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How to go between the legs in basketball


The Between-the-Legs Dribble | ACTIVE

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Dribbling between the legs, though seemingly nothing more than a stylish variation on the crossover, is an effective, and oftentimes necessary tool when facing extreme pressure from a defender. Though this move can work wonderfully for any perimeter player, the point guard needs to master this move.

Often the defensive player is playing in such close proximity to you, that the crossover dribble would allow the defender to easily get a hand on the ball. Whereas, with the between the legs move, you are using your body as a natural shield against the defender allowing you to change both direction and speed—while insuring that the ball is being protected. This is also an excellent move to use when operating within a half-court situation, and a change of pace move is necessary to get by your man and into the lane.

How to Do the Between-the-Legs:

Stand at one end of the court. Begin with the ball in your right hand ( whether you are right- or left-handed does not matter; from this point on, only when specified, will it become important). Place the ball in your right hand. At the same time that you begin to dribble, step with your left foot, moving your leg at a 45 degree angle towards the left sideline—in other words, step in the direction of your left. As your foot is about to touch the floor, guide the ball through the space that you’ve created between your feet. While this is happening, place your left hand behind you—your palm facing your back—ready to catch the ball after its passed through.

The difficulty of this drill comes here: As you’ve caught the ball in your left hand, your right foot needs to be stepping simultaneously at a 45 degree angle towards your right, in preparation to keep the ball moving smoothly between your feet. Though the timing and body movement on this move may seem a bit awkward and unnatural at first, you will soon adjust.

Keys to Effectiveness:

1. Again, practice this drill at a speed with which you are comfortable. Do not be sloppy. Your speed with the ball will increase the more you practice.

2. Your knees must be bent, the bend in your knees is what will provide you with both your quickness and ability to successfully change directions; make sure you do this.

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Between the Legs Dribble Basketball Move

As the game of basketball has progressed, the difficulty and the variety of offensive moves has increased.  There was a time when a between the legs dribble was revolutionary.  Now it is something you see all the time.

The first time a player dribbled between their legs in a game the spectators heads probably exploded.  Now most offensive possessions include a between the legs dribble.

But beyond the showmanship of the between the legs dribble, it actually serves an important function.

Dribbling the ball from one hand to another is one of the more susceptible moments for an offensive player. This is a common situation that leads to steals for the defense.  By using the between the legs dribble it allows the offensive player to switch hands while putting an obstacle in the way (your leg) making it harder for the defender to steal the ball.

When To Use The Between The Legs Dribble

The between the legs dribble can be used as either a way to shake a defender off to create space or to move the ball from one hand to another while dribbling to create a better angle for a pass/move.  Another way to use the between the legs dribble is to setup a defender for another offensive move, like a crossover.

These situations will usually occur at the top of the key or on the wings.  Rarely are between the legs dribbles effective in the post or in high traffic areas.  Again, the main goal of the between the legs dribble is to get the ball from the left hand to the right hand safely, or visa versa.

The Between the Legs Dribble in Action

Below you will find a thorough video showing the different ways to use the between the legs dribble.  Our goal is to give you insight on how different players use this move differently so that you can see how to use the between the legs dribble more effectively in your game.

Not only does Coach Rock tell you how to do the between the legs dribble, but he also gives several great drills that you can do to improve.

How to Master The Between The Legs Dribble

If you watched the video above you should have a good idea about how to execute the between the legs dribble.  Here are some additional tips to make the most out of both practice sessions and games.

Get Low

High dribbling is susceptible to quick handed defenders.  To have an effective between the legs dribble you need to have strong quads and hamstrings that are flexible so that you can get lower than the defender.  By keeping your between the legs dribble low the defender will not have the opportunity to steal the ball and will allow you a better chance to blow by them on your way to the basket.

Use the Between the Legs Dribble to Set Up Your Defender

Use It to Setup a Defender

Off the dribble moves are as much about timing and rhythm as they are about the moves themselves.  The between the legs dribble is a great dribble to get your body in position and put your defender at an angle that is advantageous.

I like how the between the legs dribble gets your feet active.  Be sure to focus on your footwork when doing the dribble and not just the act of putting the ball between your legs.  Footwork is just as important as the actual ball handling.

Not a Great Move in Traffic

When you use the between the legs dribble your front leg creates an angle that is different from the crossover.  To prove this concept take a basketball and do a crossover.  Look at your feet and body right before the crossover dribble.  One foot might be slightly in front of the other, but overall your chest and body are in a neutral position allowing you to go either right or left.  Now do a between the legs dribble.  See how your front foot creates an angle and closes your body off to one direction.  If you execute the between the legs dribble and a help defender comes to the side you are dribbling to the ball is very exposed and is often stolen in this position.

While the angle created by the between the legs dribble helps you to avoid your primary defender it makes you very susceptible to the double teamer as your front leg gets in the way and it is hard to execute a quick retreat dribble when you are in such a committed position.

In high traffic situations I recommend using either a crossover or a behind the back dribble as these work better in motion and do not create any angles that make you susceptible to help defenders.

 

Basic Basketball Dribbling Rules: Brief and Clear

In modern basketball, dribbling and dribbling are the basic principles of moving around the field. The player cannot take the ball in his hands and run to the ring. This will be considered a violation. And what other nuances of dribbling and dribbling exist? It turns out that you can’t put your other hand forward and take more than two steps with the ball. But it was not always so.

In the early to mid-20th century, basketball was more like rugby with hanging hoops. Players often pushed, abused mass and strength, played for time. At 19In 1954, the rules were updated, and the game became much stricter about various physical contacts. Now the players had to learn to dribble and not to fight with the opponent. Basketball has become more beautiful and spectacular.

Definitions

Dribbling is the way a basketball player moves around the court. Only with the help of this technique is it possible for the player to move independently. Otherwise, dribbling can be called dribbling. But this definition is more often used when it comes to beating opponents, outplaying them in a one-on-one fight. Now good dribbling has become an integral part of any basketball game.

Despite the high demands placed on players by coaches, almost no one succeeds in turning the ball into their forte. The fact is that basketball is a very fast game in which a big bet is placed on team play. If a player thinks that he will be able to pass 5 opponents using dribbling, then in just a few seconds he will be disappointed. In the NBA, goals in which only one athlete took part are a rarity.

Dribbling technique

To get out of pressure you need to learn good dribbling technique. It is worth saying that there are several ways of dribbling:

  • One hand. The most common way. There is a ball chasing on the ground with one hand, and the second can control the balance of the body. This is the most energy-saving and quiet way to drive.
  • Two hands alternately. Also a common technique. It should be mastered by all those who want to increase their level of play to professional players. By changing two hands, you can confuse the enemy, as well as find a more profitable option for an attack.
  • Translations. These are hard hits on the floor that lift the ball up to shoulder level with the dribbler. In this way, you can swing the enemy and pass into the open space.
  • Crossover. The essence of this technique is to chasing the ball between the legs. One blow in front of you, and the second - already behind your back. This helps protect the ball from the opponent and does not give him the initiative in the fight.
  • Behind the back. This method is rarely used in the real game. Most often it is used to warm up or tease an opponent.

There is approximately one technique for all these methods. Basketball players learn the rules of dribbling for a reason. This is necessary in order to better control the ball and not get injured during an incorrect reception. There are the following rules and tips for dribbling:

  • The ball must bounce off the field and bounce off the fingers. No need to grab it with a full palm or try to hit the floor as hard as possible. The main thing is that a little effort is spent on dribbling, and the player’s hands do not get tired.
  • Get close to the ground and dribble the ball without letting it go too far. In this position, the opponent will have less time to snatch the ball. It is better to change the style of dribbling, sometimes rising to his full height, and sometimes crouching to the ground.
  • Need to unlearn looking at the ball while dribbling. It is advisable to dribble the ball without looking at all. In this way, it will be possible to follow the movements of the opponent, concentrating on the situation in the match.
  • It is worth learning how to cover the ball with the body, preventing a player from the enemy team from reaching it. This is quite difficult to achieve, as blind dribbling means that the athlete will blindly control the ball without hitting it against other parts of the body.
  • Take into account the angle of the ball rebound is also worth with active dribbling. If you stand and mint at an angle of 90 degrees, then there will be no progress. If the angle is too large, then the ball may not be in time, and if it is too small, then the progress will be too slow. Dribbling is very important to professional basketball players as it is the second most important aspect of moving around the field (passing is the first).

Double dribble

This is the term used to describe a violation when a player starts dribbling again after picking up the ball. This is prohibited by the rules. If an athlete receives the ball from a partner, then he can take the ball with both hands and start dribbling, but only once. Let's say the player stopped dribbling. He takes the ball in his hands and begins to look around the court. Now he has only two options:

  1. Pass to a teammate.
  2. Throw into the ring.

All this can be done after two steps with the ball. It will not count as a run. It is worth saying that jumping with the ball in this situation is prohibited. In case of violation of the rules, the player will be declared out of bounds, and possession will be transferred to the other team.

Common Mistakes

Leading is a difficult technique that takes a lot of time and effort to master. But to increase the value for the team, you can study the most common mistakes:

  • Individualist. If you get carried away with dribbling, it will be difficult to achieve a result. Basketball is a team game where passing is more important than dribbling. You need to look at partners more often and see good moments: both for driving and for assists.
  • Flirting. Of course, all professional players have excellent ball possession, so they can afford some tricks and tricks right next to the opponent. Ordinary players will not benefit from such “tricks”. It is better to always control the ball, because underestimating the opponent is the main mistake of basketball.
  • Pushing the opponent away. When dribbling, don't pay too much attention to the opposing team. If a player starts to make close contact, then there is a high probability of earning a foul or losing the ball. It is better to go around the opponent or look for an opportunity to pass.
  • Do not exercise. Some players think that possession will develop during the game, but this is a strong misconception. Like any other technique, dribbling requires attention and diligence. You need to devote a lot of time to this in order to progress and feel more comfortable during the match.
  • Prefer dribbling over throwing. Let's say the player is near the paint line, but decides to get close to the ring and dunk. This decision may result in a loss of the ball or a foul in the 3-second zone. If there is an opportunity to shoot from close range, then it is always worth doing it, and not switching to dribbling.

Practice Drills

To learn how to dribble well, you need to practice more. The following exercises will help with this:0003

  • Hold the ball in your hand, drop it down in a smooth motion and hit the ground. Only one hand works. This will help develop wrist strength.
  • One player picks up the ball, and the second grabs it in a way that suits him. Now task number two is to try to get the projectile out. The first player must tense all the muscles to prevent the ball from popping out. Develops strong hands.
  • Long dribbling. Everything is clear here. You need to go into dribbling and mint the ball for 3, 5, 10 minutes. After the noticeable wobble disappears, and the athlete has a better feel for the car, control over the ball will begin to feel better.
  • Dribbling the ball between the legs with a crossover will also help you better feel the speed and angle of the ball. This exercise can improve not only control, but also dribbling skills close to the opponent.
  • Alternately dribbling the ball first with one hand and then with the other will also help you feel the game better. A player who knows how to control with both hands will always feel confident on the court.

Important nuances in the game

Keep in mind that successful dribbling requires strong and powerful hands. Basketball players practice a lot off the court as well. It is advisable to visit the gym, where you can increase the grip strength and leg power. High jumps and strong arms are the hallmarks of any professional basketball player. It is also worth developing endurance, because dribble is the same run, but with increased concentration.

A strong corps will help in clashes with even the biggest opponents. Of course, now players with good stamina and fast running are more valued, but this does not mean that opponents will always be slower or weaker than the team.

Basketball offense under the hoop

replica swiss watch

Now let's talk about the exercises we use at Oak Hill Academy to improve our offensive game under the basket.

Exercise 1

  1. Start the exercise on the left side of the ring facing the backboard.
  2. Step with the left foot and throw with the hook with the right hand.
  3. Pick up the ball without letting it fall on the floor.
  4. Take the same position on the right side of the hoop, stepping with the right foot, hooking with the left hand.
  5. Make twenty-five attempts in a row on each side (Fig. 1).

Exercise 2

  1. Start by standing at the endline at the edge of the backboard, facing the opposite ring. The ring you are attacking is on your right.
  2. Take a step with your left foot and, with your back to the ring, throw up from below (like a passing shot when the ball is in the palm of your hand, here the same thing only with your back to the ring).
  3. Pick up the ball and go to the other side of the hoop.
  4. Stepping with the right foot, throwing with the left. Make twenty-five attempts on each side (Fig. 2).

Exercise 3

  1. Start on the right side of the shield.
  2. Throw the ball with your right hand at the backboard.
  3. Pushing off your toes while jumping, hit the ball again at the backboard without letting it fall to the floor.
  4. Repeat 10 times, in the last jump, throw the ball into the basket.
  5. Repeat the same with the left hand, on the left side (Fig. 3).

Exercise 4

  1. Start under the hoop with the ball in your hands.
  2. Dribbling to the right, right hand, drive to the 3-point line at a position under 45º, turn to the ring, continue to dribble with the right hand, go to the ring, but after each shot, make a sharp shift to the center. At the end of the pass, throw from below with your right hand.
  3. Pick up the ball, and repeat the same, only on the left side, with your left hand (Fig. 4).

  • After you have done this exercise a few times without resistance, add a defender who will interfere with the player in the pass from the three-point line.
  • Perform the exercise in a good rhythm, it should last 35 seconds or until you have done 10 passes (fig. 4).

Exercise 5

  1. Take a position with your back to the end line, on the first mustache of the free kick from the end line.
  2. A team-mate must be opposite on the three-point line and has the ball.
  3. Player to be handed over.
  4. Pivot around the nearest leg to the ring, you should be facing the ring, throw with one hand from below the shield (fig. 5).

  • After you have mastered this variation, move out into the field and after the pivot use the dribble to the cross-leg ring. The final stage does not change.
  • Throw 10 each with and without dribbling, then repeat on the left side.

Note: in all chair exercises we will need two assistants who will be involved all the time. One is needed for rebounds, and the other is needed in order to change balls on the chairs.

Chairs under the ring (Exercise 6-8)

  1. Place the chairs on the lower whiskers of the three second zone.
  2. Place a ball in each chair.
  3. The player starts the exercise from the middle of the three-second zone (Fig. 6).

Exercise 6

  1. Dash towards the chair to the right of the ring.
  2. Take the ball from a chair, squatting down (do not bend your back, it should remain straight).
  3. Then step with your left foot towards the ring and throw from the shield around the ring from below with your right hand.
  4. Immediately, without stopping, make a jerk to another chair, do the same, only remembering to change your leg and arm (Fig. 7).

Exercise 7

  1. Dash towards the right chair from the ring.
  2. Take the ball from a chair, squatting down (do not bend your back, it should remain straight).
  3. Then step your right foot inside the three second zone and throw a hook with your left hand.
  4. Immediately, without stopping, make a jerk to another chair, do the same, changing your leg and arm (Fig. 8).

Exercise 8

  1. Dash towards the right chair from the ring.
  2. Take the ball from a chair, squatting down (do not bend your back, it should remain straight).
  3. After the player has taken the ball, he must pivot around the right foot and upon completion of the pivot, must face the ring, then there are several options for attacking: a) Jump shot, b) Two-foot shot after one hit of the ball.
  4. After the throw, immediately without stopping, make a jerk to another chair, then everything is the same, changing the leg and arm (Fig. 9).

Chairs under the ring (Exercise 9-10)

After you have completed exercises 6-8, move the chairs to the level of the foul line. In all exercises, after you take the ball, it is necessary to make a dash with dribbling to the ring.

  • Take the ball from a chair, squatting down (do not bend your back, it should remain straight).
  • The ball carrier then makes a dash with a dribble to the ring, whereby he can use the transfers between the legs.
  • Under the hoop, make a jump stop and throw with your right hand, shield hook.
  • Make a jerk to another chair and repeat the same thing, but with the other hand (Fig.

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