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How to improve ball handling in basketball at home


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.

  1. Stationary ball handling routine: Nearly 30 drills from body circles to cross overs.
  2. 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.

The Best At-Home Basketball Ball Handling Workout by Hustle Training

If you find yourself stuck inside your house for a couple weeks, why not use the time to your advantage and improve your basketball skills? The truth is you don't need a practice partner or anything more than a basketball and a little bit of space to improve your dribbling and handle. The following workout, brought to you in collaboration with The Scoring Factory, provides you with 26 different drills to hone your ball handling skills. You don't need a gym or a wide open space; at most you'll need a driveway, a hallway or a stretch of sidewalk. You can even do most of these drills inside your bedroom.

Making the time to improve

Being an elite ball handler will help you become a better player whether you play the point or find yourself occupying the paint. Becoming elite only happens when you invest many hours of hard work into improving your dribbling skills. And once you get your handles to an elite level, you have to continue to invest time and energy to keep them there.

The good news is that if you've got 26 minutes, you've got enough time to get through this exhaustive ball handling workout. Set aside 26 minutes per day and the time will add up quickly. We're talking thousands of dribbles each week. We're talking people will be wondering how you’re improving so much faster rate than your teammates. Stick with it. These drills might seem difficult the first few times you make it through the workout.

Keys to a Successful Workout

Keep your eyes up when dribbling the basketball. This simple fundamental skill is essential to becoming a great ball handler. Keeping your eyes up while working through drills allows you to simulate a game. You've got to be able to know what's going on on the basketball court. If your eyes are down, you won't be able to see how defenders react to your moves. You'll miss teammates cutting to the basket. You'll be more susceptible to getting caught in defensive traps. In general keeping your eyes up when you dribble allows you to make better decisions when the ball is in your hands

Make the most out of every rep. Dribble the ball as hard as you can throughout the workout. At first, this may be difficult because you'll be learning the movements of the drills and will try to maintain complete control. Dribbling hard will force you to improve your handle faster. If you pound the ball hard while doing these dribbling drills, you'll be simulating game-like experiences which will ultimately lead to better control once you're in the game.

Don’t be discouraged if you mess up, it means you’re pushing yourself. When you push yourself, you should lose the ball every once in a while. Losing the ball simply means you are outside of your comfort zone, which is a surefire way to know that you're improving. Conversely, if you never make a mistake and don't find yourself chasing down a ball that's been dribbled off of your foot or accidentally knocked out of bounds, you’re just reinforcing something you’re already comfortable with and your improvement will be slow.

1/26: A - Through the Legs Crossover, Behind-the-Back Crossover, Through the Legs Crossover, Reverse

This is a stationary dribbling drill. Equipment needed: one basketball. Duration: one minute.

Start with the ball in your right hand. Dribble through your legs to your left hand. Crossover dribble behind your back to your right hand. Dribble forward through your legs to your left hand. At this point you reverse the drill. Dribble through your legs to your right hand. Crossover dribble behind your back to your left hand. Dribble forward through your legs to your left hand. That's one rep. Try to get as many as you can in one minute.

2/26: B - Through the Legs, Behind-the-Back Crossover, Through the Legs, Reverse

This is a stationary dribbling drill. Equipment needed: one basketball. Duration: one minute.

Start with the ball in your right hand. Dribble through your legs to your right hand. Crossover dribble behind your back to your left hand. Dribble forward through your legs to your left hand. At this point you reverse the drill. Dribble through your legs to your left hand. Crossover dribble behind your back to your right hand. Dribble forward through your legs to your right hand. That's one rep. Try to get as many as you can in one minute.

3/26: C - V-Dribble Inside-Out, Behind-the-Back Crossover, V-Dribble Inside-Out, Reverse

This is a stationary dribbling drill. Equipment needed: one basketball. Duration: one minute.

Start with the ball in your right hand. Perform a v-dribble in front of your body by pushing the ball towards your left with one dribble then pull the ball back to your right with another. Crossover dribble behind your back to your left hand. Perform a v-dribble in front of your body by pushing the ball towards your right with one dribble then pull the ball back to your left with another. Crossover dribble behind your back to your right hand. That's one rep. Try to get as many as you can in one minute.

4/26: D - Through the Legs Dribble on the Move

This is a moving dribbling drill. Equipment needed: one basketball. Duration: 30 seconds in each direction.

Forward Repetitions:

Imagine you're on the baseline and you plan to dribble to half court. Move as fast as you can, dribbling in between your legs with every stride. Once you get to "half court", whether this is in your driveway or hallway, stop and turn around. Repeat in the opposite direction until you get back to your starting point. That's one rep. Try to get as many as you can in 30 seconds.

Backward Repetitions:

Similar to above except you'll be walking or (and as your skills progress) running backwards. With every stride backwards, dribble between your legs. Once you make it to half court, turn around and do it again in the other direction. That's one rep. Try to get as many as you can in 30 seconds.

5/26 E - Attack and Retreat, Michael Jordan Scissor Dribbles

This is a moving dribbling drill. Equipment needed: one basketball. Duration: one minute

Imagine you're on the baseline. Starting with the ball in your right hand, take four dribbles forward, stop, turn your body sideways, lift your off-hand to protect the ball from your imaginary defender and take one or two dribbles in reverse. Complete a Michael Jordan scissor dribble by pounding the ball between your legs, make an immediate hop, switching your forward leg back and your back leg forward. Do this scissor dribble three times total. Then dribble forward four times with your left hand, stop, turn your body sideways, lift your off-hand to protect the ball from your imaginary defender and take one or two dribbles in reverse. Pound the ball between the legs, make an immediate hop, switching your forward leg back and your back leg forward. Do this scissor dribble three times total and finish at half court. Turn around and do the same thing in the other direction. This is one rep. Try to get as many as you can in 60 seconds.

6/26: F - Through the Legs Dribble and Juggle

This is a stationary dribbling drill. Equipment needed: two basketballs. Duration: one minute.

Start with a basketball in each hand. Juggle toss the ball in your right hand straight up into the air above your head. Crossover dribble the ball in your left hand through your legs to your right hand. Catch the juggled ball with your left hand. Now reverse directions: juggle toss the ball in your left hand straight up into the air above your head. Crossover dribble the ball in your right hand through your legs to your left hand. Catch the juggled ball with your right hand. That's one rep. Try to get as many as you can in thirty seconds. For the remaining thirty seconds, perform as many reps as you can with the crossover dribble reversed, from behind your leg to the front.

7/26: G - Pushup Dribbles

This is a stationary dribbling drill. Equipment needed: one basketball. Duration: one minute.

Start by assuming a pushup position on the floor. With the basketball in your right hand, pound dribble as many times as you can in 15 seconds. Switch over to your left hand and repeat for 15 additional seconds. For the final 30 seconds of the drill, you'll dribble 10 times with your right hand, switch to your left and repeat, then switch. Do this as many times as you can in 30 seconds.

8/26: H - Shoulder-High Pound Dribbles

This is a stationary dribbling drill. Equipment needed: two basketballs. Duration: one minute.

Start with the basketball in your right hand. Pound the ball as hard as you can, allowing it to rise to the height of your shoulder. Make sure to keep your hand on top of the ball so you don't carry it. After 15 seconds, repeat with your left hand. Next, grab two basketballs and pound dribble them for 15 seconds. Finally, alternate your dribbles for 15 seconds, with right high and left low, then vice versa.

9/26: I - Pound Dribble, Crossover, Pound Dribble, Crossover

This is a stationary dribbling drill. Equipment needed: one basketball. Duration: one minute.

Start with the basketball in your right hand. Pound the ball as hard as you can, allowing it to rise to the height of your shoulder. Make sure to keep your hand on top of the ball so you don't carry it. Crossover and repeat with your left hand. Crossover to your right and repeat the drill. Do this as many times as you can in 60 seconds.

10/26: J - Michael Jordan Scissor Dribble

This is a stationary dribbling drill. Equipment needed: one basketball. Duration: one minute.

Start with the basketball in your right hand. Pound the ball between your legs from your right hand to your left hand. As you do this, make an immediate hop, moving your left leg back and your right leg forward. Immediately repeat this move in reverse: pound the ball between your legs from your left hand to your right hand, making an immediate hop and moving your right leg back and your left leg forward. Repeat this as many times as you can in 60 seconds.

11/26: K - Crossover, Crossover, Through-the-Legs

This is a stationary dribbling drill. Equipment needed: one basketball. Duration: one minute.

Start with the basketball in your right hand. Crossover to your left hand and crossover back to your right hand. Crossover through your legs to your left hand. Bring the ball to the front of your body and crossover to your right hand. Crossover again to your left hand then crossover through your legs to your right. This is one rep. Repeat this as many as you can in 60 seconds.

12/26: L - Front-Back Rocker Dribble, Crossover

This is a stationary dribbling drill. Equipment needed: one basketball. Duration: one minute.

Start with the basketball in your right hand. Crossover to your left hand. Perform a front-to-back rocker or "V" dribble, pulling the ball backwards with one dribble and forwards with another. Crossover back to your right hand. Perform a front-to-back rocker or "V" dribble, pulling the ball backwards with one dribble and forwards with another. This is one rep. Repeat this as many as you can in 60 seconds.

13/26: M - Two-Ball Dribbling Inside-Out V-Dribbles

This is a stationary dribbling drill. Equipment needed: two basketballs. Duration: one minute.

During the entire drill, you'll be completing the same inside-outside v-dribble, though you'll be alternating which hand is closer to your body and which hand is further away. Each basketball will stay in the same hand the entire time. Start with a basketball in each hand. With your right hand away from your body and your left hand closer to your body, complete a v-dribble by pushing the basketballs towards the middle of your stance. Complete the v-dribble by pulling the basketballs towards the outside of your stance. Now you'll vary the dribble by having your left hand away from your body and your right hand closer. Repeat the v-dribble. This is one rep.Complete as many as you can in 60 seconds.

14/26: N - Through-the-Leg Run

This is a moving dribbling drill. Equipment needed: one basketball. Duration: one minute

Forward Reps: Imagine you're on the baseline and you plan to run to half court. Move as fast as you can, passing the ball from one hand to the other in between your legs with every stride. Once you get to "half court", whether this is in your driveway or hallway, stop and turn around. Repeat in the opposite direction until you get back to your starting point. That's one rep. Try to get as many as you can in 30 seconds.

Backward Reps: Similar to above except you'll be walking or (and as your skills progress) running backwards. With every stride backwards, pass the ball from hand to hand between your legs. Once you make it to half court, turn around and do it again in the other direction. That's one rep. Try to get as many as you can in 30 seconds.

15/26: O - Crossover, Crossover, Behind-the-Back

This is a stationary dribbling drill. Equipment needed: one basketball. Duration: one minute

Start with the basketball in your right hand. Crossover to your left hand and crossover back to your right hand. Then crossover behind your back to your left hand. Bring the ball to the front of your body and crossover to your right hand. Crossover again to your left hand then crossover behind your back to your right. This is one rep. Repeat this as many as you can in 60 seconds.

16/26: P - Same-Hand Through-the-Legs

This is a stationary dribbling drill. Equipment needed: two basketballs. Duration: one minute

One-Ball Repetitions:

Start with a basketball in your right hand and assume an athletic stance. Dribble the ball through your legs from the front of your body to the back of your body to your right hand. Dribble it back through your legs to your right hand. That's one rep. Do as many as you can in 15 seconds, then switch to your left hand. Repeat for an additional 15 seconds.

Two-Ball Repetitions:

Start with a basketball in each hand and assume an athletic stance. Begin with your right hand in front of your body and your left hand behind your body. Dribble the ball in your right hand through your legs from the front of your body to the back of your body to your right hand. At the very same time, dribble the ball in your left hand forward through your legs to your left hand. Repeat in reverse: dribble the ball in your left hand through your legs from the front of your body to the back of your body to your left hand. At the very same time, dribble the ball in your right hand forward through your legs to your right hand.That's one rep. Do as many as you can in 30 seconds.

17/26: Q - Same-Hand Through-the-Legs, Crossover Through-the-Legs

This is a stationary dribbling drill. Equipment needed: one basketball. Duration: one minute

Forward Repetitions:

Start with a basketball in your right hand and assume an athletic stance. Dribble the ball through your legs from the front of your body to the back of your body to your right hand. Bring the ball around your right leg and crossover dribble from the front of your body through your legs to your left hand. Bring it around your left leg and dribble the ball through your legs from the front of your body to the back of your body to your left hand. Bring the ball around your right leg and crossover dribble from the front of your body through your legs to your left hand.Repeat for an additional 15 seconds.

Reverse Repetitions:

Start with a basketball in your right hand and assume an athletic stance. Dribble the ball through your legs from the back of your body to the front of your body to your right hand. Bring the ball around your right leg and crossover dribble from the back of your body through your legs to your left hand. Bring it around your left leg and dribble the ball through your legs from the back of your body to the front of your body to your left hand. Bring the ball around your right leg and crossover dribble from the back of your body through your legs to your left hand. Repeat for an additional 15 seconds.

18/26: R - Full-Speed Crossovers

This is a moving dribbling drill. Equipment needed: one basketball. Duration: one minute

Forward Repetitions:

Imagine you're on the baseline and you plan to run to half court. Running as fast as you can, cross the ball over in front of your body, trying your best to simulate a transition or fast break. Once you get to "half court", whether this is in your driveway or hallway, stop and turn around. Repeat in the opposite direction until you get back to your starting point. That's one rep. Try to get as many as you can in 30 seconds.

Backward Repetitions:

Similar to above except you'll be walking or (and as your skills progress) running backwards. Running backwards as fast as you can, cross the ball over in front of your body. Once you make it to half court, turn around and do it again in the other direction. That's one rep. Try to get as many as you can in 30 seconds.

19/26: S - Full-Speed Zig Zags

This is a moving dribbling drill. Equipment needed: one basketball. Duration: one minute

Behind-the-Back:

Imagine you're on the baseline and you plan to run to half court. Start with the basketball in your right hand, take three dribbles diagonally to the right, wrap the ball around your back to the left. Then take three dribbles diagonally to the left and wrap the ball around your back to the right. Continue alternating hands and directions until you get to "half court", whether this is in your driveway or hallway, stop and turn around. Repeat in the opposite direction until you get back to your starting point. That's one rep. Try to get as many as you can in 20 seconds.

Crossovers:

Imagine you're on the baseline and you plan to run to half court. Start with the basketball in your right hand, take three dribbles diagonally to the right, cross the ball over to your left hand. Then take three dribbles diagonally to the left and cross the ball over back to your right hand. Continue alternating hands and directions until you get to "half court", whether this is in your driveway or hallway, stop and turn around. Repeat in the opposite direction until you get back to your starting point. That's one rep. Try to get as many as you can in 20 seconds.

Through-the-Legs:

Imagine you're on the baseline and you plan to run to half court. Start with the basketball in your right hand, take three dribbles diagonally to the right, cross the ball over through your legs to your left hand. Then take three dribbles diagonally to the left and cross the ball over through your legs back to your right hand. Continue alternating hands and directions until you get to "half court", whether this is in your driveway or hallway, stop and turn around. Repeat in the opposite direction until you get back to your starting point. That's one rep. Try to get as many as you can in 20 seconds.

20/26: T - Same-Hand Dribble Wraps

This is a stationary dribbling drill. Equipment needed: two basketballs. Duration: one minute

One-Ball Forwards Repetitions:

Start with a basketball in your right hand and assume an athletic stance. Dribble the ball through your legs from the front of your body to the back of your body to your right hand. Wrap the ball around your right leg and dribble it back through your legs to your right hand. Do as many as you can in 15 seconds, then switch to your left hand. Repeat for an additional 15 seconds.

One-Ball Backwards Repetitions:

Start with a basketball in your right hand and assume an athletic stance. Dribble the ball through your legs from the back of your body to the front of your body to your right hand. Wrap the ball around your right leg and dribble it back through your legs to your right hand. Do as many as you can in 15 seconds, then switch to your left hand. Repeat for an additional 15 seconds.

Two-Ball Repetitions:

Start with a basketball in each hand and assume an athletic stance. Begin with your right hand in front of your body and your left hand behind your body. Dribble the ball in your right hand through your legs from the front of your body to the back of your body to your right hand. At the very same time, dribble the ball in your left hand forward through your legs to your left hand. Repeat in reverse: dribble the ball in your left hand through your legs from the front of your body to the back of your body to your left hand. At the very same time, dribble the ball in your right hand forward through your legs to your right hand.That's one rep. Do as many as you can in 30 seconds.

21/26: U - Two-Ball Wall Tosses and Pound Dribbles

This is a stationary dribbling drill. Equipment needed: two basketballs and empty wall space. Duration: one minute

Start with a basketball in each hand and assume an athletic stance. Face a wall that has been cleared of any objects that might break if struck with a basketball. Pound dribble the basketball in your left hand and toss the basketball in your right hand off of the wall. Keeping your eyes up, catch the ball with your right hand as you continue to pound dribble. This is one repetition. Do as many as you can in 30 seconds. Then switch to pound dribbling the basketball with your right hand as you toss and catch the other basketball with your left hand.

22/26: V - Two-Ball Dribbling: Inside-Out V-Dribbles and Pound Dribbles

This is a stationary dribbling drill. Equipment needed: two basketballs. Duration: one minute

Single-Ball Repetitions

Start with the ball in your right hand. Perform a v-dribble in front of your body by pushing the ball towards your left with one dribble then pull the ball back to your right with another. This is one repetition. Do as many as you can in 15 seconds. Then switch to your left hand dribbling and repeat for an additional 15 seconds.

Two-Ball Repetitions

You're going to be performing the same v-dribble with one hand while you pound dribble with your other hand. Start with the ball in your right hand. Perform a v-dribble in front of your body by pushing the ball towards your left with one dribble then pull the ball back to your right with another. Continue to pound dribble with your left hand. Do as many as you can in 15 seconds. Then switch to performing v-dribbles with your left hand dribbling while pound dribbling with your right hand. Repeat for the final 15 seconds.

23/26: W - Two-Ball Inside-Out V-Dribbles

This is a stationary dribbling drill. Equipment needed: two basketballs. Duration: one minute

Start with a basketball in each hand and assume an athletic stance. The ball in your right hand should start to the right of your stance and the ball in your left hand should start in the middle of your stance. Perform an inside-out v-dribble with each hand at the same time. The goal here is to synchronize your dribbling so that the basketballs are moving in the same direction. Push both to the right with one dribble and push them back to the left with the next dribble. Repeat this as many times as you can in 60 seconds.

24/26: X - Two-Ball Inside-Out V-Dribbles

This is a stationary dribbling drill. Equipment needed: one basketball. Duration: one minute

Forward Repetitions:

Start with a basketball in front of your body in your right hand and assume an athletic stance. Dribble the ball through your legs from the front of your body to the back of your body to your left hand. Bring the ball around your left leg and crossover dribble from the front of your body through your legs to your right hand. Repeat as many times as your can in 30 seconds.

Reverse Repetitions:

Start with a basketball in your right hand and assume an athletic stance. Dribble the ball through your legs from behind your body to the front of your body to your left hand. Bring the ball around your left leg and crossover dribble from the back of your body through your legs to your right hand. Repeat as many times as your can in 30 seconds.

25/26: Y - Through-the-Legs Same Hand, Crossover, Through-the-Legs Same Hand

This is a stationary dribbling drill. Equipment needed: one basketball. Duration: one minute

Forwards Repetitions:

Start with a basketball in your right hand and assume an athletic stance. Dribble the ball through your legs from the front of your body to the back of your body to your right hand. Immediately crossover dribble the ball through your legs to your left hand. Dribble the ball through your legs from the front of your body to the back of your body to your left hand. Crossover dribble the ball through your legs to your right hand. This is one repetition. Do as many as your can for 30 seconds.

Backwards Repetitions:

Start with a basketball in your right hand and assume an athletic stance. Dribble the ball through your legs from the back of your body to the front of your body to your right hand. Immediately crossover dribble the ball through your legs to your left hand. Dribble the ball through your legs from the back of your body to the front of your body to your left hand. Crossover dribble the ball through your legs to your right hand. This is one repetition. Do as many as your can for 30 seconds.

26/26: Z - Crossover, Through-the-Legs, Behind-the-Back

This is a stationary dribbling drill. Equipment needed: one basketball. Duration: one minute

Forwards Repetitions:

Start with a basketball in your right hand and assume an athletic stance. Crossover to your left hand. Dribble through your legs from the front of your body to your right hand. Crossover dribble behind your back to your left hand. This is one repetition. Do as many as you can in 30 seconds.

Backwards Repetitions:

Start with a basketball in your right hand and assume an athletic stance. Crossover in front of your body to your left hand. Crossover dribble behind your back to your right hand. Dribble through your legs from the back of your body to your left hand. Crossover dribble behind your back to your left hand. This is one repetition. Do as many as you can in 30 seconds.

How to improve dribbling at home?

6 tips that will help every basketball player

Sometimes you look at Irving's highlights, you want to practice dribbling, but they don't let you into the gym. It's winter outside and you can't knock the ball either. What to do at this moment and how to be, we analyze in this article.

Often players say dribbling but don't know what it means. Let's take a broader view and break down possession in general, because basketball isn't just about hitting on the spot and crossovers. Our main goal is to score more than the opponent, and for this we need to be able to move around the court from one point to another with the ball under pressure from the defender and bring the ball into a comfortable position for a shot or pass. It's all ball possession.

Can ball possession be improved at home? Yes, but the effectiveness depends on the level of your training. Work at home is very limited, so if you have no other choice - it is better to try to do at least something than just sit.

What to do? Hold 6 points:

1. If you have a couple of square meters and no neighbors below, or they are not disturbed by your hitting the ball, then you can fully train.

For example, you can work on these things:

All this and more, we are working on the LVL UP course in the online school. A couple of square meters and 15 minutes a day is enough to progress.

2. If you can't hit the ball, you can work on your hand speed and ball feel.
Do various rotations around the head, legs and body. You can do the same in the lunge and other basketball positions. Try different combinations and stance changes.

3. In continuation to the second point, the ball is thrown with straight arms.
Start simply with your arms outstretched in front of you, then try with up and down movements, and in the most difficult variation, add a chest rotation.

4. Visualization.
Close your eyes and imagine yourself moving around the court with the ball. It is important to fully immerse yourself in the moment and live it, and not be an outside observer.

5. Visualization in life, or I don't know what else to call it.
Start repeating the movements as if you were hitting a ball and making transfers. Take a video and see how it looks from the outside. It probably won't look like cool dribbling. Try to fix it.

6. Work on the body.
By developing your body, you will open up opportunities for skill development. Regular dribbling requires a mobile hip, strong glutes, a mobile chest, and a strong core to better deal with defensive pressure. You can work on this at home too.

Examples of the importance of the body in possession of the ball.

You can always work on yourself and become better. Everything depends on your desire. Hope this article helps you.

Nikita of coachmen

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5 Basketball drills to move the ball with passing

There is nothing better than watching a team move the ball quickly and efficiently without greed.

Overcoming the defense with smart passing the ball to each other, creating situations for open shots and passes is one of the great offensive techniques.

Would you like your team to be able to do this?

Basketball passing exercises in this article will help you with this.

But first let me explain something very important...

There are two types of training exercises:

1. Technique for passing the ball.

2. Decision making during transfers.

Unfortunately, most coaches only focus on the "technical" aspect of training and forget how to train their team's decision-making ability when it comes to sharing the ball.

Your players will not improve their game passes by doing thousands of repetitions of chest passes.

While technical drills have their place, they are far less important than passing drills with decision making.

We must let the players learn how to read the defense and make the right decisions.

In addition, ball passing exercises are great for starting a workout to warm up your team and get them to communicate and work together.

5 ball passing exercises.

1. Advance

How the drill works:

Players form 3 columns evenly distributed along the end line. The two outside players start with the balls.

3 players advance across the court passing the ball back and forth to the middle player and then finish the exercise with two shots from under the basket.

Purpose:

A fun passing exercise that works on catching and passing without running, with communication, timing, and shooting from under the basket at game speed.

Formation:

Players form 3 columns behind the end line.

Two players on the outside lines have balls.

Instructions:

3 players (1, 2 and 5) begin to move forward on the court. The 1st outside player passes the ball to the 2nd player in the middle line.

Immediately upon receiving the ball, the center line player returns the ball to the same player on the touchline.

The 1st middle player then turns to the other side and receives a pass from the 5th outside player and immediately returns the ball to him.

Outside players may use 1-2 steps to avoid running.

The drill continues until the players reach the opposite 3-point line. When this happens, the two outside dribblers go to the basket and shoot.

The group then waits at the opposite end for the rest of the groups to complete the exercise before starting the exercise on the other side. On the right scheme at the top, the three players (4, 3 and 2) continue the exercise according to the scheme described above.

Options:

Medium or 3-point shots. Instead of ending with a run to the basket, players may end with mid-range shots or 3-point shots.

Back and forth - Instead of waiting at the other end, the troika can complete the drill both ways. Only now the threes are placed on both end lines and begin the exercise when the three from the opposite side return to their half of the court.

One Ball - If you are coaching very young players, you can run this exercise with one ball until the players understand how it works.

Coach's notes:

Passes must be passed on the move in front of the player using proper passing technique.

The receiver must hold his hands at goodie level, showing 10 fingers and calling for the ball to be passed to him.

The middle player must catch the ball and quickly pass the ball to a running partner. Don't run!

Shooting technique while moving from under the basket is very important in this exercise. Watch your footwork and make sure all players are doing it right.

2. Monkey in the middle

How the exercise works:

Players are divided into groups of three. Each group has one ball. The two transmitters lined up 12 to 15 feet apart. The third player in the group is the "monkey in the middle". He tries to hit or steal the ball. The two outside players must pass the ball to each other without using cross passes or dribbling. Simply turning and using feints to open up the passing line and pass the ball past the defender.

Goal:

A fun exercise that works on defense at the same time. This exercise will teach players how to use feints and turns to create a passing zone and also to protect the ball.

Lineup:

• Groups of 3 players.

• Each group has one ball.

• The passers are lined up 12-15 feet apart with the third player (back) in the middle.

Instructions:

1. The drill starts with the defender attacking the player who starts the drill with the ball.

2. The attacker uses feints and steps to pass to another attacker while the defender attempts to parry or intercept the pass.

3. After each pass, the defender rushes towards the ball carrier and tries to press the ball again.

4. When the defender recovers the ball or kicks the ball, the players change positions.

Variations:

Change after a certain time - Players can change positions

after a certain period of time (depending on the age of the players, their strength and stamina), and not after each interception and elimination. For example, 30-40 seconds.

One dribbling available. Let the attacking players hit the ball once to the floor to open up the passing corner. It will be tougher for the defender.

Only bounce passes allowed - in order to make it more difficult for attackers, allow them to only bounce passes.

Notes:

• It is very important for a defender to have active arms and legs at all times. This is the best way to intercept.

• Passing players must wait for the defender to recover before making the next pass. The purpose of the training is to learn how to pass and create passing angles.

• If there is no set time, the offensive player must not hold the ball for more than 5 seconds without passing the ball.

• No passing in an arc! They make the drill too easy for the attackers and will not lead to improvement.

3. Swing passes

How the exercise works:

The team is divided into 4 groups in the corners on half the court. The players make a pass to the player on the right, who start running along the sideline towards the endline. The sender then joins the end of the column into which he passed the ball.

Purpose:

A drill intended to be used primarily with young players or as a warm-up. This training will improve passing the ball on the move, as well as improve reception and passing without dribbling.

Lineup:

• The team is divided into 4 groups. One group located in each corner.

• The first player in one of the groups has the ball.

Instructions:

1. The drill is started by ball carrier 02 passing the ball 01 to the player on the right.

2. Before passing the ball, the receiver must start running in the direction of the next group, where he will make the next pass of the ball.

3. 01, having received the ball, passes it to player 05, who starts a dash towards 03.

4. After each pass, the passer joins the end of the group where the ball was passed.

5. The exercise continues according to the same scheme with passes and jerks of the players along the square in the same direction.

6. After a certain period of time, the coach changes the direction of the passes.

Options:

Turn on the second ball. If the players perform confidently, then you can enter the second ball in the opposite corner.

Various types of passes - The drill can be performed with one or two hand passes, bouncing, etc. One Dribbling - Players are allowed to make one dribbling before passing to the next player. This can be useful if you are passing with one hand.

TIPS:

• The receiver does not need to slow down or speed up to catch a transmission. Transfers must be accurate, timely and forward.

• The receiver must initiate the snatch in a timely manner with arms outstretched to assist the passing player in making a timely and accurate pass.

• It is very important that you do not make any mistakes during the exercise. Don't let them fall into this bad habit.

• Begin the exercise at medium speed at the beginning until the players understand it. Then increase the intensity.

4. Bronze gears.

How the drill works:

Starting at the end line at the edge of the penalty area, pairs of players pass the ball back and forth using various passes as they run across the court to the other end line. When they get there, they move closer to the touchline and come back using various passes over the players in the middle of the court.

Purpose:

An excellent warm-up that provides many passes in a short amount of time. Including passes of various lengths and types for players in training.

Line-up:

• All players find a partner.

• Each pair has one ball.

• Pairs split into two columns behind the endline at the edge of the SR.

Instructions:

• 1. The first pair move to the opposite side at a slow pace in the middle of the court, passing the ball from the chest to each other.

• 2. As soon as the first pair is closer to the 3-point line, the next pair starts.

• 3. When the first pair of players reach the opposing endline, they move to the touchlines and return, passing the ball over the pairs of players moving in the middle of the court.

• 4. When the players return to their starting position, they rejoin the pairs in the middle of the court and continue continuous training.

• 5. Every couple of minutes, change the type of passes players make for middle pairs and outside pairs.

Options:

Gears for pairs in the middle. For the mid lanes, there are several types of passes that I recommend: from the chest, with a rebound, one-handed from the chest, and one-handed with a rebound.

Outline Passes - For outside lines there are several types of passes that I recommend: chest passes, overhead passes, one hand passes.

Remember to consider your team's age, strength and skill level when deciding which passes they should use during practice.

Tips:

• Follow the pace of the exercise; especially if it is used as one of the warm-up exercises. Walking should not be allowed, but too much traffic should also be avoided. Accurate transmission is the main focus of training.

• Players on the outside lines must not make too many passes in an arc and with a very high trajectory on their passes. They should be at a height that is safe enough not to hit the midlines, but straight enough to reach your partner quickly.

• The ability to pass the ball with either hand is an important skill to develop. Expect mistakes when your players first perform a drill, but make sure you train them properly.

• Footwork is very important during this workout. Players must be able to catch the ball and pass back to their partner in two steps. If you are training young children and they cannot pass the ball at speed yet, slow down the pace of the exercise.

• After each run around the court, the players must switch to the sides so that they practice passing short and long passes from both sides of their body.

5. Netball

How the exercise works:

Regular battle without dribbling the ball is allowed at any time. Games can be played 3 on 3, 4 on 4, or 5 on 5.

Target:

An excellent exercise that improves not only passing the ball, but also moving without the ball, positioning, jerking, etc. This exercise will lead to less use of dribbling in games and fewer losses.

Lineup:

• Divide the players into two teams based on the number of players available for training.

• Try to make teams of the same height and skill level.

• Only one ball is needed for training.

Instructions:

1. Teams play normal full game - no dribbling!

2. The exercise is performed within the time specified by the trainer.

3. Start with the arrangement shown in the diagram.

Point system:

• The game is played up to either 5 or 11 points.

• Each 2-point roll is worth 1 point.

• Each 3-point roll is worth 2 points.

• Must win by 2 points.

• In the event of a shooting foul, the offensive player throws one free throw for 1 point.

Variations:

One Shot Allowed - Players are allowed 1 dribbling when they gain possession of the ball. This is not a requirement, just an option.

Only bounce passes allowed - Restrict your players to only use bounce passes.

3 teams. The exercise starts by dividing your team into 3 groups of 3 to 5 players. Two teams start defense in each half. The third team is in the middle of the court on offense. The offensive team chooses one side and tries to score the ball without dribbling. Same scoring system as above. After a goal is scored or the possession of the ball is changed, the defensive team receives the ball, attacks in the opposite direction. The previous offensive team may play defense up to the center line of the court. Play until one team reaches 5 or 11 points.


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