Get More Out Of Your Basketball Game By Using These Tips

Have you been searching all over the place looking for great tips on how to play basketball? Maybe you’re just seeking out some nifty little tricks the pros use? No matter what the reason is, this article offers amazing tips and tricks that are simple to learn and will help you improve your skills.

Many people forget that defense is as important as offense during practice. Defense is essential to winning these games. While everyone focuses on shots made, a good defense can kill the chances of even an amazing shot taker.

One of the first things you need to learn when it comes to basketball is how to guard the ball. To help develop the skills needed for this, ask your friends for a friendly game of basketball. Invite some players who are skilled to teach you how to guard the ball.

As you dribble, bring your body down just a little closer to the ground. This will make it easier to bounce the ball. If the ball has a shorter distance to travel between the ground and your hand, you are less likely to make a mistake that leads to a turnover.

When you are dribbling the ball, be sure that you are doing so with your head up. If you have your eyes on the ball instead while you are dribbling it, you cannot keep an eye on those defending you. This could lead to them stealing the ball away from you.

Don’t force your jumps in basketball. Try to jump as naturally as possible. When jumping and shooting, practice releasing the ball at the top of the jump. Your fingers should simply slide off of the ball and carry it to the basket. Make sure you do not release while going up or down in the jump. Only release at the top.

Never adopt the attitude that the shoes make the player. The latest and supposedly greatest basketball shoes on the market are probably overrated and not truly tested. They also are likely made in the same factory as cheaper shoes that aren’t name brand. Just focus on a decent pair of shoes and the concentrate on your skills.

Try yoga to improve your basketball game. You might not want to tell your teammates about it, since some of them are going to likely laugh. However, the increased flexibility and agility you get helps prevent injuries or at least leaves able to get back up quicker when you get knocked down. Don’t laugh; Kareem Abdul-Jabaar used it to extend his NBA career.

Study you opponent well to give yourself an edge. Study video tape on your opponent and read over any scouting reports. You should know if a player is right or left handed. Defense is more effective when you know what your opponent is likely to do. The more knowledgeable a defender is, the stronger he is.

Getting great tips and tricks can help improve anyone’s game of basketball. You too can become a better player by practicing these simple tricks you’ve learned here. So don’t just sit by and watch everyone else, get out on the court and practice those neat little tricks you’ve just learned!