This is a quick tips section for all aspects of playing basketball. We'll eventually have basketball tip sections that get far more specific. This is just quick stuff to remember.

SHOOTING

Practice shots that you'd take in a game. Stand still, catch and shoot. Stand still, catch, dribble and shoot. Catch while on the move and shoot. Catch while on the move and fake or just go right into the dribble and then shoot. And, creating off of fakes (while a pivot foot is planted). Make sure you square up to the basket when shooting. Both feet should be pointing at the basket, and your body should square up to it. Make sure your power is coming from your legs, not your arms. Remember to follow-through on your shot. Practice like crazy. And be intense. Don't be lazy, work hard. If you half-heartedly practice getting shots off, they won't be very effective when a tough defender is near you in a real game.

PASSING

Be alert. Fire quick passes that people can handle. If someone cuts, and you fire a pass at them, make sure you're leading them to where they're running with the pass, so they don't have to slow down to catch it. After you pass, keep moving, so you're of some use in the play. If it makes sense, cut hard to the basket after you pass, in the hope that your teammate can fire a quick return pass that results in a lay-up because your defender relaxed for a second after you got rid of the ball. And when your teammates have the ball, create passing lanes, so they can hit you with a pass. Use your hands to create targets. If you cut, have a hand up so the passer can hit it.

DRIBBLING

Dribble with your head up. If you have to look down while dribbling, it means you haven't practiced enough. Dribble all over town until you get used to it. Watch good point guards - they're looking forward and around while dribbling, not down. Get down low if you have to. but make sure you're seeing the floor while dribbling, or else unless you create something for yourself and score, you probably aren't helping the team. Learn to dribble with both hands. Obviously one hand will be stronger than the other, but make sure you can at least pull off basic moves with your weak hand (like driving and finishing a lay-up or passing with it). Watch good players and what they're actually doing with the ball and their bodies while they're dribbling the basketball.

REBOUNDING

You need to box out. Most players don't know how, or just don't do it. If the shot goes up and you don't box out, the other team has just a good a chance of grabbing the board as you do. Boxing out is absolutely essential when you're on defense, or else you're going to give up lots of offensive boards. Great rebounders always box out. You should know where your opponents are while playing defense, and when a shot goes up you should instinctively face the basket while boxing the closest opponent out. Boxing out also makes it easier for your teammates to grab the rebound in case you can't. It always helps.

Many things that will help you improve your game and get more game time.

Eat right before a practice or a game ( If you go to a game eating the wrong foods or not eating at all, you'll get weak. ) Ive had some friends faint during practice probably from not eating. Carbohydrates is good so for you so be sure to get a lot of that in your system. Its like you fuel.

Exercise: You may think you get enough work out from basketball practice but it wouldn't hurt to practice more on days you don't have practice. Running is good. If you get tired too easily from running in games and practice, maybe you should try running more so you can increase your endurance.

Study hard: my coach always say that family and school should be your first priorities. Not basketball. Getting bad grades could get you out of the team or suspended so remember to study. Also, remember that if you plan to join the NBA, its a slim chance making it so please have a something to back things up. If you don't make it and you don't have the proper education, watch going to do? Flip burgers?

Know your consequences: If your in a team, and you have a bad habit of interrupting class, getting in fights, going tardy, this will affect your game time. Think before you do anything stupid. I don't care how bad a man talks about your mama, just walk away.

Coaches usually punish people as a team, not individually. So if your team mate gets in a fight, the coach will most likely get mad at all of you and make you run till you almost DIE! You see a friend doing something stupid, you better stop him or its all your asses.