Countless people derive euphoric thrills from playing or watching the game of basketball. In the game of basketball, there is much to learn about. The following tips can help basketball players at every level.

One of the most important things to understand is when to make the shot. Taking a dangerous shot can result in the ball being overturned. If you do not feel comfortable making the shot, pass it to a teammate and either let them make the shot or get into a better position to make the shot.

When you have the ball, make sure you change your direction frequently. The entire court is open to you, and it is important to take advantage of that fact. As you move to the right or the left, make sure you shift your weight accordingly to have the easiest experience moving with the ball.

It is important that you practice layups. You should expect layups to represent about 80% of all the shots you take in a game. When you practice, be sure to run at the goal with full speed, jumping and shooting in a smooth series of motions. This type of technique will translate well into actual game situations.

To become a good rebounder, learn how to box out your opponent properly. The idea is that when a shot is taken, you turn towards the basket and block your opponent from getting a good position to rebound. The best rebounders have mastered this skill and own the space right near the basket.

When dribbling, try to keep the ball low to the ground. This makes it more difficult for opponents to steal the ball away from you while dribbling. Keep the ball low and pass it from hand to hand while weaving in and out through your opponents. This will help you maintain control of the ball.

Would you like to learn how to fool your opponent? Try the back pass. Perform this pass by holding the ball using your dominant hand. The next step is to draw the ball behind you. The last step is to flick your wrist in the direction you want the ball to move. This should be helpful in tricking them team.

Jump on the ground and dive for those loose balls. Don’t be afraid to hit the ground hard and get a little hustle on. Not only will this help the team, but the coach will surely notice your improved effort. Team moral is always a good thing to keep in high numbers.

Always know where the other players are, both on your team and the opposition. You need to know who is close enough to steal the ball from you, who you can pass to and who might be able to rebound if you miss. Staying on top of the game means knowing the lay of the land.

Basketball provides tremendous potential both as a physical activity and as a spectator sport. To make sure that you’re getting the most out of the game, you should know all that you can about the sport. The above information should be helpful for anyone who is interested in learning more about the game.