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How to get better ball handles in basketball
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)
27 Best Basketball Handling Drills at Home
Ready to develop a wicked handle like the WNBA’s Chennedy Carter? Improve anytime with the best basketball handling drills to do at home!
Here we’ll share simple drills from NBA pro trainers, Steph Curry’s trainer, the Lakers’ Phil Handy and more, that really work. From wide ground touches to pocket dribbles and double between resets, see new ways to make your game more dynamic and unpredictable.
Just do these once a day to improve quickly and become impossible to guard. Seriously, anyone can get better at dribbling — it just takes focus and commitment. For example, when Breanna Stewart was out with her achilles injury she focused on dribbling drills. And the difference could be seen in her 2020 play, especially in her stunning finals performance.
Plus, the great news is that all you need for these drills are a basketball and a tennis ball, and a little bit of open space like a driveway or basement. By the way, if you need a ball, check out our partner Wilson’s cool basketballs, including our favorite the Evolution. Let’s get started on your basketball homework!
Discover the best basketball handling drills to improve your game (especially for guards)
Check out 27 of the best ball dribbling drills to work through. These drills can be done in isolation, or you can do them in a row. And they get progressively more challenging.
Quick ball handling tips
Be sure to dribble the ball as hard as you can for each one. While you’ll find this is hard to do at first, it will force you to improve your handle faster. And once you can be in control while pounding the ball hard, dribbling in games will be a piece of cake because each move will be tight. Push yourself!
Work on both hands. Try each drill with each hand. Spend more time on your less dominant hand.
Keep your eyes up. In a game, you won’t have the luxury of looking at your toes. Because a defender will be all over you, and you need to read them so you can take advantage of what they’re giving you. It’s OK to start by looking if you have to, but after three times through, no more looks allowed.
Let’s get after it!
1. Double ball bounce from Steph Curry’s personal trainer Brandon Payne
This drill will improve your focus and hand-eye coordination. We’re starting with this one because it really demands you think about basketball and nothing else. It’ll get your concentration up right away.
Start by dribbling a basketball with one hand. In the other hand toss your tennis ball up in the air and catch it. It’s OK to do both simultaneously a few times. But then, try to mix and match the rhythms.
Watch your breathing patterns to ensure you’re not holding your breath anywhere or belaboring your breathing. Ensure your posture is strong, with your back straight and knees bent. And check out your tempo, pushing yourself to go quickly. Then, make sure that the basketball and tennis ball are operating independently so that the speed of the tennis ball doesn’t dictate the speed of the basketball.
Advanced basketball dribbling drill version:
For a more advanced variation, try a bounce catch toss catch where you bounce the tennis ball in front of you, and then dribble the ball under a leg. Then bounce the tennis ball, and dribble under the other leg. Be sure that the basketball ball goes right under your knee, not your quad.
2. Wide ground touches
This one’s going to help get you loose. Do 20 crosses from side to side in front of you. Do a wide crossover and then touch the ground in front of you, with the hand that just sent the ball. Once you get the hang of it, you can pick up your speed a little bit. Make sure you’re dropping your butt, and getting your hips low. Not just leaning over. So try to keep your chest up and open. Send the ball as wide as you can get it.
Advanced basketball dribbling drill version:
For a more advanced variation, dribble the ball between each leg, rather than in front of you. Remember to take a deep breath, and then push yourself as hard as you can.
3. Dribble bounce cross over
This one’s a fairly easy drill that will build on the last two you’ve finished. For this ball handling drill, just dribble the ball in your right hand one time. Then cross over. And dribble in your left. Then cross over. And so on. The key is to really push your speed until you’re almost out of control. Do this for a minute and see how many you can get.
4.
Dribble dribble three ways
For this drill you go in front of you, between your legs, and behind your back. Being with two low pound dribbles, then a front cross over, and bring it back. Followed by two low pound dribbles and between the leg and back. Up next, do two low pound dribbles and go behind the back and send it back. Then send it back and do the same series of three moves on your other side.
Run these sets of six through a total of three times. Picking up the speed as you can. You’ll notice this one is a little mentally taxing with the counting, which is good because in a game you’re going to need to think and act quickly!
5. Dribble jabs are one of the best basketball handling drills
For this one you’ll do 30 reps in each direction. Keep your chest up the whole time. Plant your right foot on the ground and quickly jab with your left foot by moving your foot out away from your body and then back in. This can help push a defender off you, and maybe break their ankles.
6. Pocket dribbles
A pocket dribble is when you dribble and pull the ball back to your hip, manipulating it. It’s a great protective dribble if a defender is reaching. It also allows your feet to start acting, meaning your whole body can drop or you can pivot. So this one small ball manipulation is one of the best basketball techniques for creating angles and open looks.
For this you’ll do one minute of reps. Stand facing a bench or something about knee height. Pocket dribble and reach your other hand out to touch the bench. Bounce the ball out wide giving yourself plenty of space to create off it. Get into a rhythm of two bounces and then pull. Be sure you’re keeping your back straight and chest up.
7. In and out through the legs with Nike Elite Camp
Up next try doing an in-and-out move and then dribbling through the opposite leg. Then switch. An in-and-out is essentially a fake crossover, where you bring the ball in and then explode it out in the same direction is just came from. Keep this rotation going for 30 seconds.
Advanced basketball dribbling drill version:
For a more advanced version, try it with a plastic bag on the ball. Actually, really any of these drills can be made more challenging by putting a bag on the ball.
8. Body wraps
Cross over the ball in front of you. Then cross it behind you. Keep your knees bent, your hips and your shoulders moving with you, and your chest up. Do this for a minute. Change the speed up, going faster as you get the hang of it. For a more advanced version, go through your legs, crossover behind your back, do a crossover in front, and run it through again.
9.
Cross x 3 between from Coach Phil Handy from the Lakers
For this one, get in your stance, do three rapid low cross over dribbles. Then dribble the ball between one leg. And repeat. Once you have it down pat standing still, start walking forward with it. Be sure not to swing your head and shoulders around to the side. Instead keep your body looking forward and your chest up. Wrap up by repeating the same drill for your other leg.
10. Double between resets are one of the best basketball dribbling drills
Do this ball handling drill at home for thirty seconds. Just dribble the ball between one leg. Then jump to reset your body and dribble the ball between the other leg. Try to get in a rhythm, and keep it bouncy. Never resting flat on your feet. Switch sides, beginning with your left hand, for another thirty seconds.
11. Figure 8 side jab load to go with NBA trainer Jordan Lawley
Let’s introduce some more challenging footwork. For this drill, attack one direction, before switching to the other direction for 30 seconds. Do a figure eight, whipping the ball around your legs in the air. Then side jab. Up next, load to go and run in the other direction. Stop after two steps and bring the ball backwards through your leg. Dribble retreat backwards. Start the whole cycle all over again. Before switching to the other side.
More advanced basketball dribbling drills
12. Dribble leg ladder from Breanna Stewart’s workout with Pat The Roc
Keep working on your foot speed, and being light on your feet. Dribble the ball in your right hand, and move your left foot past a line on the ground and back out. Do that for a minute and see how many you can get. Challenge yourself by switching to the other side, dribbling with your left hand, and moving your right foot rapidly past the line and back.
13.
Stationary between the legs
Keep your handles fresh with the ability to go between your legs no matter the situation. This one really gets your upper body moving. Just stand parallel with your legs spread, and dribble the ball from your right hand to your left, going between your legs. Then bring the ball around your back to the front of your body with your left hand, and send it back between your legs, over to your right hand. Just repeat that as many times as you can for a minute.
14. Retreat dribble, cross over, attack dribble
Often times as players were so focused on pushing the ball forward down the court, that we forget we can go backwards. This drill will help prepare you for high-pressure in the back court. Begin by taking three retreat dribbles: basically run backwards three steps and keep the ball with you. Then do a wide cross over. And sprint forwards three steps.
This series of moves will make you very unpredictable. Focus on keeping your shoulder down and your helping arm out wide to shove off defenders’ stomachs.
15. Between the leg cross overs
Pick one leg to begin. Dribble under that leg, then cross the ball over in front of it. And repeat. You’re going for speed here. But try to find your rhythm because that will help! Stay with it and when you start to feel tired, push through. Keep your chest and eyes up to build the muscle memory. Then after 30 continuous reps, switch to your other leg.
For a more advanced version, don’t move on until you can get 50 in a row with no mistakes or ball drops. For a more advanced version, do it with one hand. So you’re both throwing and catching the ball with the same hand.
16. Between the legs dribble with behind the back
For this ball handling drill begin with the ball in your right hand. Swing the ball to the left side, catch it with your right hand. Move the ball behind your back. Pass it to your left hand. Swing the ball to the right side. Catch it with your left hand. Move the ball behind your back. Pass it to your right hand. And repeat the series. Try to get 50 of these in a row with no mess ups.
17. Double behinds are one of the best ball handling drills at home
To do this basketball dribbling drill you’re just going to dribble cross over behind your back, going from right to left. And then sending it back again from left to right. Do this stationary 30 times. Before taking it to the next level by do it walking. Just take a step and send it back and forth. Remember to try to stay shifty. That means you need to send the ball fast, and precisely.
Basketball dribbling drills for guards
18.
Skip, fake a drive, cross over
This is one of the best ball handling drills to do if you model your game after Allen Iverson. Get better at his killer crossover. Begin with the ball in your right hand and skip forward with your left foot. Then fake a downhill drive by taking a step to your right and lowering your body, especially your shoulders. Finish by bringing the ball into your left hand with a quick, wide cross over. Try 50 of these in a row.
19. The hesi
For this drill, just take two steps forward and step into the shot, as you would for a running jumper. Bring your elbows up, to bring up the ball in one hand. The drop your hips and ensure your eyes are looking up. And sink down low. Then spring one leg back, and push off and sprint forward for three dribbles. Finally, reset and the run the move through again. Do this 50 times in a row.
20. Foot stops
We’ll start with the cross foot stop. Just dribble the ball in your right hand, staying stationary. Then put your left foot out quickly. Before bringing it back in. Up next, do a same foot stop. Just move your right foot out quickly, and bring it back. Go as quickly as you can for 30 seconds. Up next, switch hands and try it with the left for 30 seconds.
21.
Figure eights
Stand stationary with your body in a sitting-like position. Do finger bounces on the ball, keeping it low, below your knees. Move the ball in and out around your legs in a figure eight (or infinity sign) pattern. Start with your right hand, bringing the ball around your right leg. Then pick it up with your left hand once you’re under the middle part of your body. And use your left hand to guide it around your left leg. Keep at it until you hit 30 eights.
22. Between the legs, shift cross
Here you’re going from stationary to a quick shift. Start with the ball in your right hand. Just dribble the ball between your left leg to your left hand. And then cross the ball over back to your right hand. Cross the ball back over to your left hand. And shift your left leg outwards. Then send the ball back to your right hand, and start the cycle all over again. Do that 10 times through. Then go the other way, beginning with the ball in your left hand.
23. Shifty pull back
This great ball handling drill will make you a menace on the court! Start in a sitting type stance, with your feet a little wider than your shoulders. Step out and forward with your left leg in a wide stance. Try to get your right ankle almost to the floor. Then send the ball through your left leg. Then cross over the ball back in front of your body into your right hand, and pull your left leg back in. Just toe tap your left foot. Stay light on it, so you can easily pop your left leg out for the next rep. Do 30 of these and then switch to the other side for 30.
24. One handed side to side
Take a little breather with this drill. Sit low and keep your chest up. Put the ball in one hand, and move it side to side in front of you. Try not to look down. Do 30 of these, and then switch to your other hand. Then do the same thing but on your side, from front to back. Begin with your right hand. Do 30. And then do 30 with your left.
25.
The zig zag dribble is one of the best basketball handling drills
Get moving again with the zig zag dribble. Take a couple dribbles in one direction. Go between the legs. And keep dribbling in the new direction you’re facing. Two bounces, and between the legs again. This helps you with a quick change of direction in a small, tight space.
26. Behind the back wrap
This is just a way to quickly get the ball away from a defender who is reaching. Take the ball in your right hand, and wrap it around the lower part of your back, releasing the ball. Make sure you’re pushing the ball all the way to the other side of your body, so that way you can beginning dribbling it with your left hand. Then take your left hand, wrap it around your back, and send the ball back to the right. Do 30 on each side.
27. The dribble spin pump fake by Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant is notorious for this move. Throw the ball out for yourself. Catch it and plant your left foot. Take one dribble with your right hand and spin hard to your right, basically 360 degrees. Fake a shot by bringing the ball over your head. Then pivot back the other way and fake the shot again. Then start the drill from the beginning again. Do 30 reps.
Now you’re ready to kill them on the court. Remember to use your finger tips to control the ball, not the palm of your hand. And don’t get discouraged! Basketball is a game of angles, the more you work on yours by executing each of these drills with precision and speed, the better you’ll get.
Get a basketball ball handling drills PDF
Here are a few pages of basketball ball handling drills you can easily print off.
Stationary ball handling routine: Nearly 30 drills from body circles to cross overs.
50 stationary basketball drills: Check out a complete list of exercises from double pounds at ankle height to one high and one low.
Everything you need to know about the best basketball handling drills
How can I improve my handling in basketball?
To improve your handling in basketball practice dribbling every day.
How long should you practice dribble drills?
You should practice dribble drills every day for 15 minutes. That’s enough time to get loose, and also learn something new. Make a routine of it by always beginning your basketball work outs this way.
What are the 5 basic skills in basketball?
The 5 basic skills in basketball are dribbling, shooting, passing, rebounding, and defense.
Do the best basketball handling drills in your home
Take your game to the next level by trying these ball handling drills in your home today. See how many you can get through. Then, the next day, try to get through at least one more. Up next, check out the greatest WNBA dunks of all time.
Plus, get equipped to improve your game with our partner Wilson’s cool basketballs. There are WNBA replica balls by WNBA team, and, of course, our favorite the Evo NXT Game Basketball.
If you enjoyed this, would you be willing to send a $5 tip to our Venmo tip jar because it helps us bring you the latest WNBA analysis? @megsterr.
Basketball dribbling | Basketball coach
Dribbling is the second way to move a basketball around the court after a pass. Many coaches have a negative attitude towards excessive dribble across the clearing, arguing that only a pass can allow you to play fast basketball and develop tricky combinations. There is some truth in their words, of course. A lot of players pull the ball over and thump it all the time, when it would make much more sense to pass the ball. Basketball is no longer basketball without dribbling, so today we'll talk about how to comprehend this element of the game.
Technique of dribbling
Dribbling in basketball consists in moving the player with the ball around the court and simultaneously making alternate bounces of the ball off the floor with one hand. Simply put, you hit the ball on the floor, and it bounces and comes back. The technique of dribbling in basketball is not difficult, but not every player is good at dribbling the ball. The fact is that the enemy at any second can take it away from you or simply knock it out. Basketball dribbling is mainly used to transfer it to someone else's half or to beat the opponent and then throw the ball. Dribbling out the ball to minimize the risk of a long pass loss and to give teammates time to get into position in the opponent's half of the field. Everyone knows that big players are mostly bad at dribbling and it is easy to take it away from them. And not only because of their height (for tall people, the ball bounces higher and it is easier for small players to knock it out). The fact is that the big ones work out the dribble a little, concentrating exclusively on working under the basket, rebounds, fighting for the position. On the one hand, this is how the roles in the team are distributed in basketball. On the other hand, high-quality possession of the technique of dribbling will add versatility to you as a player and will allow you to create a much more serious threat to the enemy.
Learning to dribble is a constant practice. On the street, in training, at games. The more you drive the ball, the better you will be at it. This is the first truth. The second truth is to drive the ball without looking at it. this is especially important for point guards, who can dribble and analyze the situation on the court at the same time in order to instantly pass or command a combination. In order to quickly learn dribbling in basketball, you must also do various exercises. We recommend up to 15 minutes of dribble practice before each practice using special dribble goggles that cover the view below so the dribbler does not see the ball and learns to feel it.
Dribbling drills
1. Regular dribbling. Before training, when the body is not yet warmed up, you can work on dribbling with a run and kill two birds with one stone.
2. Dribbling with two balls. This is a very useful exercise, but to get the maximum effect, you should alternate the method of dribbling: sometimes with a simultaneous rebound of two balls, then with a variable one. You can throw a second ball with a different rhythm.
3. Dribbling backwards and sideways. Try to move the ball and at the same time make a shuttle run around the court, or horizontal movements.
4. Constant dribbling. Even outside the basketball court or court, dribble. Mom asked me to meet you from the stop - take a walk there with the ball. Meet up for a couple of streetball games with friends 3 blocks away - walk around and hit the ball. Dribbling on uneven surfaces is especially effective in developing your coordination.
The Internet is full of manuals and other dribbling aids that recommend doing one, two, three, ten drills that will enable you to become a first-class dribbler. For example, some people recommend sitting on a chair and driving the ball while sitting between the legs or constantly spin the ball between the legs with a rebound height of 10-15 cm. Such exercises will certainly give a certain effect, since the technique of dribbling the ball in basketball can be quite different. But will they be useful in a real game? Perhaps at a streetball game or a freestyle show, but not in an official match. Practice these exercises as you please. Our team recommends the following video of Indiana Pacers forward Paul George sharing his dribbling secrets.
First of all, Paul emphasizes that while dribbling, always keep the hand above the ball (and not under it) and actively work the wrist using the pads of the fingers (not the whole palm). You should crouch as deep as possible to dribble the ball at the lowest possible height. When dribbling, you can make a crossover (crossover), that is, transfer the ball from one hand to another. At the same time, the body maintains a straight position, and the eyes look forward. The next element of dribbling, which is actively used in games, is the transfer of the ball between the legs. It is very important to do this translation so that the body is straight with the leg forward and a good squat. Translation behind the back is also often used by basketball players. At its core, it is similar to a crossover, only the ball bounces behind your back. Paul George often uses a turn while dribbling with a change of hand. It is extremely important to learn how to perform these exercises so that you do not look at the ball, but see the entire area in front of you. This is a huge bonus to your speed and reaction to what is happening on the field. practice these 4 basic elements of dribbling before each training session and very soon the progress will be very good.
On the field you will always have someone to take care of and prevent you from dribbling calmly. Therefore, you should dribble the ball near you, partially covering the body and the second hand. Always dribble the ball with the hand farthest from the opponent, and with the other - in the truest sense of the word - block his (her) hand from trying to knock the ball.
Summing up . Basketball dribbling is the movement of basketball players around the court with the ball. The ability to dribble balls well allows you to become a much more dangerous player. However, in order to learn how to drive well, you should constantly practice: in the hall, on the court and just on the streets. It is necessary to dribble the ball as low as possible, without looking at it and constantly hiding from the opponent with the body and the other hand. Do a basic set of dribbling drills every practice and the ball will become your best friend in life and on the court.
Keep training with your basketball coach!
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.
Would you like your team to be able to do this?
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.
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.
While you’ll find this is hard to do at first, it will force you to improve your handle faster. And once you can be in control while pounding the ball hard, dribbling in games will be a piece of cake because each move will be tight. Push yourself!
Dribble dribble three ways 
Keep your chest up the whole time. Plant your right foot on the ground and quickly jab with your left foot by moving your foot out away from your body and then back in. This can help push a defender off you, and maybe break their ankles.
Pocket dribble and reach your other hand out to touch the bench. Bounce the ball out wide giving yourself plenty of space to create off it. Get into a rhythm of two bounces and then pull. Be sure you’re keeping your back straight and chest up.
Actually, really any of these drills can be made more challenging by putting a bag on the ball.
Cross x 3 between from Coach Phil Handy from the Lakers
Try to get in a rhythm, and keep it bouncy. Never resting flat on your feet. Switch sides, beginning with your left hand, for another thirty seconds.
Stationary between the legs
Begin by taking three retreat dribbles: basically run backwards three steps and keep the ball with you. Then do a wide cross over. And sprint forwards three steps. 
Skip, fake a drive, cross over
And sink down low. Then spring one leg back, and push off and sprint forward for three dribbles. Finally, reset and the run the move through again. Do this 50 times in a row.
Figure eights
And then cross the ball over back to your right hand. Cross the ball back over to your left hand. And shift your left leg outwards. Then send the ball back to your right hand, and start the cycle all over again. Do that 10 times through. Then go the other way, beginning with the ball in your left hand.
Just toe tap your left foot. Stay light on it, so you can easily pop your left leg out for the next rep. Do 30 of these and then switch to the other side for 30.
The zig zag dribble is one of the best basketball handling drills
Then take your left hand, wrap it around your back, and send the ball back to the right. Do 30 on each side.
Remember to use your finger tips to control the ball, not the palm of your hand. And don’t get discouraged! Basketball is a game of angles, the more you work on yours by executing each of these drills with precision and speed, the better you’ll get.
That’s enough time to get loose, and also learn something new. Make a routine of it by always beginning your basketball work outs this way.
Many coaches have a negative attitude towards excessive dribble across the clearing, arguing that only a pass can allow you to play fast basketball and develop tricky combinations. There is some truth in their words, of course. A lot of players pull the ball over and thump it all the time, when it would make much more sense to pass the ball. Basketball is no longer basketball without dribbling, so today we'll talk about how to comprehend this element of the game. 
Dribbling out the ball to minimize the risk of a long pass loss and to give teammates time to get into position in the opponent's half of the field. Everyone knows that big players are mostly bad at dribbling and it is easy to take it away from them. And not only because of their height (for tall people, the ball bounces higher and it is easier for small players to knock it out). The fact is that the big ones work out the dribble a little, concentrating exclusively on working under the basket, rebounds, fighting for the position. On the one hand, this is how the roles in the team are distributed in basketball. On the other hand, high-quality possession of the technique of dribbling will add versatility to you as a player and will allow you to create a much more serious threat to the enemy. 
this is especially important for point guards, who can dribble and analyze the situation on the court at the same time in order to instantly pass or command a combination. In order to quickly learn dribbling in basketball, you must also do various exercises. We recommend up to 15 minutes of dribble practice before each practice using special dribble goggles that cover the view below so the dribbler does not see the ball and learns to feel it. 
This is a huge bonus to your speed and reaction to what is happening on the field. practice these 4 basic elements of dribbling before each training session and very soon the progress will be very good. 
It is necessary to dribble the ball as low as possible, without looking at it and constantly hiding from the opponent with the body and the other hand. Do a basic set of dribbling drills every practice and the ball will become your best friend in life and on the court. 
It will be tougher for the defender. 
The sender then joins the end of the column into which he passed the ball. 
Then increase the intensity. 
As soon as the first pair is closer to the 3-point line, the next pair starts. 
