How to get good at basketball dribbling

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.

1. 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.
2. Head up at all times. Look at the rim or a spot on the wall during all practice.
3. Use your finger tips to control the ball, not your palm.
4. Use your imagination. Picture when and how you would use each of the dribbles.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Don't do things in 2 dribbles that you can do in 1.
9. 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.

Attack & Counter Workout App - Ball Handling, Shooting, Guard Play, & More

Recommended Training Material:

5 Drills To Help You Become a Better Dribbler

Basketball Tip

The better you are at dribbling, the more opportunities you and your team will have on the court. Players who take time to work on the basics and master the fundamentals are the ones who go further and can contribute more to their team. Dribbling is one of the easiest skills to practice because it does not require a court, a partner, or much space. The more time you spend with a ball in your hand the better your ball control will be, but the only way to improve and go to the next level, is to practice outside of your comfort zone. This means you should experiment and go faster or harder than you are used to. If you only practice the skills you are comfortable with, you will slow your progress as a player. Here are five stationary drills that our Brooklyn Nike Basketball Camp Director TJ Jones uses at his complete skills basketball camp.

When first starting out make sure that you are using your fingertips and not the palm of your hand, and that you are bouncing the ball no further than waist height. The goal of these drills is to become comfortable dribbling with both hands and to not look down. An easy trick to keep your head up is to find a spot on a wall and focus on this spot when dribbling. When going through each of these drills, imagine the game scenario you would use them in or what skill they can help you improve.

Front V-Dribble

The front V-dribble is used for in and out fake moves and can help you get around a defender. Start by only using your right hand and dribble the ball side-to-side in front of your body. This should make a V. Your upper body should move with the rhythm and the ball should go side to side. Switch over to your left hand and repeat.

Figure Eight Dribble

Widen your stance and dribble the ball in a figure eight around both of your legs. As the ball moves from one side to the other side, you will switch your hand. The one hand that is not in use should be between your legs, ready to make the switch as soon as possible. As your dribbling gets faster, your dribbles should get lower and lower.

Scissors

This drill practices alternating between your legs. To get started put your right foot in front, and your left foot behind. Cross the ball between your legs and jump to switch the position of your feet so your left is in front and your right is behind. You should pass the ball between your legs, and after each time you should switch your feet position. Try to become faster and faster as you progress over time.

Dribble Behind the Back and Crossover

This drill requires 2 basketballs. With a ball in each hand, pound the balls 3 times, at the same time, on each side of your body. Then, pass one ball behind your back, and one in front to the opposite hand. Once you have passed the balls to the other side, pound the balls 3 times again and repeat. Make sure to change the direction after 5 times. As time progresses, see how fast you can do this drill.

Freestyle

Use what you learned above and your own moves, and in a stationary position, combine them together. Make sure to maintain your ball control with freestyle and not to forget the fundamentals.

Remember to not be discouraged if you mess up at first. Just like everything in life and in basketball, new skills take time and hard work to master. Try practicing these 5 drills each day, and to see how you progress over the course of your training. Check out more basketball drills and tips and join TJ Jones and his camp staff this winter, spring and summer in Brooklyn at a Nike Basketball Camp.

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exercises and useful tips for beginners

Basketball is one of the most difficult and spectacular ball games. The beauty of the duel depends not only on the number of hits in the basket. The main thing is still the technical aspects of dribbling and passing it. At the same time, you can’t just take a projectile and immediately play like LeBron James. It takes years of hard work to grow a real basketball player out of a child.

Among the many specific terms in this game sport is the concept of dribbling. Translated from English, the word means "to carry the ball" and implies the ability to maneuver with it during a duel. Dribbling training in basketball is aimed at developing this skill in the attacking team, who must not give the ball to the opposing side. The beauty of the game and the result of a sporting event largely depend on how the attacker owns dribbling.

Ways of dribbling

Basketball is a game based on three pillars - dribbling, passing, throwing. Each stage is important, requires skill and affects the course of the game. Dribbling means the maneuvering movement of the attacker on the playing field with the projectile. At the same time, it is forbidden to hold it in the hands, with the exception of the moments of transfer to the partner and when making a throw. During the dribble, it is necessary that the projectile constantly bounces off the floor, and the athlete can touch it with his fingertips or with an open palm.

The dribbler constantly moves around the playing field and maneuvers between the defenders of the opposite team, for which he uses a variety of techniques:

• changes the speed of movement;
• makes sudden stops;
• performs so-called feints with shoulders, arms, head and even eyes.

All these techniques pursue several goals at the same time:

1. Organize the correct direction of attack.
2. Move the ball into the opponent's zone as close to the basket as possible.
3. Beat an opponent and make a successful roll.
4. If a cluster of players from the opposing team has formed around the projectile, then remove the ball from there.
5. Prevent the enemy from taking possession of the projectile, which is especially important in the last minutes of the match.

There are 2 types of dribbling: high and low. The first is performed at high speed and is used in situations where a basketball player needs to quickly move around the court. In this case, the leading arm is almost completely straightened. The height of the bounce can reach the athlete's chest, but the amplitude should be maintained at which the basketball player manages to develop maximum speed.

The second method is also known as shell cover . It is used when it is necessary to dodge an opponent. In this case, the basketball player's legs are bent, the body is tilted forward, the arm is pressed to the body, the rebound is not higher than the level of the knees. Moments of low driving are characterized by the highest intensity.

Dribbling drills

Professional basketball players are excellent at dribbling. Many techniques are very difficult to perform, but at the same time the most effective during martial arts.

Dribbling behind the back

An excellent trick, used by players when they are blocked by opponents from the target and they need to escape, but not give up the projectile. The athlete takes a stance on bent legs and passes the ball from one hand to another, doing it behind his back, covering his body from the opponent.

Dribbling between the legs

A very difficult and effective hold. For its execution, the legs are placed as wide as possible and bent at the knees, one hand is located in front, the other behind the body, the eyes look at the enemy. In this position, the ball is passed from one hand to the other, each time moving between the legs.

Keeping the head up

This means guiding without eye tracking. Only the most experienced players can act like this. With this skill, the basketball player does not need to be distracted by the search and visual tracking of the ball, which makes it possible to concentrate on more serious goals.

Crossovers

This technique also belongs to the category of deceptive and disorienting opponent. The attacker dribbles around the court, hitting the projectile with one or the other hand, “drawing” the Latin letter V. In such a situation, it is difficult for the opponent to understand from which side the attacking actions will follow.

How to learn basketball dribbling at home: tips for beginners

You don't have to be on the court to hone your dribbling skills. This can be done anywhere, because at the initial stage it is necessary to simply get used to the ball, learn how to feel it, hit it, control the rebounds. This can be done in any open area, in the yard and even in the apartment. Start by slapping the ball. This develops the sensitivity of the palms. Keep your wrist as relaxed as possible at the moment of impact.

Another fundamental skill to master at the very beginning is dribbling with the tips of the phalanges. In this case, you should learn to control the impact force and at the same time increase the speed.

To improve the quality of training outside the gym:

• find a friend and train together;
• master the simultaneous dribbling of two balls, alternate hands, then hit both balls at the same time, then in turn, change the rhythm of rebounds;
• learn to dribble not only moving forward, but also sideways or moving backwards;
• practice driving at every opportunity: on the way to the store, to the bus stop, to school, etc. , practicing the ball handle in basketball is especially effective when moving on an uneven surface;
• always use both hands during training;
• arrange an obstacle course, use any available items and go through it, changing the configuration of the track from time to time;
• start training with standard exercises, as you master them, you can move on to more complex ones;
• to develop strength in the arms (which is a necessary condition for success in this sport), train them by squeezing a rubber ball. This can be done outside the basketball court and not even during training, but in any free minute.

You will probably be interested to know about this : “How is street basketball different from ordinary basketball?” and "How to learn to play basketball?".

Basic Dribbling Basketball Training

When you learn to control bounces, hold the ball confidently, and move along a given trajectory without losing it, you can move on to mastering the classic tricks.

Touching with the tips of the knuckles, not with the palm of the hand

The ability to dribble only with the tips of the fingers, according to many professionals, is one of the main skills in basketball. The projectile should be controlled, but not exerted with excessive effort, and this can be achieved not by slapping it with the whole palm, but only by touching it with the fingertips. The palm should be opened as much as possible, fingers spread out so that the grip area is maximum, but at the same time work only with the phalanges.

Rebound work

Take the ball in your supporting hand with only your fingertips and tap it on the floor. Hit him firmly and confidently, but not too hard, as this will make it difficult to control. Every time try to catch the ball, doing it gently without effort and tension of the hand, and then hit it in the same manner.

Keeping the hand on top of the ball

For complete control of the ball during movement, the palm must always remain on top of the ball while dribbling. This will prevent the projectile from flying far and will not give the enemy a chance to knock it out. This skill worked out to automatism will also help to avoid accidental catching from below, which is punishable by a fine in the game.

Holding the torso between the guarding opponent and the projectile

Being in this position, you create big problems for the opponent in terms of possession of the ball. The reception is especially effective if several representatives of the opposing side have gathered around you.

Low stance work

Low holding prevents the opponent from taking possession of the projectile. For a successful maneuver, the legs should be bent at the knees, and the body is tilted forward, rebounds should be as frequent and low as possible (not higher than the leader’s thigh). To hone the exercise, you need to learn how to feel comfortable when the projectile is somewhere below. In this case, tilting to the sides is not allowed.

Avoiding Stops

A stop while dribbling must always end with an action, either a pass or a throw. Otherwise, further dribbling, according to the rules, will be impossible, which the enemy will certainly take advantage of.

Timely passing

Masterful dribbling is beautiful, but everything should be in moderation. There are many situations in which it is much more efficient and useful for the team to pass the ball to colleagues. For example, in the case when they are in a better shooting position or if the space between you and the basket is occupied by several opponents.

Do not run before throwing

In this sport, running is prohibited, which includes one step with the ball in hand, especially carrying the projectile while walking or running, as well as moving or changing the supporting leg during a stop. Hence the conclusion: it is necessary to work out the skill of moving around the sports ground without the above-described hitches.

Training Enhancement Goggles

Special goggles have been invented for practicing blind dribbling. They look a little like the ones swimmers use: a plastic frame with rubber straps and a thick rubber shutter at the bottom. The rubber helps the goggles stay tight on the head during training and closes the athlete's view from below. It is this curtain that plays the main role: the basketball player does not see the projectile. This forces him to focus not on the projectile, but on what is happening on the field.

However, you should not overdo it and constantly train with glasses, because the player should always have a complete picture of what is happening . Dribbling training in basketball with glasses greatly improves visual non-contact dribbling.

7 tips for practicing dribbling

Experts with experience working with NBA, NCAA, European, Chinese and Russian professional leagues share secrets

Dribbling used to be something difficult, but now every day we look at crazy crossovers we practice dribbling ourselves. In this article, you will read 7 tips from different people that will help you make your workouts more useful.

Advice from Nick (@nikyamschikov), founder of Ball In.

I see a lot of guys who are trying to train dribbling, learn how to do a new movement, it is better to pass on the weak side, but they do not succeed. They try too little and in comfortable conditions. Nothing works out in the game, because of this, frustration happens, and then they return to the usual things.

When you were just starting to play and you were still very young, there was no such comfort zone for you, and you developed easily. If you have been in basketball for more than a couple of years, then one of your keys to development is learn to do unpleasant things and endure until you see the result.

Advice from Bone Collector (@bonecollector6), streetball legend from AND1. Currently working with NBA players.

If ​​you try to single out one thing for young players, then I advise you to work on your body. If you want to play professionally, treat your body like a pro. This will allow you to perform more movements, do them more efficiently and always be competitive.

are the words of Bone Collector during an interview. I asked him to reveal the secret of great dribbling, to which he replied: "There is no secret, only hard work every day."

Advice from Vasily Prokofiev (@basi_training), basketball skills coach. Worked with NBA, NCAA players and professionals from Russia.

An experienced defender does not look at the ball, but at the player's body, so if the center of gravity is not shifted, then the opponent will not move anywhere. No matter how you make transfers, without weight transfer, you will not be able to move anywhere with the ball. If you want to beat - learn to shift the center of gravity.

Advice from Igor Zabelin (@saint_handles), personal trainer.

I see coaches doing a lot of basic things with players. After that, the players become templates. Guys who have been training for 3-5 years do the same thing. They lack variety.

It is necessary to build a foundation, but something unusual must be attached to it, which will highlight and help , because from a certain level, without it, there is nowhere. It will be necessary. If you look at the youth teams of Russia and the United States, it is easy to see that the guys from across the ocean have a much wider arsenal.

Advice from Ruslan Marinsky (@0neanddone), Basketball Skills Coach at Playground Basketball Center.

I often notice that people spend a lot of time practicing dribbling and just tapping on the spot. I think that dribbling is an important skill for any player to get them to do something on the court, like finishing from under the basket or creating a shooting situation. Therefore, in my training, I add the task of attacking the ring after a beat.

At a certain level of training, especially for children, you need to devote a lot of time to working on the spot, but do not forget that basketball is movement, especially now, when in basketball in any position you need to be able to control the ball and at least cross the middle of the court with dribbling.

Advice from Alexander Glisic, Head Coach of the Basketball Academy Ilona Korstin, winner of the Junior Euroleague and coach of the NBA San Antonio Spurs Summer League in 2016.

There is a lot of dribbling in play and practice today. Yes, this is important and you need to train it every day in order to better feel the ball, see the court and partners, attack the defender. Usually dribbling training involves a lot of shots and repetitions on the spot, which is why most people get lost in the game. There aren't that many hits. In the game, you are not alone on the court and you need to share the ball. This is completely different.

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