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How to get crazy basketball handles

30 Best Ball Handling Drills To Get Crazy Good Handles

Ball handling is one of the most important basketball fundamentals. It allows players to move around the court while protecting the orange. It also allows them to eliminate their defender in 1v1 situations. Understanding the basics of ball handling is essential if you want to become a complete basketball player.

Today, I am going to give you a ton of tips and show you the best basketball ball handling drills you can perform to skyrocket your handles.

Ball Handling Tips

Before we jump into the specifics of the different drills you can operate to improve your ball handling, here are some tips or reminders for every baller out there. These essentials will help you perfect your handles naturally.

#1 – Bend your knees. This will lower your center of gravity and will allow you to better protect the ball while being more dynamic.

#2 – Bounce the ball in a gentle and smooth manner. The last thing we want is to aggressively bounce the ball which can cause more turnovers.

#3 – Keep your head up. Look forward, observe what’s going on on the court. Better put, do not look at the ball. A lot of players have this bad habit that is quite hard to shake off. What I usually recommend for players who tend to have this issue, is using glasses that force you to look up ahead.

Basketball Stationary Handling Drills With One Ball

Now that we went over some quick tips to get you started, it’s time to get to work and practice your handles. I have crafted this list of amazing drills that will allow you to work on your basketball handling skills with both hands, in motion or stationarily.

#1 - Ball Slaps

Objective: Warm-up while building hand strength

Here’s a great warm-up exercise that’ll help you build strength while developing your grabbing mechanics. Definitely a great drill to improve your hands.

Step 1: Place both your hands on the basketball
Step 2: Spread your fingers to cover the widest area possible
Step 3: Slap the basketball dynamically
Step 4: Alternate each rep between your left and right hand

#2 - Finger Taps

Objective: Warm your wrists up while building finger agility and quickness

Another awesome warm-up drill for you to improve your handles. You want to make sure your arms and elbows are locked while taping the ball back and forth between your left and right hand.

Once you start getting a good hold of this drill, move your arms up while continuously performing the exercise. The goal is to have your arms fully extended above your head while increasing the speed.

This drill is to be performed until you feel a slight burn in your shoulders, biceps, and triceps.

Step 1: Place the ball on either hand
Step 2: Start bouncing the ball from left to right by only using your wrists and fingertips
Step 3: While doing so, raise your hand above your head. Make sure to go as high as you can, well above your head
Step 4: Increase speed and lower the distance between your hands

#3 - Crossovers

Objective: Improve hand quickness and general ball-handling

Alright, let’s get dribbling with this very basic, yet effective drill: the crossover.

This type of drill is used by any type of player and is super hard to defend if executed correctly. This drill will help you develop a better and softer touch and will turn you into a fine ball handler.

While performing this drill, keep your head up, look straight ahead, and crossover the ball from left to right, from one knee to another.

Step 1: Begin in a low athletic stance.
Step 2: Dribble the ball back and forth in a crossover motion. Make sure to pound the ball as hard as you can.
Step 3: While doing so, move your shoulders from left to right, in the same motion as your dribble.
Step 4: Pick up some speed and keep the drill going for 30 seconds.

#4 - Single Leg Ball Wraps

Objective: Improve hand-eye coordination and wrist strength

This drill is to be performed with your eyes and head up, as quickly as possible. Put one leg forward and start moving the ball around it. Make sure the ball doesn’t hit the floor and keep it revolving around your leg as smoothly and rapidly as you can.

Step 1: Place one leg forward and crouch a little
Step 2: Start moving the ball around your leg clock-wise
Step 3: Pick up the speed and try to reach 60 wraps in 30 seconds without dropping the ball
Step 4: Switch legs and repeat steps 1 to 3

#5 - Figure-Eight No Dribble Drill

Objective: Improve ball handling and hand speed

The figure-eight no dribble basketball drill initiates with your feet being laterally spread outside of shoulder-width along with a basketball in your right hand. The next step is to then switch the ball between your legs to your left hand.

Then bring the ball around the front, and then make another switch again to your right hand. By now you can tell the motion is a figure-eight pattern. Try this for approximately 20-30 seconds and then attempt to switch paths in reverse for another 20-30 seconds.

Step 1: Feet outside shoulder width and knees bent with a ball in the right hand
Step 2: Switch ball between legs to opposing hand
Step 3: Bring it to the front and then switch to the opposing hand again
Step 4: Repeat the process for 20-30s and then reverse the path for another 20-30s

#6 - Low-Dribble Basketball Drill

Objective: Work on finger strength, touch, and ball handling

Initiate the drill with your feet spread apart outside of shoulder width and start to dribble the ball at your most optimal pace at around 6 inches from the ground. Once you control the speed, move the ball around and between your legs in a figure-eight pattern.

Continue this maneuver for 30 seconds. Keep the ball low to the ground throughout, and do not look down when conducting the drill. This may seem similar to the figure eight exercise; however, it involves high-speed dribbling rather than moving the ball in the air.

Step 1: Feet outside of shoulder-width apart
Step 2: Dribble ball at your fastest speed 6” off the ground
Step 3: Dribble the ball around and between legs in a figure-eight motion
Step 4: Conduct this for 30s at a time

#7 - Alternate Between Legs Drill

Objective: Improve ball handling and hand speed

Start with feet outside of shoulder-width apart with your knees bent. Ensure the ball is in your right hand and dribble it between your legs to your opposing left hand. Then alternate the position of your legs and switch the ball back through to your right hand. Repeat this process at high speed for 30 seconds. Always stay in a low balanced position whilst keeping your eyes up the whole time.

Step 1: Feet outside shoulder width in a low balanced position
Step 2: Dribble ball from right to left hand through legs
Step 3: Repeat process and switch leg stance
Step 4: Complete this process for 30s at high speed

#8 - Continuous Dribble Behind The Back

Objective: Improve ball handling, hand speed and coordination

Start in a traditional low dribbling stance with feet outside of shoulder width with the ball in your right hand. Cross the ball behind your back to your left hand. As quickly as you can return the dribble back to your right hand and continue this process for 30 seconds and come to a stop. Ensure to keep your head high and keep practising if you go wrong.

Step 1: Start in a low dribble position with feet outside shoulder width
Step 2: Dribble the ball behind your back from right to left hand
Step 3: Immediately dribble the ball back to the left hand
Step 4: Repeat this for 30s intervals and stop

Basketball On The Move Handling Drills With One Ball

#9 - 3 Bounce Crossover Drill

Objective: Explode with a crossover and try different finishes at the basket

The player starts 6-8 feet from the 3 point line on the wing while the partner, or chair if no partner available, will be stationed on the 3 point line.

The player with the ball will take three stationary dribbles with their outside hand and on the 3rd dribble, they will push forward towards the partner/chair and make a crossover in the middle of the obstacle before pushing the ball past them and finishing in the basket. Repeat for desired amounts and switch sides to diversify the drill.

Step 1: Start 6-8 feet from 3 point line and make 3 stationary dribbles
Step 2: Crossover the obstacle placed on the 3 point line and push the ball out
Step 3: Once the ball is pushed out make a shot at the basket (use variety)
Step 4: Repeat as desired and switch sides

#10 - Bust Out and Retreat Drill

Objective: Improve ball handling on the move and quickness

Player stays low and engaged, ready to be explosive and starts on the baseline with focus on the lane line ahead. Push dribble the ball outwards with the right hand to the free-throw line, then come to a stop at the free-throw line before then pushing back with a retreat dribble to baseline.

Step 1: Player stays in an active posture on the baseline
Step 2: Push dribble ball ahead to free throw line before coming to a stop
Step 3: Push back with a retreat dribble to the baseline
Step 4: Repeat this exercises for 30s and swap hands interchangeably

#11 - Behind The Back Rhythm Dribbling Drill

Objective: Improve ball-handling and quick footwork

Line up a straightforward row of cones so that each cone is approximately 2-3 feet apart. The player will initiate the drill by standing at one end of the cones with a basketball in hand.

They will then start the drill by taking one rhythmic dribble and then quickly repeat this behind the back. It’s key to do this by keeping your eyes up, stay low and engaged, and scan the floor as you progress through the cones. Repeat this process around 2-3 times each.

Step 1: Line up cones in a straight line approximately 2-3 feet apart
Step 2: Player starts at one end by taking one rhythmic dribble, followed by a move behind the back
Step 3: This should be done through each cone and repeated 2-3 times
Step 4: Ensure eyes are up and the floor is scanned at all times during the drill

#12 - Push Crossover Dribble Drill

Objective: Improve handling and push dribble movement

The player initiates by starting on the baseline whilst standing laterally with the ball in their hand that is facing upwards to the court.

The coach, or partner, will then command a “Go!” signal which will then prompt the player to push dribble laterally up the court until the coach changes command. At this point of change, the player will perform a crossover and push dribble in the opposing direction. Throughout the drill, the coach will interchange between directions until the player reaches the opposing baseline which will signal the end of the drill.

Step 1: Player starts on baseline standing sideways with a ball in hand
Step 2: Coach/partner will say a command which will force the player to push dribble up the court until a change of command is made
Step 3: When a change of command is made player will perform a crossover and change direction
Step 4: Commands are changed throughout until the player reaches the opposite side of the court

#13 - Walking Double Crossover Drill

Objective: Improve the changing of speeds and coordination

The players will start at the baseline in an engaged position with a ball at hand. They will then conduct a stationary dribble, stop, and then explode with a double crossover combination move while pursuing forward with the movement.

At this point, the player should neglect any stationary dribbles in between then repeat the stop and explode movement again until the process is cycled to the free-throw line and then a retreat dribble is completed back to the baseline. Once this is done alter hands for difficulty.

Step 1: Player starts on the baseline with a ball in hand
Step 2: Player executes a stationary dribble, stops, then explodes with a double crossover and ventures forward up the court
Step 3: Stationary dribble is no longer required in between thus only repeating the stop and explode movement
Step 4: This should be done until the free-throw line is reached and then a retreat dribble is made back to the baseline

#14 - 1 Dribble Behind Back Change Direction Drill

Objective: Improve dribbling and change of direction at high speeds

The player will start at the baseline with a ball and they will pursue forward at optimal speed, take a single dribble, and then conduct a wraparound dribble to the opposing hand.

As the play continues to venture forward to the opposite baseline they will continue this process and alternate hands every time. The player will come to a stop at the opposite baseline, turn back and repeat the cycle for their desired times.

Step 1: Player starts at baseline with the ball at hand
Step 2: Player will venture forward at full speed, take one dribble, and conduct a wraparound dribble to the opposite hand
Step 3: For every run, this process will be repeated while alternating hands
Step 4: Drill comes to a stop when opposing baseline is reached and desired cycles have been completed

#15 - Full Court Any Move Diamond Drill

Objective: Improvise moves at speed whilst doing so in transitions

A chair is situated in the centre of both free throw lines and on the half-court line approximately 5-6 feet from the centre circle along with a player starting at each basket with a ball. Each player will throw the ball off the backboard, jump as high as possible to retrieve the rebound, pivot away, and engage with the first chair with their left hand.

When they get to the chair they will either crossover, between the legs, behind the back, or reverse between the legs past the chair before pushing out the ball to engage with the second chair but using a different move from the first chair.

Finally, they will engage with the third chair by performing another move before finishing in the basket. The next player will then go or if one person is conducting the drill they can break for 10 seconds and go again.

Step 1: Chairs placed at each free throw line and on half-court line approximately 5-6 feet apart
Step 2: Player will start by tossing a ball against the backboard, retrieving the rebound, pivot out and engage with chair 1 with a move
Step 3: Once the move is complete, push to chairs 2 and 3 by using dribbling moves before finishing at the basket
Step 4: Have a break, let other player go or have 10s break and repeat the drill for desired times

Basketball Stationary Handling Drills With Two Balls

#16 - Two Ball Alternating Pound Dribbling Drill

Objective: Improve control and handling

The drill requires the player to dribble both balls at the same time in an alternating rhythm whilst only letting both balls bounce to around waist height each time. Proceed by dribbling the balls as explosively and as fast as possible for around 30-60 second bouts. Ensure eyes are always kept up and not at the floor throughout.

Step 1: Player starts by dribbling 2 balls at once alternatively
Step 2: Let balls bounce around waist height
Step 3: Dribble balls explosively and fast as possible
Step 4: Repeat process for 30-60s bouts

#17 - Two Ball Broken Windshield Wiper Dribbling Drill

Objective: Improve control, dribbling and timing

The player initiates the drill in an engaged stance with a ball in each hand and will then dribble both balls in front of them in a sweeping windshield wiper motion. As opposed to going side to side, the balls will go from inside to outside to emphasise the windshield motion that’s required. This process should be continued for around 30-60 second intervals.

Step 1: Player stands engaged with a ball in each hand
Step 2: Player then dribbles the ball in front
Step 3: This is done from inside to outside to replicate a windshield wiper motion
Step 4: Process is repeated for around 30-60s intervals

#18 - Two Ball Pound Dribbling Drill

Objective: Improve handling and hand strength

The player must engage in a stance that is just outside shoulder-width apart whilst ensuring bend in the knees. They will then dribble both balls simultaneously as hard and as quick as they can at approximately waist height. This should be repeated for around 30-60 seconds before coming to a complete stop.

It’s important to keep the back straight, keep eyes forward, ensure butt is relatively low for the centre of mass and keep basketballs between the knees and feet whilst scanning the floor at all times during the drill.

Step 1: Player stands engaged with feet just outside shoulder-width apart
Step 2: Both balls are to then be dribbled hard and fast at the same time
Step 3: Ensure correct posture throughout the drill and scan the floor
Step 4: Repeat the cycle for 30-60s bouts

#19 - Two Ball Side Windshield Wiper Drill

Objective: Improve timing, control and dribbling skill

The player will have two balls at hand ready in an engaged stance. They will then dribble both balls from the side of their body in a sweeping motion, such as a windshield wiper. This is then repeated continuously for 30-60 seconds before having a rest. It’s vital to keep a neutral spine and keep your head up at all times during the drill.

Step 1: Player is standing engaged with two balls in hands
Step 2: Both balls are then dribbled on the outside of the body
Step 3: This is done in a sweeping motion while keeping head up
Step 4: Repeat process for around 30-60s bouts

#20 - Two Ball Alternating Circle Drill

Objective: Improving ball control and hand strength

The player’s legs should be spread outside of shoulder-width with a ball in each hand. They will then proceed to dribble the balls simultaneously around the same leg by going reverse between both legs each time. This is maintained until the coach instructs the player to change legs. To make it harder you can also alternate legs so it replicates a figure-eight motion.

Step 1: Players stands engaged with two balls in each hand
Step 2: Dribble balls around the same leg by going reverse each time
Step 3: Continue until coach instructs to change leg or motion
Step 4: Continue for around 30-60s bouts

#21 - Two Ball Crossover Hold Drill

Objective: Improve crossover, quick hands and touch

The first step is for the player to be holding a ball with their left hand against their stomach and then cross the ball in their right hand over to their left hand, as the ball bounces off the ground.

Then they will put their right hand on the ball that is placed on their stomach whilst removing their left hand away to receive the dribble. After this, they will cross the ball back to their right hand and then alternate hands so their left-hand goes back onto the ball placed on their stomach. This process is repeated for around 30 seconds.

Step 1: Hold the ball in the left hand against your stomach
Step 2: Cross the ball in the right hand to your left as the ball bounces
Step 3: Place right hand on the ball that is placed on your stomach and take your left hand off at the same time to receive the dribble
Step 4: Cross ball back to right your right hand and alternate the process for 30s

#22 - Two Ball Over The Top Crossover Drill

Objective: Improve coordination and control

The player firstly gains a rhythmic pattern by dribbling on the spot with both balls before then crossing the ball in their right hand over the top while the ball in the left is push-dribbled underneath.

The right over left process is repeated with no dribbles in between and should be done for the desired time. Alter the drill by switching the process or alternating each for what hand is selected to go over the top on the dribble.

Step 1: Player dribbles rhythmically on spot with both balls
Step 2: Then crosses the ball in their right hand over the top while ball in the left hand is push dribbled under
Step 3: This should be done with no dribbles in between
Step 4: Repeat for the desired time and alternate paths if necessary

#23 - Two Ball Reverse Circle Dribble Drill

Objective: Improve hand-eye coordination, quick and overall ball handling

Player stands with a ball in each hand whilst ensuring legs are outside shoulder width. They will then dribble both balls simultaneously and start to wrap both balls around their right leg.

One of the balls will go reverse between their legs and the spare ball will go around the front. After this, a stationary pound dribble is done and the move is repeated over. This should be done for around 30 seconds before switching legs.

Step 1: Player stands engaged with a ball in each hand
Step 2: Both balls are dribbled at the same time while wrapping both balls around the right leg
Step 3: One ball will then go reverse between legs and the other around the front leg
Step 4: Take a stationary dribble then cycle the move for 30s and switch hands

Basketball On The Move Handling Drills With Two Balls

#24 - Two Ball Box Dribbling Drill

Objective: Improve ball handling, posture and conditioning

Start the drill by placing four cones in a box shape approximately 8-10 feet apart and the player will start at one of the cones by dribbling both balls at the same time and venturing forward.

As they reach the next cone they will breakdown and move sideways to the 3rd cone before then breakdown again and backpedalling to the 4th cone. From the 4th cone, they will then move sideways again to the last/first cone and repeat the cycle for a desired amount of time. Ensure to start at different cones for every round.

Step 1: Place four cones in a box shape around 8-10 feet apart
Step 2: Player starts at a cone and dribble forward with both balls to the next cone
Step 3: Depending on where the next cone is placed they will either move sideways or backpedal to the next position until reaching the last/first cone
Step 4: Repeat the process for the desired time and change starting cone for each round

#25 - Two Ball Bounce Double Crossover Drill

Objective: Improve hand speed and double crossover

Initiate on the baseline with a ball in each hand then start to dribble both balls whilst walking in a straight line. Then take your left hand off the ball and let it bounce and while it’s in the air conduct a double crossover with the other ball.

Finally, place your left hand back on the ball that was freely bounced before it touches the ground again. Swap hands after a couple of dribbles before reaching the baseline then repeating the drill going backwards.

Step 1: Start on the baseline with ball in each hand while dribbling forward
Step 2: Take the left hand off the ball and let it bounce, while it’s airborne then perform a double crossover with the spare ball
Step 3: Then place left hand back on the ball that was airborne before it touches the ground again
Step 4: Swap hands after every other dribble towards the baseline then repeat for the desired time but going backwards

#26 - Two Ball Attack Crossover and Shoot Drill

Objective: Improve handling, passing and shooting off the dribble

The player starts at the halfway line with two balls and their coach or partner will be at the free-throw line. As the drill starts the player will dribble forwards to the coach by dribbling alternatively before approaching the 3-point line.

The coach will then raise a right or left hand and depending on which hand is raised will determine what side the player conducts a push pass to that side of the coach. After the pass is made they will make a crossover with the other ball and perform a pull-up jump shot at the elbow to complete one repetition.

Step 1: Player starts at halfway line with two balls and coach/partner starts at the free-throw line
Step 2: Player will conduct an alternating dribble towards the coach before the coach raises a right or left hand to signal which side to push pass by
Step 3: After a side has been passed the player will perform a crossover with the spare ball and make a pull-up jump shot at the elbow
Step 4: This completes one repetition. Repeat as desired.

#27 - Two Ball Bounce Behind Back Crossover Drill

Objective: Improve handling and overall dribbling

Players will start to dribble two balls simultaneously on the baseline as they proceed to walk forward then they will dribble the ball in their left hand with more force so it bounces in the air.

As the ball is airborne the player will perform a behind the back crossover with the spare ball. The move must be completed before then placing the left hand back on the ball that was bounced. Continue this pattern while alternating hands until the player reaches the opposite baseline and then the move is to be done backwards.

Step 1: Player dribbles two balls on the baseline as they walk forward
Step 2: They will dribble the ball in their left hand with some force so it bounces in the air and then will perform a behind the back crossover with the spare ball
Step 3: Move must be completed before placing the left hand back on the ball that was bounced
Step 4: Continue the pattern by alternating hands until reaching the opposite baseline and repeating the drill backwards

#28 - Two Ball Behind The Back Dribble Drill

Objective: Improve coordination and handling

Players will start with a ball in each hand at the baseline before proceeding to dribble both balls at the same time with one between their legs and the other being a crossover in front.

They will then walk forward and conduct this movement down the court and alternate which leg the ball passes through every time while the ball in front stays in front through this duration. Once the baseline has been met, switch the drill so it’s performed backwards.

Step 1: Players start with a ball in each hand at the baseline and dribble both balls so one is between legs and one is a crossover in front of them
Step 2: They will proceed forward up the court and alternate which leg the ball passes through
Step 3: The ball in front will stay in front throughout the drill
Step 4: Reach the baseline then repeat the drill backwards

#29 - Two Ball Walking Crossover Drill

Objective: Improve ball handling and coordination

Players start in a low and engaged stance before proceeding to do crossovers while walking the length of the court with balls in either hand. The same ball will be kept in front throughout the duration. As soon as the player reaches the opposing baseline they will do the very same drill but in a backwards manner.

Step 1: Players will start in an athletic stance with a ball in each hand
Step 2: They will then perform crossovers while walking the length of the court while keeping the same ball in front through the whole drill
Step 3: They will do this until they reach the opposing baseline
Step 4: After this, the drill is to be performed backwards before reaching the starting baseline

#30 - Two Ball Rhythm Dribble Walking Drill

Objective: Improve ball handling

Initiate on the baseline with a ball in each hand and proceed to walk forward. The starting move is 2 crossovers, then 2 between the legs, then 2 behind the backs before finally 2 reverse between the legs. Repeat the drill once more with crossovers to the end line before doing the same thing again but doing so backwards.

Step 1: Start on the baseline with ball in each hand and walk forward
Step 2: Then start by doing 2 crossovers, then 2 between the legs, then 2 behind the backs and ending with 2 reverse between the legs
Step 3: Continue the drill until the end of the line
Step 4: Once the end line has been reached repeat the drill to the start line but going backwards

Basketball Handling Drills - Frequently Asked Questions

How can I improve my ball handling in 5 minutes?

Try a drill that requires many elements of walking or being stationary and require fast movements such as crossovers or behind the back dribbles.

How can I improve my ball handling skills?

Improving ball-handling is simply down to practising as many skills and drills as you can at different speeds and movements but doing so religiously so it becomes second nature.

Is dribbling the ball high a carry?

It’s possible to dribble the ball as high as you want just as long as your hand stays on top of the ball.

How long does it take to get good ball handling?

Like anything in life to get good ball-handling, it requires months if not years of practice to become an expert at handling the ball.

How can I improve my basketball handles without a ball?

You can improve ball handling without a ball simply by mimicking drills or movements that would usually be performed without a ball.

Final Words - Basketball Ball Dribbling Drills

Now, first of all, I want to apologize in advance if the description of these basketball dribbling drills were slightly robotic and bland. Still, I wanted to ensure the instructions were as plain and straightforward as possible so it’s easier for you to conduct them!

With that said, I believe there are many drills in this article that can be performed at beginner, intermediate or advanced levels that all have a degree of focus on specific skill sets that are widely available with minimal resources.

To improve a given skill, it’s essential to train religiously, even if you don’t like to train or can’t quite grasp a particular drill. I remember the GOAT himself, Michael Jordan saying, “To learn to succeed, you must first learn to fail.” I hope this should resonate with everybody who reads this article.

If you have determination, willpower, and hunger mixed with the drills provided above, I have no doubt your game will improve exponentially.

Make sure you are disciplined with your approach and do what is necessary to ensure you are improving every day, whether it’s through your drills, nutrition, or recovery, as they all work hand in hand together. Last but not least, please ensure you are having fun and working towards a goal.

15 Basketball Dribbling Drills to Improve Your Handles

On the court, Orlando Magic point guard Cole Anthony is electrifying. He makes the highlight reels for his game-winning shots and his ability to compete on both ends. But the foundation of Anthony's game is his strong handle, or dribble. Two years into his NBA career, his hesitation moves, signature combos and ankle-breaking crossovers are still evolving.

“I recognized that there are levels within the NBA. And to get to that highest level, you really do need that insane, intense, consistent work ethic and discipline,” said Anthony.

How do players like Anthony and Arike Ogunbowale improve their ball-handling skills? With a regimen of drills designed to build stronger and more nimble hands. Whether you're training for the playground or the Red Bull Pro-Am Classic, we've got a drill here that will help you take your dribble to the next level.

Arike Ogunbowale

15 Basketball Dribbling Drills to Improve Your Handles

Beginner Drills

Full Court Dribbling

To perform this drill, all you need are cones and a basketball. The cones should be set up in different spots on the court. Start with the ball and simply dribble to each cone, make a move at the cone, and dribble to the next cone. There are a variety of moves you can perform when reaching the cone including a crossover, between the legs, or a behind-the-back dribble.

Figure 8

Performing the figure 8 drill is fairly simple. Start with your feet spread apart and the ball in your right hand. Then dribble the ball through your legs to your left hand, and immediately dribble it back to your right hand. This drill helps to crossover your defenders quickly.

Pound Dribble Drill

To perform this drill you choose which hand you want to dribble with and place the ball in that hand. Next, you’ll bend your knees in an athletic position and dribble the ball repeatedly with that hand. Your head and eyes should be upright looking straight ahead as you dribble. This drill helps players keep their heads and dribble the ball hard.

Crossover

The crossover drill is another classic beginner dribbling drill. You’ll start with the same stance as the pound drill, but instead of dribbling with the same hand you’ll alternate hands and crossover repeatedly. The crossover is one of the most basic dribbling moves and this drill will help improve it.

Cole Anthony is a rising star in the NBA

Ball Slaps

Ball slaps are another good simple drill. To perform ball slaps you’ll simply pick up the ball in one hand and slap the ball into the other hand. Repeat this transfer from hand to hand for one minute. Ball slaps are a good warmup and build stronger hands.

Finger taps

Finger taps are very similar to ball slaps. The one difference is instead of slapping the ball back and forth, you’ll be tapping it back and forth on your finger tips. You can perform this drill with your arms straight out, or above your head. This drill serves as a good warmup and will also help your fingers get stronger.

Intermediate Drills

Cone Touch Drill

To perform the cone touch drill you’ll need about 10 cones. You’ll spread the cones out wherever you choose. Next dribble the ball to a cone and reach your hand down and touch the cone and head to a new cone. You must keep your head and eyes up during the entire drill. Cones can be placed laterally or diagonally. This drill will help you to dribble without looking at the ball.

Wall Toss

To perform the wall toss you’ll stand about 10 feet from the wall. You’ll start by dribbling between your legs left to right, then right to left behind your back. Next you’ll throw the ball against the wall, catch it, and repeat the drill. Performing this drill will help when it’s time to catch a pass and make a move in traffic.

U Dribble Drill

To perform this drill you’ll form a square with four cones. First you’ll dribble to the cone in front of you. Next you’ll dribble sideways to the next cone and backwards to the last cone. You’ll need to use the same hand for each cone. This drill will help you learn to move in different directions while dribbling.

Double Ball Dribbling Suicides

You’ll need two basketballs to perform this drill. Start at the baseline with a ball in each hand. Start by dribbling both balls to the near free throw line and return to the baseline. Then dribble the balls to half court and return back to the baseline. Next dribble to the far free throw line and back to the baseline. Lastly, you’ll dribble baseline to baseline. This drill improves ball handling while changing directions at different speeds.

Chair Drills

There are a series of drills that can be performed with the use of a chair. Place the chair anywhere you want. Dribble towards the chair and crossover or go behind the back as you advance past the chair. The chair serves as a defender and this drill will help you get better at making moves on defenders while moving at full speed.

Advanced Drills

1vs1

To perform this drill you’ll need a partner. Your goal is to dribble from one side of the court to the other while your partner slides and defends you. This drill will help when a player faces backcourt pressure while trying to advance the ball.

Cole Anthony

1vs1 (One Hand Only)

You’ll need a partner for this one too. The goal is to advance from one side of the court to the other dribbling with the same hand. The defender will slide and attempt to stay in front of you while you work to advance past them. This drill will help when a defender takes away one of your hands and forces you to use the other.

3 Ball Dribble One Hand Pass

To perform this drill you’ll need three basketballs and a partner. Start by dribbling two basketballs. Pass the ball in your left hand to your partner, and dribble the one in your right to your left. Your partner will then throw you a ball and you’ll dribble that with your right and continue to repeat. This drill helps improve your crossover, explosiveness, and ability to switch hands mid-play.

Tight Spaces Ball Handling Drill

This drill is much like the 1vs1 drill but you won’t have the whole court to operate with. You’ll need six to eight cones. The cones will be placed in a straight line, 3 or 4 on each side, 6 to 7 feet apart from one another to create a straight line. The goal is for you to dribble past the defender without going outside the cones. This drill will help you create space and also aid in dribbling through contact.

Dribbling a basketball is one of the best skills a player can possess. Whether you’re a point guard dribbling through a full court press, or a center catching it in the post, dribbling is imperative.

Take it from Arike Ogunbowale, guard for the Dallas Wings, who uses drills like these to warm up. She said, “Before games, I do a two-ball dribbling drill. That way, I know I’m good.”

Just don’t forget about the other basketball skills you need to perfect your game!

Basketball coaching hacks: how to score goals for beginners

Even if you are a novice basketball player, we will not give you a training plan, but we will tell you why the ball flies anywhere but into the ring and into your hands. It's all about technique: even with regular training and perseverance, novice adults and children often make simple mistakes. It's a shame, let's fix it. Below are 11 life hacks on how to hone your technique to increase the likelihood of a goal for your team.

Basketball Shot Rules for Beginners

1. Hands up

In pursuit of the attacker, raise your hands, even if you are standing with your back to the pass, and even more so if the ring is in front of you. Your raised hands will increase the chance of intercepting the ball from the opponent by 2 times. Don't overlook this little thing!

2. Make shield rolls

Even Tim Duncan did not neglect them! A square is drawn on the basketball backboard. If you are standing opposite the ring, then aim at the middle of the upper part of the square, if you are standing on the side, then at the corner. If you hit this square, then the ball is at 90% of cases will fall into the ring. The law of physics and no cheating!

3.

Look at the ring, not at the ball

Practice driving the ball with your hand, not your eyes, develop tactile control. Your eyes should be on the hoop while dribbling and be aware of the position of your body in relation to the hoop. Then you will be able to take the correct posture, and the throw will be effective.

4. Dribble with the balls of your fingers only

The palm should not touch the ball, only the pads of the fingers. Dribbling should become familiar to you, like an extension of your hand. Then you can change its trajectory at any time and you will have more chances to score goals. Practice with the ball constantly.

5. Throw with one hand

If you throw the ball with two hands, you reduce the chance of hitting the basket. All the efforts of the throw are in one hand (in the right for right-handers, in the left for left-handers). The other hand only holds the ball, the leading one holds it with the fingers, not the palm.

6.

Do not jump when protecting the ring

Jumping is the main mistake of rookie defenders. To intercept the ball and block the shot, simply stick out your hands. When you are in a jump, the attacker will easily bypass you.

7. Don't look back

When you dribble, don't look back, but dribble and aim for the ring, focus on shooting (or passing to another player on your team).

8. Bring the throw to automatism

Incorporate the most basic basketball techniques into your training plan and bring the shot to automatism. Throw first from a distance of half a meter from the ring, gradually increasing it. Learn to throw the ball so that it hits the hoop without touching the edge.

Throw the ball with all fives and jump

Throwing Rules:

Head in the center of the body - if tilted, accuracy is lost.
Look at the ring: mentally build a trajectory. If you are far away, the ball flies in a curved curve with a maximum height of 2 meters above the hoop.
A strong hand is in front and throws, a weak hand is on the side and directs, only holding the ball. The elbow of the throwing hand must be in line with the ring.
The ball must rest on the fingers without touching the palm. The fingers are as far apart as possible and grab the ball.
Throwing arm bent 90 degrees, forearm perpendicular to the floor. If you bend less, then you get not a throw, but a throwing of the ball horizontally.

The main thing in the throw is the position of the body and its balance. Place your feet apart and parallel to each other: it is important to orient them in the middle of the basket. Then the direction of the body during the jump will coincide with the direction of the throw, and the ball will fly straight into the ring. When the feet are uneven, the ball flies in the wrong direction or does not reach (although the throw was normal).

Take a deep breath and release as you exhale.

How to hold the ball and shoot in basketball

How to throw correctly: straighten your arm, point your wrist up, and with your hand set the ball to rotate in the opposite direction from the flight. The ball should seem to "roll" off your fingers.

9. Copy masters and play as a team

Watch professional basketball games and try to copy the movements of your favorite players in training. And be sure to conduct game sparring - this will allow you to develop more techniques.

10. Do not throw in a straight line

The higher the arc of the ball, the greater the chance of a goal and the less chance of blocking by the opponent.

11. Do not throw the ball from a full height stand

This is the biggest newbie mistake!

Before the throw, bend your knees slightly and at the moment of the throw, straighten your body, making a jump. You need to straighten up and push off the ground at the same time. When squatting, keep the elbow of the throwing arm close to the body and towards the ring.

The jump will give momentum to the ball and will allow you not to make sudden movements with the brush.

***

And to be a long-term player, do not forget about your health: take care of your joints and muscles, use tapes, do a warm-up. And be sure to strengthen your arms, legs and shoulder girdle, develop coordination. Regular exercises on uneven bars and horizontal bars will help you with this.

Slamdunk Journal :: Basketball techniques

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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 brings 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.