Basketball is a game adored by people world-wide. It is easy enough that anyone of any age can enjoy it. Playing teaches you cooperation and sportsmanship. When you want to learn all you can about basketball, the content below is a must read.

Make sure you are dribbling the right way. You’ll want to use your fingertips to dribble instead of using your palm. This allows you to control the ball much better while you dribble. When dribbling the basketball you should bounce it to your side instead of right in front. Keep your eyes up.

TIP! Make sure you are dribbling the right way. Proper dribbling technique involves use of the fingertips, not the palm of the hand.

You can improve your passing skills by practicing a simple drill where dribbling is forbidden. It is hard to play with no dribbling, but it will help your team make great passes. Try not to lose yourself in frustration if you do not master it immediately, with the more time that passes with you and your team practicing, the more accurate they will become.

When developing your jumping skills, limit your use of weight-training. Muscle flexibility is more important than muscle mass. Some shooting guards worked on their arms so much that they started lowering their percentage of field goals.

Good footwork is important when you’re posting up in the paint. You always want to beat your opponent to the open spot. After establishing good position, you need to make sure you hold it. Good footwork is key to a good basketball game.

TIP! Concentrate on your strong points if you want to improve your game. Your talents might not make you a star, but when you make the most of your strengths, you might better contribute to your team.

Never try to push through pain after an injury. It is possible to receive an injury when playing basketball because it is a sport that is physically challenging. Being tough is one thing, but playing through injury can only harm you even further and make the problem much worse. If you are seriously injured, obtain medical care.

Make sure, no matter what else happens, you can see where the ball is. This will help you stay on top of quick changes in possession or plays attempted by your opponent. Always watch for areas opening up where you can go for a quick basket.

Stay conscious of your foot motion and placement. You will be called out of bounds if even one toe is touching the baseline as you hold the ball. Going too many steps with no dribbling is a waking call and turnover situation. Being aware of your body movements can give you an advantage on the court.

TIP! You can improve your skills by paying attention to how the pros play. You can follow the pros in online videos, on TV and you can also attend a basketball game if there is a pro team in your area.

Create and stick to a routine each time you prepare to shoot a free throw. You could dribble twice, touch your forehead, bend your knees, or some other kinds of movements. Having a consistent routine is ideal, and that helps train your body to know how to be in the proper position every time you shoot the free throw.

If the opposition is hot on your tail, pass between your legs. Bounce the ball very hard through your legs while stepping to the front or the back. This technique can really throw off defenders.

If you want to make a 2-3 zone into something special, have the guards remain put until the opposing team’s guard makes their way about ten feet in from mid-court. Then your defending guards should encircle the point guard to trap him in place. Simultaneously, forwards should block sprint toward wing players. The guard on point should make a pass that can easily be stolen by the forwards.

TIP! Passing the ball is an important part of playing basketball so practice making and receiving passes. You should practice catching errant passes, along with perfectly executed ones.

Keep on dribbling until your shot or passing opportunity is imminent. If you stop, you limit your options. If you don’t shoot or pass, you are going to be pivoting with your back foot. This causes you to be wide open to some double teaming by the other team and increase your chances of having the ball stolen.

Be sure your exercise off the court is going to help you on the court. Sprint running can help improve on-court speed, while distance running is sure to boost your stamina. If you need to perform better shots, work on your resistance by doing some weight lifting. You will also gain aggression and confidence that will help you when shooting.

Stay in communication with your teammates. Basketball requires a team. Offense and defense aren’t up to the individual. Everyone helps everyone else. Talk to them and let them know you need help and you will all play better.

TIP! Keep your skills sharp in the off-season by playing different challenging games. Basketball is sport played in teams, but there are times when no one is around to play with you.

Practice rhythmic dribbling up until the point you wish to shake an opposing player. By mixing up your regular dribbling rhythm with a faster pace, you will throw your opponent off guard, perhaps leaving you with an open shot or pass. It’s not just the speed, it’s the change in sound too that can stymy the person guarding you.

Why is basketball a game that’s so popular? It’s because it is both simple and fun. These tips will be very valuable to you if you love basketball. Have fun playing, and improve your own gameplay by applying these tips.