Basketball was created by a man named Dr. Since that time it has gained steadily in popularity around the world. Since then, it has blown up to become one of the most popular sports of our time. There were many great basketball players. J to Magic Johnson, it has made celebrities out of its best players. If you’re wanting to know what goes into becoming a good basketball player, keep reading this article.

Do not practice by playing against the zone defense. While you might see a zone defense mostly, a team can switch defenses to man-to-man quickly in order to confuse you. Practicing these techniques can give you a competitive edge over your competition.

TIP! Practice your passes and catches frequently. When you practice, be sure to do drills that improve catching wild throws and making great passes.

Don’t pump a lot of iron if you wish to become a jump shooter. You do need muscle conditioning and strength, but you can have too much when it comes to shooting field goals. Some shooting guards that play professionally have such big arms that their field goal rate went down.

Hand signals can help stop you from turning the ball over. One thing that can frustrate you when playing basketball is to try and pass while a player is trying to run to the basket. The use of hand signals can help you avoid this difficulty. Without a signal, players shouldn’t attempt to pass.

The key to ball control is to spread your fingers out. The ball will not get away if you always keep your fingers spread when handling the ball. Don’t let your palms touch it. You should try your best to only hold onto the ball with your fingertips when passing and shooting.

TIP! Practice basketball in season and out of season. Basketball is sport played in teams, but there are times when no one is around to play with you.

When you work out, try focusing on building core strength and bettering your footwork. A strong core allows you to be more balanced during games. Focus on your hip, abdomen, and back muscles. Jump rope like a boxer to improve your fancy footwork.

Try practicing how to pass while looking in another direction. This will easily confuse your opponents. This will give the person that you passed the ball to a chance to make their move before your opponent can correct from their mix up. When done smoothly it can be a game changer.

If you want to make the most of your layup, push up from the foot that is opposite the hand you will shoot from. Practice shooting using your right hand, then jump off your left foot. Your body remains balanced while you move towards the basket.

TIP! If posting up is what you’re doing, you have to have good footwork to get open for a shot. While physical presence under a basket is important, finding a decent spot before the opponent is even more so.

Hard dribbling helps avoid stolen balls. The ball returns more quickly to your hand when you do this, giving the opponents fewer opportunities to steal it from you. If your opponent is playing you up close, stop what you’re doing and quickly look to find and open teammate to pass the ball to.

Make sure that the pace changes when you are on defense. When running toward the hoop, plant your leading foot and start to straighten up. Your guard will do the same, thinking you plan to stop. Once that happens, switch tactics and move forward. You should go right past them.

When you are on the defense, the key is to stay as low as you can. This helps your reaction time against your opponent. Maintain your proper defensive stance no matter what. When you must break from your stance in order to block shots, make sure to return to form right away.

TIP! Don’t play while injured or else your injury will worsen. You can easily tear a muscle or even break a finger while playing.

To become a better three-point shooter, make sure you attempt shots from where the NBA three-point line would be. The international line is much closer. If you are able to make NBA-range three-point-shots, you will be able to find more open looks during your own games.

Stop Dribbling

Only stop dribbling when you are prepared to shoot or pass. Once you stop dribbling, you are extremely limited in your options. If you choose against passing or shooting, you are stuck pivoting in place. This situation leaves you vulnerable to a double team by the defense, and you risk losing the ball.

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

The best way to become a better player is to talk to your teammates and know what they are going to be doing. Basketball requires a team. This means that defense and offense are not one-on-one. Everyone has each others’ backs. Communicate well with your teammates about the help you need, and everyone wins.

Dribble in a rhythmic way until you desire to catch the opposing player off guard. Your opponent is looking for the best opportunity to steal the ball, and switching it up can break their concentration. Not only the speed change, but the sound change is what confuses them most.

Try to alter the path of your opponent. No matter what side of the ball you’re on, being able to direct your opponents movements is key to winning. It also allows you to have the freedom to move to an increasingly powerful position.

TIP! You need to be quick to be good at basketball. If you can play quicker than the opposing team can, then you will be at an advantage.

You should never double dribble. To keep from double dribbling, simply refrain from starting to dribble a second time after you have already stopped dribbling once in that same possession. When you stop, you have to shoot or pass. You cannot start dribbling again. When you do that, it’s called a turnover. It will cause you to have to surrender the ball to the opposing team.

It is important to know what to do when the ball comes to you. Should you shoot it or pass it? Having a wide open shot is key to making it, instead of passing it off to someone who isn’t open, or shooting it yourself in that spot.

The basic requirements for a basketball game are relatively modest. A handul of players, a solid court, and a net are the only things needed to play. You must have a powerful knowledge base if you wish to play ball well. Use these tips to improve your game and keep getting better.