Give an opening

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If you are defending 1-on-1 let him have a spot to go. He will pass the ball if he has nowhere to go and you don't want that. Try to give him an opening so you can close in on him at the end forcing him in to a bad shot

Try to read eyes

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The point guard, in particular, is the player that makes the decisions. He is the player that passes to open teammates. Look for signs in their eyes that give away their decisions. If he looks one way he might pass the other way(if he is a tricky one).

Stay calm

I learn this the first time I started playing in a league......Never get nervous. The easiest pret are the players that aren't calm. It is easy to steal the ball from a nervous player because it might be his first time playing. This is the main reason why rookies in the NBA are not clutch. The crowd and the thought that they are playing on the big stage is what get's them to make mistakes.

Find your opponents weakness

It's as simple as this...If the dribbler likes to go right, make him go left. If the opponent likes to go left, make him go right( this is a good reason for a ball handler to practice dribbling with both hands).

Do not flop...(unless you are great at it)

Trying to take a false charge will give you a bad reputation with the referees. If you get caught you wont be a refs favorite. Only flop when it looks natural...cheap but that is sometimes what the game is about. Think of the San Antonio Spurs for example, I haven't seen them play a fair game in my life yet they still win.

Foul....if you have to

If a guy thats a little too big for you has a wide open layup, foul him quickly. It is easier to make a layup than a free throw. This is a personal favorite tip.

Dont settle for a jumpshot

Driving in is one of the most important parts of the game. You get easier shot which means more points(unless you cant make a layup).