When you give yourself game goals, you must practice to reach them. However, practice is futile when you’re not doing it correctly to begin with. Keep reading for some basketball pointers that will have you hoop ready in no time.

When learning the game of basketball, it’s easy to get caught up in offensive play. But you should also give plenty of attention to defense. You can win a game, thanks to good defense. Offense gets attention and praise, but when you lack good defense, any team can lose.

TIP! Make it a point to concentrate on both your defensive and offensive skills. Focusing only on offense does not make you a well-rounded player.

Dribble the ball the right way. 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. Don’t look at the ground, always keep your eyes focused forward.

Bounce Pass

You should learn the best way to throw a great bounce pass. In order for a bounce pass to be sufficient, the person should receive the ball around their waist. It’s generally a good idea to pass the ball about three-fourths of the distance between you and the receiving teammate. Although, there will be other circumstances that are involved too.

TIP! Watch your form while you dribble the ball. Instead of using your palm to dribble focus on using your fingertips.

Don’t limit your practice to just playing against the zone defense. While a good chunk of the game will most likely be played in zone, your opponent might flip the switch to man-to-man coverage just to change things up and surprise you. Practice with each type of defense so you will know what to expect.

One great way to pass good is to drill when you can without dribbling. It is quite challenging to play the game without dribbling, but it does make sure you and your teammates make accurate passes. Don’t get too frustrated if you’re having a hard time when you start because after a while passes are going to be more accurate.

If you want to be a jump shooter, avoid pumping iron excessively. It’s important to be strong, but not too strong. Some shooting guards that play professionally have such big arms that their field goal rate went down.

TIP! Dribble while your head is up and your eyes are forward. By focusing your sight on the ball, you cannot be fully aware of your surroundings.

See if your teammates admire something in particular about your game play. They will probably notice the things you do best. It could be your speed, or it could be your back-up abilities. It’s great to get an idea of how your teammates think of your skills, this way you know what areas of the game to focus on.

Remember to spread your fingers when handling the ball. The ball will not get away if you always keep your fingers spread when handling the ball. Try to keep your palm off of the ball as well. Only use your fingers to dribble, pass or shoot.

A good way to develop ball handling skills is to make your forearms and hands stronger. For example, you can improve dribbling skills by adding wrist curls to your routine. Don’t believe you will be able to simply plant yourself someplace, receive the ball and sink a shot. Motion is key to being successful on the court.

TIP! Shooting has much to do with proper balance. While some NBA players are able to launch a ball to the net mid-fall, this is not appropriate for most people.

Accept a charge when you can. A charge can help you take the ball and perhaps set up a foul against the other team. This can devastate a competitor psychologically as well as being a powerful play on the court.

Mix things up offensively to keep the other team’s defense off-balance. When you’re going towards the net you should plant the foot in front and start straightening up. The guard will assume you’re slowing down and start to straighten up, too. As they do, push forward hard and run by them.

Take any opportunity to strengthen your weaker hand and build your skill by using it to brush your teeth or open jars. If you gain more mastery of it in all walks of life, you improve overall control. This will make you a force to be reckoned with on the court.

TIP! Free throws are as much mental as they are physical, like other parts of the game. You’re able to train your whole body to do full free throw motions, but if you’re not mentally prepared, you will fail.

Use exercises that are adapted to your level and needs. Sprint running can help improve on-court speed, while distance running is sure to boost your stamina. You can acquire muscle through weightlifting that helps with hustling and shooting. You will be able to shoot well with this confidence and aggression.

Keep dribbling in the same rhythm, until finally you would like to throw the person guarding you off guard. By dribbling consistently and then breaking it up into a different rhythm that’s fast, you can trick an opponent so you have more time to shoot. The speed as well as the shift in sound combine to cause confusion.

To succeed in basketball you should learn how to change the path of your opponent. Regardless of your position, having this control allows you to limit the other player’s options. This enable you to make the choices on where you are going rather than letting them decide.

TIP! To learn how to pass well, drill without dribbling. This is very hard to accomplish, but it forces you and your fellow players to work on accurate passing skills.

Control your nerves when you are shooting. Concentrate on the basket. Particularly, focus your eyes on the rim’s back when you are about to take a shot. However, for lay-ups, focus your eyes on the spot of the backboard on which you are banking the ball.

A great way to beat teams in zone defense is a penetrating dribble. If you are able to get past your defender, the opposing team will have no option but to switch up their zones. If you are close enough, take the shot. Free the ball by throwing it toward an open player on your team. This enables them to secure the ball and attempt the shot.

When defending against an opponent, it pays to try to get them over onto the sideline. If you leave the middle part of the court open, it gives them more options to stop you or make plays on offense. If you’re able to push them near the sideline, their choices will get more limited.

TIP! Would you like to fool the opposing team? Back passes are a great way to confuse other players. To accomplish this pass, grasp the ball using your dominant hand.

These tips will help you improve your game no matter how frequently you play. Start by mastering one tip and then move on to another. You can play much better basketball by using the tips provided.