Home » Misc » How to get your basketball handles better
How to get your basketball handles better
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 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.
How to shoot correctly in basketball
Shooting is the main element of the basketball game. The result of any team depends on the ability to throw correctly. Sovsport.ru tells how to perform a throw in volleyball technically.
You need to stand facing the basket and put your feet shoulder-width apart. The knees should be slightly bent. Leading foot should be slightly forward. You need to feel comfortable in this position. The ideal rack does not exist, you need to modify it yourself.
The legs must be half-bent so that when receiving the ball, you can maintain equal balance and quickly make a throw. The main purpose of the exercise is to find the ideal position and bring the throw to automatism.
The ball must be kept ready to be thrown. It should be a few centimeters above the waist. The ball, eyes and basket must be on the same line. If the ball is too high or low, it will affect the accuracy of the throw. The elbow should be under the ball, not out of the way.
It is important to hold the ball correctly with your hands. The throwing hand must be positioned so that the fingers are perpendicular to the seam lines of the ball, while the other hand must hold the ball and correct it. The fingers of the throwing hand should be wide apart.
The throwing movement itself is performed with the throwing arm up and forward. The ball must not be dropped when it is at eye level. The correcting hand must not allow the ball to go sideways. Movements must be fast.
The correct hoop shot in basketball is often performed by jumping. Legs, torso, and arms should move together.
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.
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. 
Look at the ring, not at the ball 
Do not jump when protecting the ring 
The main purpose of the exercise is to find the ideal position and bring the throw to automatism. 
