Many people love the fun game of basketball. The pros make it look easy, but even they practice really hard to be so good. While athleticism and genetics might determine your rank somewhat, basketball can be fun for everyone. Read this article to learn more about the great sport of basketball.

TIP! Learn to correctly dribble the ball. Instead of using your palm to dribble focus on using your fingertips.

Make sure you are looking forward and looking up as you’re dribbling. Anyone who watching the ball while they dribble surely needs to spend more time in the gym practicing. Bring the ball no matter where you go. Dribble as you walk to the market. Paying attention to the ball means you’re not paying attention to the rest of the game.

Quickness is a virtue in basketball. Speed always gives you an edge over your opponent. Regular drilling will increase your speed. Do not try playing faster than you can. Playing beyond your own capabilities sends the game spinning past your ability to control it, and turnovers are bound to occur.

TIP! When dribbling, your head must be up, and you need to look forward. You should never be looking at the basketball while dribbling.

You should always be aware of the position of your feet and their actions. If you fall on a baseline, you will be out of bounds. If you walk without dribbling, you will be called for walking and this will result in a turnover. Avoid lifting your feet when you are screening or in position for a charge or the foul will be called on you instead of your opponent.

Done Properly

TIP! Crossovers are key for ball handlers. In a crossover, you transfer the basketball from hand to hand.

When you are passing the ball, get used to looking in the other direction. Doing this is a great way to confuse your opponents. When done properly, this technique distracts the opposition and gives your pass recipient a chance to focus on the basket. It’s a great play if done properly.

Consistent free throws require a consistent technique. A consistent routine enables the shooter to have a perfect motion every time. The easiest way to make sure you’re doing great at free throws is to do repetitions of the same routines time and again. You are likely to miss your shot if you’re not settled into your routine.

TIP! Get educated on the way to properly pass the ball on a bounce. Proper bounce passes ought to hit the recipient at the level of their waist.

A good basketball drill to perform is to see if you can get the ball down the entire court in 5 or less dribbles. This may seem to be too difficult at first, but once you’re able to do it you’ll have a lot of speed and stride length. It can mean easier lay-ups when dealing with fast breaks and it can help your teammates for just a moment.

If you see a chance to gain control of the ball, take it. Taking charges gives you a chance for earning a defensive stop, gives your team the ball, and gives one more foul called in your favor. This is a great way to take control of the court and intimidate the other team.

TIP! To be a good post-up player in the pain, you need to have really good footwork. While physical positioning is important, it is even more essential to move quicker than an opponent.

Maintain a lower position as you play defense. This stance will keep you ready for whatever comes your way. Maintain proper defensive position at all times. If you break form in an attempt to shot block, return to the proper form as soon as you can.

If you want a 2-3 zone to be turned into a machine that traps, your two defenders that are guarding should wait until your point guard is around ten feet past mid court. They should then trap the point guard. At the same time, have your forwards on the blocks sprint out to the players on the wings. You will see the opposing point guard make a bad pass that anyone on your team can steal.

TIP! Turning away from the ball can be a costly mistake in basketball. You will enjoy greater court awareness and avoid feeling surprised by rapid changes in game play.

When you dribble, bend your knees. The ball is harder to control dribbling when you stand up straight. It also leaves you open to a steal from the opposing team. Just a little bending at the knees can make a huge difference in your overall ball control.

Never stop your dribble unless you are going to shoot or pass the ball. After you have stopped dribbling, your options are quite limited. If you opt to not pass or shoot, you’re left with pivoting on your back foot. This leaves an opening for your opponents to double team and try get the ball away from you.

TIP! Work on passing in a direction you are not looking. Doing this is a great way to confuse your opponents.

Keep the activity below the knees if possible. This makes it more difficult for the opposing players to get control of the ball from you. This takes some stooping and bending, but just move quickly down the court as you thwart the opposition.

To help ward off your opponent, practice using your other hand to help shield him away from you. Never push your opponent away because that ends up in a foul, but lightly use your other hand to keep separation between the ball and your opponent. Try to keep your arm around the same height as the apex of your dribble.

TIP! To be a strong defender, you must have the ability to disrupt and interfere with the opponents’ plans. Force them away from their comfort zone.

Do you want to show off your new skills? Consider first practicing the pointers in this article. Get motivated and hit that court! You will begin to see an improvement in many skills by implementing these tips.