It is clear from fans around the world that the game of basketball brings happiness to so many people around the world. The truth is that a lot of people could stand to learn more about this exciting sport. Read on and learn about what makes basketball a great sport.

It is important to focus on both offense and defense when learning to play basketball. Victory requires the ability to play defense. Offense is flashier, so it draws the attention of fans and journalists, but a team that can’t defend well won’t win any games.

TIP! Dribbling the ball the right way needs to be done. Proper dribbling technique involves use of the fingertips, not the palm of the hand.

The way to properly dribble is to keep your head up while looking ahead of you. By focusing your sight on the ball, you cannot be fully aware of your surroundings. Take the ball with you wherever you go. Dribble as you walk to the market. Remember, if you are directly staring at the ball, there’s no way for you to see what’s happening on the court.

One of the most important skills when playing basketball is balance. You have seen some crazy shots made by professionals, but these shots aren’t going to be based on fundamentals. These shots are improvisational and usually desperate attempts. You need the right balance to shoot; it is the only way to eventually make consistent baskets.

Focus on your strong point to help you become a better ball player. While you may have a particular skill that isn’t going to make you stand out as the star player, honing it can help you become an integral part of your team’s success. Learn what your strengths are, then practice to perfection!

Bounce Pass

Every great player understands how to properly perform a bounce pass. A bounce pass that’s good is going to end up hitting the other player near their waist. One good rule is for you to bounce the basketball most of the way toward the other player. But, there are some factors that can change this.

If you are good at shooting the ball then the last thing you want to do is lift weights. Being weighed down by too much bulky muscle can have a negative impact on your jump shot. Many guards in the pros have developed their arm muscles too big, which has really harmed their shooting percentage.

TIP! Practice your layup shot often. In a typical game, up to four-fifths of all shots are layups.

If you have a kid wanting to play basketball in high school, be certain that they are properly training their core muscles. The core muscles are the hips, lower back muscles and the abdominal muscles. A core that is not strong enough limits the linkage between arms and legs. By developing a strong core, your legs will follow suit.

Basketball can be a great sport for play and for being a fan. But, to really ensure that you are getting everything basketball has to offer, it pays to get as informed on the topic as possible. This article is a great resource for accomplishing that.