertips, not the palm of the hand. This method gives you much more control of the ball. Dribble the ball around the height of your waist, and over to one side. Never look at the ground. Always look up.

Look forward when dribbling. By focusing your sight on the ball, you cannot be fully aware of your surroundings. Take your basketball everywhere. Whenever you are walking and it is appropriate, dribble there. Always look ahead when you are dribbling the ball.

Bounce Pass

TIP! Dribble properly. You’ll want to use your fingertips to dribble instead of using your palm.

Teach yourself how a bounce pass can be properly thrown. The bounce pass needs to reach the player at waist level. One thing you should do is always remember the ball should be bounced three quarters on its way towards the person you’re passing too. This all depends on many factors.

Free throws are mental as well as physical. It is possible to practice the physical movements needed to make such a shot, but when your mental focus is lacking, you are likely to miss. Relax yourself and focus on the hoop.

Would you like to pull one over on the other team? Back passes are a great way to confuse other players. Hold the ball in your strong hand to start the pass. Then you will want to pull the ball into position behind your back. Finally, flick your wrist towards the direction in which you wish that ball to travel. It is an effective means of confusing your opponents.

TIP! If you want to improve your basketball game, you must identify and intensify your strengths. If you can rely on your strengths, you will become a better player.

Hand signals can help stop you from turning the ball over. It is very frustrating when a teammate isn’t open for the perfect pass. Hand signals can be a great way to find out if a teammate will be able to receive your pass. If you don’t receive a signal then realize your teammate is not able to get the pass.

Never play through an injury when playing basketball. This is an aggressive sport, and injuries happen often. Playing through an injury can prolong it which is always bad. If you have a very serious injury, talk to a doctor.

In order to handle the ball correctly, spread your fingers out. This will help prevent the ball from getting away from you while dribbling. Don’t let your palms touch it. Your fingers must be the only things contacting it when you shoot or pass the ball at the target.

TIP! Remember to practice a lot of different possibilities so that you will not limit your game. The majority of game play might take place in the zone, but that doesn’t mean that the opposing team will not try to catch you off guard.

When you’re trying to work out, you should build up your core strength while getting your footwork perfected. Your balance will improve if you strengthen your core. Concentrate your efforts on the back, abdomen, buttocks and hips. Just like with boxing, you can do a little speed and footwork training with a jump rope.

Video tape your games, and then review your technique later. Can you see where you can improve your form? Are there things you might have done differently? Honestly and openly assess your own performance. Sometimes it’s beneficial to look at yourself the way you really look and not just like you think you look.

Practice dribbling with both hands, dribble on both sides of your body and learn to dribble in front of you while taking large strides. When you are ambidextrous, you’ll be a better player. Bind your dominant hand so you will be forced to make use of your weaker side. Your weak hand will soon develop better dribbling skills.

TIP! You can play basketball solo before and during the season. Though basketball is surely a team sport, there may be times when you have nobody to play against.

Understanding your teammates is a vital part of basketball. It takes the efforts of an entire team to succeed. Do not look at playing defense or offense as something to be undertaken by just you and a single opponent. Everyone helps everyone else. Let others know when you require assistance.

Don’t dribble twice in a row with a stop in between. This occurs when you halt the dribble once, only to begin dribbling immediately thereafter. After you quit dribbling the only thing you can do is shoot or pass. You can’t start dribbling again. If you do, you are committing a turnover, and the other team will get the ball.

Make your opponent dribble with their weak hand. If they happen to be right-hand dominant, step at them using your left foot to make them change hands. Keep your head low and be prepared to steal the ball.

TIP! Don’t let the ball go behind your back. Passes and turnovers won’t take you by surprise because you will be more aware of what is happening on the court.

When in possession of the ball, you need to grasp when it is wise to shoot and when you ought to pass. You don’t want to be the player that cost your team the game due to your selfishness.

When you practice dribbling, bounce the basketball as hard as you are able to. Bouncing the ball hard makes it move faster. It also reduces the time a defender has to take the ball away from you. Dribble that hardest you can.

Good footwork can make or break a basketball player. You should know where your feet should be depending on your position. If you have a fast response time and control over your feet, you are more likely to secure the best position. You must have the ability to react quickly with your feet so that you maintain your balance.

TIP! If you’re looking to be the best defensive player that you can be, you’ll want to know your opponent. Watch replays and follow scouting reports.

If you use these tips, you will feel a revived energy when you play the game. Learning can be fun, especially if you love what you are learning. Keep in mind everything that you’ve read here so you’re able to show it off to others. Basketball is fun to play and it’s a great sport to be a part of.