Basketball Dribbling and Ball Handling Video Clips, Fundamentals, Drills, and Tips
Most coaches use dribbling and ball handling interchangeably. Though they are linked, the 2 skills are definitely separate.
Dribbling and controlling the ball is a skill that can be practiced alone and is separate from the other ball skills on the court. Ball handling, however, involves knowledge of the game and integrates dribbling, passing and decision-making.
Practicing and improving your dribbling is a simple task. There are innumerable dribbling drills that are in use today that are challenging and effective. The set of drills that have come to be known as "Maravich Drills," (after the late ball-handling wizard Pete Maravich) are widely known. They include drills such as passing the ball around your body, dribble figure 8s, spider dribbling, drop and catch.
Practicing and improving your ball handling requires imagination, as you have to put yourself in game situations.
One of our favorite series of ballhandling drills that helps develop better ballhandlers is the Maravich series! Watch it below.
9 Tips To Improve Your Dribbling & Ball Handling
Here are 9 tips from pro coach Don Kelbick.
Dribble the ball hard. The more time the ball spends in your hand, the more control you have of the ball. The harder you dribble, the quicker it gets back in your hand.
Head up at all times. Look at the rim or a spot on the wall during all practice.
Use your finger tips to control the ball, not your palm.
Use your imagination. Picture when and how you would use each of the dribbles.
Teach mentality. There is too much dribbling for no reason in our game today. I like to teach that the primary purpose for putting the ball on the floor is to get a lay-up. If you don't have an opportunity, don't put it on the floor.
Basketball is a game of length. Work on lengthening the dribble. Work to get your opportunities with 1 dribble. You don't beat defenses with your dribble. You beat people with your feet; you SEPARATE from your defense with the dribble.
Basketball is also a game of angles. Try to move in straight lines. Whenever you make an "East-West" move (something that takes you toward the sideline), re-capture a "North-South" path (direct line to the basket) as quickly as possible.
Don't do things in 2 dribbles that you can do in 1.
Practice outside your comfort zone. Experiment; go faster than you are used to, use your imagination. When working on new skills, don't be concerned with losing the ball. Just pick it up and do it again. If you practice only things that are comfortable, then you will never improve.
More Ball Handling Tips and Articles
Executing The Basketball Pick and Roll
The Importance of the Back Up Dribble and How It Reduces Turnovers Against Pressure
A Secret to Chris Paul's Success - Change of Pace
Handling Ball Screens Like Steve Nash
Chris Paul Hesitation Move & The Importance of Counter Moves [VIDEO]
Other Blog Posts About Ball Handling
Dribbling Practice
"Maravich Drills" are very good at getting players comfortable with the ball. Below are some examples.
Dribble Figure 8's - Spread legs about shoulder width. Dribble the ball through and around legs in a figure 8. Can be done multiple ways - front to back, back to front, low dribbles (as many dribbles as possible with dribble about shoe height), as few dribbles as possible (high dribble about waist high), can even be done walking. For even more of a challenge, try the drill with one hand instead of two.
Spider Dribble - Feet spread about shoulder width. Dribble the ball between your legs in the following manner - left hand, right hand in front of your legs; left hand, right hand behind your legs. Work to as fast a possible.
Drop and Catch - Hold ball between your legs with right hand in front of your body, left hand behind. Drop the ball and exchange you hand position and re-catch the ball before it hits the ground.
These are just examples. There are too many of these drills to list here. Pete Maravich devised these drills out of his imagination, his need for challenge and his drive to improve. You do not need to be bound by other people's drills; challenge yourself to come up with your own drills.
Dribbling Warm Ups
I prefer to practice skills in combinations that are relevant to multiple aspects of the game. It saves time and instills a great sense of urgency.. It
saves time and has a great sense of urgency. One of the ways I do this is to add dribbling into my stretching exercises.
Hamstring Stretch - While dribbling with your right hand, cross right leg over left. Bend at the waist, touch the floor with your left
hand and bring your dribble down to shoe top level. Hold for an 8 count. Reverse position and switch hands.
Lower Body and Achilles Stretch - Dribble waist high while standing up. Step as far forward with your right leg as you can, keeping
your back straight and your left heel on the ground. At the same time bring your dribble forward of your right foot, keeping the ball at
shoe-top height. Hold for an 8 count and then stand up. Switch legs and dribble hand.
Crossover - Same as above except, step forward with left leg. As foot goes to the floor, switch hands, right to left, keeping
dribble shoe top height. Cross back when standing up.
Through Legs - Same as above except instead of crossing over, put ball through legs at shoe top height.
Multiple Through Legs - Same as above except put ball through legs 3 times (left, right, left) on quick, successive dribbles
shoe top height.
Torso Twist - Spread legs outside of shoulder width, dribble with right hand. Keeping legs straight, bring ball across body to
left side, outside left foot and dribble at shoe top height behind left foot.
These are just samples. You can develop a dribble stretch for any part of the body.
Two Ball Dribbling Drills & Videos:
I think the most effective way to improve your dribble, however, is by using 2 balls. Any dribble or drill you can do with 1 ball, you can do with 2.
Stationary practice at first will build confidence. Stand on the baseline and try to control both balls. Then start to move. Go half court, then full court. Follow
the lines around the court or in any route you can come up with.
To see more DRILLS & VIDEOS Click Here.
The difference between dribbling and ball handling is intent. Dribbling is the skill of controlling the ball as you bounce it to the floor. Ball handling (at least 1 aspect of ball handling) is what you do with that dribble.
Whether you use it to go to the basket, make a passing angle, escape from pressure or anything else, those situations have to be imagined and practiced.
Here are some situational drills:
Full Court Lay-ups - Start on the baseline. Dribble full court with right hand in 5 dribbles and make a lay-up, come back with left hand. Then reduce the number of dribbles to 4 and then to 3.
Chair Changes - Place a chair about 21 feet from the basket. It can be on top, on the wing, or in the corner. Start about 8-10 feet beyond the chair. Dribble straight at the chair. At the chair, use a change of direction dribble (crossover, inside out, behind back, etc) to go beyond the chair and make a lay-up. Try to get to the point where you only need one dribble to get to the lay-up. Practice all the changes.
Two up - Two back - Set a chair such as in the drill above. Take 2 hard dribbles at the chair. When reaching the chair, take 2 backup dribbles. After the second dribble, push ahead into 1 dribble lay-up or pull-up jumpshot.
Dropstep Dribble - (works on footwork and ballhanding)
Chair Curl - This is another great multi use drill. It combines shooting, ball handling and speed and high intensity change in direction.
Chair Curl Phase 2 (With 2 Chairs)
Two Ball Dribbling Drills & Moves - Excellent way to improve one on one moves.
Basketball Pick and Roll Drills
Shooting drills can also be adapted to work on ball handling aspects by adding changes of direction and pivoting to create 1 and 2 dribble opportunities for either jumpers or lay-ups.
Once you have developed a feel for the ball, it's very important that you practice your ball handling in competitive, game-like situations with defenders present. In the DVD 30 Competitive Skill Development Drills, you will find 12 drills that are specific to improving your ball handling skills in game-like situations.
More Dribbling and Ball Handling Drills
Coaches, go here for more Dribbling & Ball Handling Drills
Players, go here for more Dribbling & Ball Handling Drills
Recommended Training Resources:
Youth Ball Handling & Workout App - Over 200 ball handling and footwork drills. 24 Different Levels.
SKLZ Court Vision dribble goggles will help you develop better ball control and improved awareness of the whole court. They force players to handle the ball with their head up to survey the court...(more info)
Basketball Ball Handling Drills - Basketball Tips
Basketball Tip
Presented by Lance Von Vogt, Camp Director Nike Boys Basketball Camp William Jessup University
Daily work on ball handling skills is a key component to our basketball camps in Rocklin, CA. Ball handling is the easiest way to work on your game and become a great all-around player as all you need is a ball and a flat surface.
Just as in all areas of basketball, the foundation of working on ball handling is to make sure you are balanced and in an athletic position. Dribbling the ball in a balanced position, make sure your knees are bent and your chest is up; this enables you to look forward and see the floor. Avoid looking down while you dribble as that takes away from your court vision. Lastly, use your fingertips to dribble the ball and spread your fingers out, as it helps cover the ball and give you more control of your dribble. Only using your arms (do not use your entire body), dribble the ball as quick and hard as you can without worrying about making mistakes. If you lose your ball, no big deal, just retrieve it and start from where you left off.
Remember, practice makes perfect, and you can only make perfect by practicing outside your comfort zone!
With that being said, here is a solid warm-up and 4 ball handling drills we practice at our Nike Boys Basketball Camp at William Jessup University:
WARM-UP
Ball Slaps – slap ball as hard as you can with one hand as the other hand holds the ball. Rotate hand on every slap.
Finger Tips – Extend arms out and push ball back and forth with your fingertips. Once you feel comfortable with the ball extended out in front of you, move the ball high above head and low in front of your ankles working the ball in the same way.
Wraps – Wrap ball around your head, then around your waist, and finally around your ankles. Do each one separate, and then do all three together as one rep.
Figure 8 – Wrap ball around legs going in front in between your legs first then wrapping behind one knee. Then bring ball back in front in between legs then behind other knee. Continue that motion continuous.
BALL HANDLING DRILLS
Pound Dribble (1 Ball) – Dribble the ball as hard as you can with one hand, not allowing the ball to go higher than just above your knees. After 30-45 seconds, rotate hands.
2 Ball Dribbling – Similar to the one hand pound except for you are now dribbling with both hands at one time. You can do 2 ball rhythm and 2 ball alternating for 30-45 second each.
Single Leg Dribbling(1 Ball) – Dribble the ball with the Right hand making circles around your Right leg, the alternate doing the same with the Left hand and leg.
Figure 8 Dribble (1 Ball) – Same as Figure 8 in warm-up, but now we are dribbling the ball instead of wrapping it.
Check out more basketball training tips to help take your game to the next level!
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5 Basketball Exercises to Move the Ball with Passes
There is nothing better than watching a team move the ball quickly and efficiently around the court without greed.
Overcoming the defense with smart passing the ball to each other, creating situations for open shots and passes is one of the great offensive techniques.
Want your team to do it?
Basketball passing exercises in this article will help you with this.
But first let me explain something very important...
There are two types of training exercises:
1. Technique for passing the ball.
2. Decision making during transfers.
Unfortunately, most coaches only focus on the "technical" aspect of training and forget how to train their team's decision-making ability when it comes to sharing the ball.
Your players will not improve their game passes by doing thousands of repetitions of chest passes.
While technical drills have their place, they are far less important than passing drills with decision making.
We must let the players learn how to read the defense and make the right decisions.
In addition, ball passing exercises are great for starting a workout to warm up your team and get them to communicate and work together.
5 ball passing exercises.
1. Advance
How the drill works:
Players form 3 columns evenly distributed along the end line. The two outside players start with the balls.
3 players advance across the court passing the ball back and forth to the middle player and then finish the exercise with two shots from under the basket.
Purpose:
A fun passing exercise that works on catching and passing without running, with communication, timing, and shooting from under the basket at game speed.
Formation:
Players form 3 columns behind the end line.
Two players on the outside lines have balls.
Instructions:
3 players (1, 2 and 5) begin to move forward on the court. The 1st outside player passes the ball to the 2nd player in the middle line.
Immediately upon receiving the ball, the center line player returns the ball to the same player on the touchline.
The 1st middle player then turns to the other side and receives a pass from the 5th outside player and immediately returns the ball to him.
Outside players may use 1-2 steps to avoid running.
The drill continues until the players reach the opposite 3-point line. When this happens, the two outside dribblers go to the basket and shoot.
The group then waits at the opposite end for the rest of the groups to complete the exercise before starting the exercise on the other side. On the right scheme at the top, the three players (4, 3 and 2) continue the exercise according to the scheme described above.
Options:
Medium or 3-point shots. Instead of ending with a run to the basket, players may end with mid-range shots or 3-point shots.
Back and forth - Instead of waiting at the other end, the troika can complete the drill both ways. Only now the threes are placed on both end lines and begin the exercise when the three from the opposite side return to their half of the court.
One Ball - If you are coaching very young players, you can run this exercise with one ball until the players understand how it works.
Coach's notes:
Passes must be passed on the move in front of the player using proper passing technique.
The receiver must hold his hands at goodie level, showing 10 fingers and calling for the ball to be passed to him.
The middle player must catch the ball and quickly pass the ball to a running partner. Don't run!
Shooting technique while moving from under the basket is very important in this exercise. Watch your footwork and make sure all players are doing it right.
2. Monkey in the middle
How the exercise works:
Players are divided into groups of three. Each group has one ball. The two transmitters lined up 12 to 15 feet apart. The third player in the group is the "monkey in the middle". He tries to hit or steal the ball. The two outside players must pass the ball to each other without using cross passes or dribbling. Simply turning and using feints to open up the passing line and pass the ball past the defender.
Goal:
A fun exercise that works on defense at the same time. This exercise will teach players how to use feints and turns to create a passing zone and also to protect the ball.
Lineup:
• Groups of 3 players.
• Each group has one ball.
• The passers are lined up 12-15 feet apart with the third player (back) in the middle.
Instructions:
1. The drill starts with the defender attacking the player who starts the drill with the ball.
2. The attacker uses feints and steps to pass to another attacker while the defender attempts to parry or intercept the pass.
3. After each pass, the defender rushes towards the ball carrier and tries to press the ball again.
4. When the defender recovers the ball or kicks the ball, the players change positions.
Variations:
Change after a certain time - Players can change positions
after a certain period of time (depending on the age of the players, their strength and stamina), and not after each interception and elimination. For example, 30-40 seconds.
One dribbling available. Let the attacking players hit the ball once to the floor to open up the passing corner. It will be tougher for the defender.
Only bounce passes allowed - in order to make it more difficult for attackers, allow them to only bounce passes.
Notes:
• It is very important for a defender to have active arms and legs at all times. This is the best way to intercept.
• Passing players must wait for the defender to recover before making the next pass. The purpose of the training is to learn how to pass and create passing angles.
• If there is no set time, the offensive player must not hold the ball for more than 5 seconds without passing the ball.
• No passing in an arc! They make the drill too easy for the attackers and will not lead to improvement.
3. Swing passes
How the exercise works:
The team is divided into 4 groups in the corners on half the court. The players make a pass to the player on the right, who start running along the sideline towards the endline. The sender then joins the end of the column into which he passed the ball.
Purpose:
A drill intended to be used primarily with young players or as a warm-up. This training will improve passing the ball on the move, as well as improve reception and passing without dribbling.
Lineup:
• The team is divided into 4 groups. One group located in each corner.
• The first player in one of the groups has the ball.
Instructions:
1. The drill is started by ball carrier 02 passing the ball 01 to the player on the right.
2. Before passing the ball, the receiver must start running in the direction of the next group, where he will make the next pass of the ball.
3. 01, having received the ball, passes it to player 05, who starts a dash towards 03.
4. After each pass, the passer joins the end of the group where the ball was passed.
5. The exercise continues according to the same scheme with passes and jerks of the players along the square in the same direction.
6. After a certain period of time, the coach changes the direction of the passes.
Options:
Turn on the second ball. If the players perform confidently, then you can enter the second ball in the opposite corner.
Various types of passes - The drill can be performed with one or two hand passes, bouncing, etc. One Dribbling - Players are allowed to make one dribbling before passing to the next player. This can be useful if you are passing with one hand.
TIPS:
• The receiver does not need to slow down or speed up to catch a transmission. Transfers must be accurate, timely and forward.
• The receiver must initiate the snatch in a timely manner with arms outstretched to assist the passing player in making a timely and accurate pass.
• It is very important that you do not make any mistakes during the exercise. Don't let them fall into this bad habit.
• Begin the exercise at medium speed at the beginning until the players understand it. Then increase the intensity.
4. Bronze gears.
How the drill works:
Starting at the end line at the edge of the penalty area, pairs of players pass the ball back and forth using different passes as they run across the court to the other end line. When they get there, they move closer to the touchline and come back using various passes over the players in the middle of the court.
Purpose:
An excellent warm-up that provides many passes in a short amount of time. Including passes of various lengths and types for players in training.
Line-up:
• All players find a partner.
• Each pair has one ball.
• Pairs split into two columns behind the endline at the edge of the SR.
Instructions:
• 1. The first pair move to the opposite side at a slow pace in the middle of the court, passing the ball from the chest to each other.
• 2. As soon as the first pair is closer to the 3-point line, the next pair starts.
• 3. When the first pair of players reach the opposing endline, they move to the touchlines and return, passing the ball over the pairs of players moving in the middle of the court.
• 4. When the players return to their starting position, they rejoin the pairs in the middle of the court and continue continuous training.
• 5. Every couple of minutes, change the type of passes players make for middle pairs and outside pairs.
Options:
Gears for pairs in the middle. For the mid lanes, there are several types of passes that I recommend: from the chest, with a rebound, one-handed from the chest, and one-handed with a rebound.
Outline Passes - For outside lines there are several types of passes that I recommend: chest passes, overhead passes, one hand passes.
Remember to consider your team's age, strength and skill level when deciding which passes they should use during practice.
Tips:
• Follow the pace of the exercise; especially if it is used as one of the warm-up exercises. Walking should not be allowed, but too much traffic should also be avoided. Accurate transmission is the main focus of training.
• Players on the outside lines must not make too many passes in an arc and with a very high trajectory on their passes. They should be at a height that is safe enough not to hit the midlines, but straight enough to reach your partner quickly.
• The ability to pass the ball with either hand is an important skill to develop. Expect mistakes when your players first perform a drill, but make sure you train them properly.
• Footwork is very important during this workout. Players must be able to catch the ball and pass back to their partner in two steps. If you are training young children and they cannot pass the ball at speed yet, slow down the pace of the exercise.
• After each run around the court, the players must switch to the sides so that they practice passing short and long passes from both sides of their body.
5. Netball
How the exercise works:
regular battle without dribbting the ball is allowed at any time. Games can be played 3 on 3, 4 on 4, or 5 on 5.
Target:
An excellent exercise that improves not only passing the ball, but also moving without the ball, positioning, jerking, etc. This exercise will lead to less use of dribbling in games and fewer losses.
Lineup:
• Divide the players into two teams based on the number of players available for training.
• Try to make teams of the same height and skill level.
• Only one ball is needed for training.
Instructions:
1. Teams play normal full game - no dribbling!
2. The exercise is performed within the time specified by the trainer.
3. Start with the arrangement shown in the diagram.
Point system:
• The game is played up to either 5 or 11 points.
• Each 2-point roll is worth 1 point.
• Each 3-point roll is worth 2 points.
• Must win by 2 points.
• In the event of a shooting foul, the offensive player throws one free throw for 1 point.
Variations:
One Shot Allowed - Players are allowed 1 dribbling when they gain possession of the ball. This is not a requirement, just an option.
Only bounce passes allowed - Restrict your players to only use bounce passes.
3 teams. The exercise starts by dividing your team into 3 groups of 3 to 5 players. Two teams start defense in each half. The third team is in the middle of the court on offense. The offensive team chooses one side and tries to score the ball without dribbling. Same scoring system as above. After a goal is scored or the possession of the ball is changed, the defensive team receives the ball, attacks in the opposite direction. The previous offensive team may play defense up to the center line of the court. Play until one team reaches 5 or 11 points.
Tips:
• It's very important to give players instructions on how to set up wide and run smart to get the ball.
• If you need to step in to make adjustments or re-emphasize the most important points of the exercise (distance, snatches), step in but keep it short.
• All passes must be at least 3 feet long. Don't let the players run up and pass the ball from each other's hands.
• Footwork is important in this exercise. Make sure the players are not running and that they are using turns correctly.
• Players must speak and use raised arms when rushing to the basket to receive the ball.
V. Melnichuk transfer 07/23/2018
Slamdunk Journal :: Receptions in basketball
Our phone number is 8-800-603.
What techniques exist and how they differ
Let's first deal with the definition: playing techniques are skills that a professional player must possess. Sounds simple, but what exactly are the skills in basketball? What should an amateur who wants to improve the performance of his game pay attention to? Let's figure it out.
The main goal in basketball is to successfully hit the ball into the basket, and everything that happens on the court only leads the players to this moment. There are skills that basketball players work out in training to bypass rivals and make a successful shot.
Before we list them, let us remind you that basketball is a team sport, and even the most successful players do not master all the tricks perfectly. With a serious approach to training, you should decide on your position on the site and especially carefully work out the necessary techniques.
So the post must deftly pick up the ball under the basket and throw it right into the basket. Back row players are highly regarded for their ability to pass and make accurate shots from medium to long distances. And for an attacking basketball player, it is extremely important to be able to make lightning-fast breakthroughs to the ring. All these techniques and skills are practiced in training.
What are the basic skills?
Holding the throw. Performed with two hands. Widely spaced fingers hold the ball from both sides. One of the basic skills for any player.
Catching the ball. Another basic skill that no basketball player can do without. But are you sure you know how to do it right?!
The easiest way to catch the ball is at chin level. To do this, you need to take a small step forward and stretch your arms towards the ball with widely spread fingers - a “funnel”. In this case, the thumbs should be directed towards each other and brought together up to 3-5 centimeters. This will save you from slipping and hitting the ball in the face if you catch it at high speed. At the moment the ball touches the fingers, you need to make a shock-absorbing movement and transfer it to the chest. When catching the ball above the head, the actions are similar, but you need to extinguish the speed of its flight from the top-front, and then transfer it to the chest in an arc.
One of the most difficult tricks is catching the ball flying behind. Such a pass is often used to quickly break through to the opponent's ring. For him, without slowing down, make a slight turn of the shoulder and head towards the ball, and then catch it with the far hand and move it to the chest with a raking movement.
Basic passing techniques:
There are several technically correct ways to pass the ball. One of the most basic is a transfer with two hands from the chest. In this position, the ball is most protected from the attacks of opponents, and besides, the transfer from the chest is the most accurate and reliable, regardless of whether it is carried out on the spot or while the player is moving.
Two-handed downshift is more commonly used after stops and turns. During the swing, the ball is taken to the thigh, after which it is sent to another player with a sharp movement of both hands. Such a transfer is effective for beating especially tall opponents.
One-handed passes are less accurate and more often used when speed is important. Their development should be given special attention in training in order to achieve maximum strength and accuracy.
The shoulder pass is used when the ball needs to be passed as far and as fast as possible, and the hook pass, performed in an arcing motion, is good for passing the opponent.
To get around a nimble and agile opponent, a rebound pass will also be good. It can be done with one or two hands. In this case, the push of the ball must be strong, and the rebound point must be closer to the receiving player.
What about dribbling?
Dribbling is the most basic thing in basketball. What makes this sport different from the rest. Simply put, dribbling is dribbling. It allows the player in possession of the ball, without violating strict basketball rules, to enter a position convenient for attacking, approach the ring and score the ball. The dribbling is carried out by elastic pushes of the ball with the fingers. It is dribbling that should be given special attention in training beginners.
Well-developed dribbling technique will teach you not only how to move on the court, but also skillfully take the ball away from your opponents, which will bring you closer to the coveted ring.
But we already wrote about how to properly throw the ball into the ring in our other article;)
Slamdunk.su
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If you don't have an opportunity, don't put it on the floor.
Below are some examples.
You do not need to be bound by other people's drills; challenge yourself to come up with your own drills.
Hold for an 8 count and then stand up. Switch legs and dribble hand.
Any dribble or drill you can do with 1 ball, you can do with 2.
Stationary practice at first will build confidence. Stand on the baseline and try to control both balls. Then start to move. Go half court, then full court. Follow
the lines around the court or in any route you can come up with.
24 Different Levels.
Ball handling is the easiest way to work on your game and become a great all-around player as all you need is a ball and a flat surface.
Rotate hand on every slap. 
You can do 2 ball rhythm and 2 ball alternating for 30-45 second each. 
The two outside players start with the balls. 
This exercise will teach players how to use feints and turns to create a passing zone and also to protect the ball. 
For example, 30-40 seconds. 
The players make a pass to the player on the right, who start running along the sideline towards the endline. The sender then joins the end of the column into which he passed the ball. 
Don't let them fall into this bad habit. 
The first pair move to the opposite side at a slow pace in the middle of the court, passing the ball from the chest to each other. 
The previous offensive team may play defense up to the center line of the court. Play until one team reaches 5 or 11 points. 
Sounds simple, but what exactly are the skills in basketball? What should an amateur who wants to improve the performance of his game pay attention to? Let's figure it out. 
All these techniques and skills are practiced in training. 
It is dribbling that should be given special attention in training beginners. 
