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How to improve your dribble in basketball
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)
Learn How to Dribble a Basketball
Dribbling drills in basketball are about reading and reacting to the defender’s actions. Dribbling is among the first skills beginners learn when picking up this game. As they advance into the pro level, they have to continue fine-tuning their dribbling ability and integrate it into other skills to optimize their performance on the court.
There are hundreds of dribbling basketball drills that you can use to carve your players into a winning team. While there are no better basketball ball-handling drills than others, it’s vital to customize the workouts to your players’ experience level. This means starting with basic basketball dribbling activities for starters and advancing to complex basketball handling drills as your players learn how to dribble a basketball comfortably. Keeping track of their progress can be easily done by incorporating Blazepod pods and app.
We’ve compiled ten basketball ball handling drills arranged from basic to advanced types. As you’ll realize, most of these are dribbling drills that players can try at home. So your players can continue perfecting their skills even when they can’t access the gym or a wide-open space.
Learn How to Get Better at Basketball
There’s not a lot that is needed to get started at basketball. But the key to enjoying the game is improving your skills and learning how to apply them. Being good at the game boosts players’ confidence and makes them crucial in the team.
It’s important to ensure consistency when building up new basketball skills. No player becomes good at the game overnight. Therefore, players should be willing and able to give their best at developing themselves.
Basketball Dribbling
Most experts agree that ball handling is the first thing every basketball player needs to master. This fundamental skill is necessary for protecting the ball from opponents, driving it towards the hoop and creating distance between you and opponents. When trying out various dribbling basketball drills, remember to;
Use your fingertips to dribble- it allows you more control over the ball and makes it easy to make quick adjustments at full speed.
Always keep the ball between your body and the defender- use the hand that isn’t dribbling to maintain some distance between you and the defender. But, of course, don’t contact or push defending players illegally.
Keep the ball as low as possible to make it harder for defenders to steal it- ideally, the ball should bounce between your knees and hips, but it should never go above the hips.
Keep your head up - another crucial basketball dribbling technique is the ability to tell where the ball is without regularly looking at it. This allows you to keep your eyes up to analyze where your teammates and opponents are on the court.
Basketball Passing
Passing is the other fundamental skill that every player needs to learn to play basketball at any level. Teams that are good at passing enjoy easy baskets and have an easier time playing offense. This is because the players can move the ball quickly and frequently until an opening is found.
Developing passing skills in basketball starts with improving reaction time. The player making the pass needs to react as fast as possible when the opportunity to do so arises. On the other hand, the target player should react fast to the oncoming ball and handle it like a pro.
Basketball Shooting
Dribbling and passing are vital basketball skills. But they won’t mean anything if the players have bad shooting mechanics. After all, teams win by outscoring their opponents. The key to becoming a great shooter is understanding and developing proper shooting form.
Shooting also requires a good integration of mental attitude and confidence. Players with these attributes stretch out the defense, opening potential driving lanes for taking the ball towards the hoop.
Here are vital tips for improving your shooting technique in basketball:
Begin by correcting your shooting technique to avoid developing bad habits.
Perfect your basketball shot follow through.
Pay attention to your grip- the fingers should be spread out and the ball nicely balanced in one hand.
Make smooth deliveries with a relaxed wrist.
Work on Your Weaknesses
Like anything else, weaknesses in basketball don’t define you. Instead, they pinpoint some key areas in the game that are holding you back from being the best version of yourself. Instead of surrendering to their weaknesses, great players view them as exciting opportunities to develop as athletes and start doing something towards improving them.
With this in mind, understand that it’s not easy to get out of your weaknesses alone. Ideally, make a list of what you think are your weaknesses and have someone else observe you and identify which of them are truly your weak areas.
Basketball Dribbling and Ball Handling Drills
Basketball Dribbling and ball-handling skills are vital for advancing the ball up and down the court. However, while both terms are regularly interchanged even by coaches, they differ significantly.
Essentially, basketball dribbling is about holding onto the ball more. Although this often pumps up the fans, it stagnates the offense and gives the defense some time to rest. In other words, most basketball dribblers focus on themselves instead of helping the team win.
On the other hand, ball handling in basketball is a mix of excellent dribbling and drop and catch. Great ball handlers don’t over-dribble. Instead, they focus on creating chances for teammates and passing the ball at the right time and spot.
Basketball Dribbling Drills for Beginners
These are basketball dribbling drills for beginners. They are simple and non-competitive and create a foundation upon which more advanced basketball dribbling drills can be built.
Wraps Around Waist and Ankle
A proper warm-up is crucial for your players before getting into actual drills. This activity will get their bodies ready for the rigors of subsequent practices. From a stationary position, let the players wrap the ball around their waist and then make another wrap around their ankles. Let them repeat this for around 30 seconds or 1 minute and then switch direction.
Pound Dribble
The pound dribble is a trendy move in the court today. Most advanced players use it when planning to change direction and when tricking the defenders into flying past them. This move opens up many possibilities from crossover to step-back and between the legs step-back. Nevertheless, it’s a simple and fun basketball dribble trainer to introduce to your beginners.
This activity involves pound dribbling the ball with the head and chest up while standing straight up to an imaginary defender. Importantly, advise your players to use their entire body (arm, shoulder, and core muscles) to generate enough force for the dribbles so that the ball bounces back to their hands quickly. These quick and hard bounces are necessary to maintain possession of the ball and make it harder for the opponent to grab it.
The players should vary the exercise by dribbling to ankle height, waist height, and shoulder height. Also, they should switch from right hand to left hand for a balanced workout.
Regular Crossover
The crossover is among the best basketball drills for better handles. This tactical maneuver is used to maintain optimum ball control under heavy pressure when strategizing how to go past encroaching defense players. When done correctly, you’ll find it very effective in improving your player’s speed, fingertip control, and accuracy.
To perform a crossover, ask the player to stay low and dribble the ball from the right to the left and vice versa. Advice the player to keep the crossovers low in a v-like motion. This will help keep the ball away from the opponent’s hand, which is likely to be playing defense in their midsection.
A crossover is meant to make the player deceptive to the defender. So, have the player skip back and forth as they dribble. After mastering these basic moves, they can start doing crossovers through their legs as they skip around.
Front-to-Back Drills
The front-to-back dribbling technique is similar to a crossover only in that it involves moving the ball from the front to the back. These two dribble practice drills are often used together. To perform the front-to-back dribble drill, have the players bend the knee slightly and dribble the ball from the front to the back. Let them dribble for 30 seconds to 1 minute on the right hand before switching to the left-hand side.
Check out more interesting basketball exercises for your athletes on our basketball exercises page, covering all of the necessary skills, from decision-making exercises to ball skills.
Basketball Handling Drills for Intermediate Players
Basketball Dribbling Obstacle Course
Basketball dribbling drills with cones or other obstacles are an excellent way of building your players’ agility and footwork. Set up 5-10 cones in a straight line and have the players slalom in and out of the cones as they dribble. Another way of adding variation to this drill is to have the players walk alongside a gymnastic bench while dribbling the ball. The players can also sprint between 2 cones or run over boxes while dribbling.
Tennis Ball Dribbling Drill
In this workout activity, the players attempt to catch and throw back a tennis ball while dribbling. This drill offers your players a great way to work on their ball control and develop fluid basketball dribbling patterns. Because it involves using both hands, it will also boost your players’ coordination and awareness of what’s happening around the ball.
To execute this drill, the player dribbles the basketball laterally with one hand and tries to catch a tennis ball thrown by the coach (or another player) with the other hand. You can add intensity to the drill by throwing the tennis over the player’s head, directly at them, or low on the ground. Let the player dribble with one hand for 30 seconds to 1 minute before switching to the other hand.
Two-Ball Dribbling Drills
Dribbling with two basketballs works very well when advancing your intermediate players’ dribbling drills. Forcing your players to dribble with both hands helps improve their weak hands. If you’ve noticed that some of your players tend to transfer the ball to their dominant hand when under pressure, this is the correct dribbling technique for basketball to deal with that crutch. Two-ball dribbling drills will probably be hard for your players the first time. But you should see a significant improvement after practicing for a few days or weeks.
There are different two-ball drills that you can integrate into your workouts:
Two-ball same time: the player dribbles two balls while maintaining the same rhythm and keeping their head up. This is one of the best basketball drills to improve ball handling when done correctly.
Two-ball varied height: this drill mimics when the player has to vary the dribbling height while weaving through traffic. When perfected, it will train your players to kill the dribble and change dribble heights when trying to get out of trouble. To execute this drill, the player makes three high and slow dribbles with both balls and three low but fast dribbles.
Two-ball alternative dribble: another name for this activity is piston drill because of its piston-like rhythms. Like other basketball ball-handling drills, this exercise helps with hand-eye coordination. It also helps the player to time the dribbles, further improving their ball control. For this drill, the player dribbles the two balls at different times so that as one hits the ground, the other ball is up.
Two-ball crossover drill: this is an advanced form of regular crossovers. It promotes quick decision-making and hand speed, two of the most important skills for a player when preventing the defenders from stealing the ball. To perform this drill, the player bounces both balls (one on each hand) at the same time before switching the ball to the opposite hand. The balls shouldn’t touch during the crossover.
Two-ball weave dribble: this is another excellent way to help your players work on their dexterity and hand-eye coordination while in motion. Perfecting this drill enables the players to pound-dribble the ball and put it where needed. Begin by setting up five chairs, cones, or flags in line, leaving a space of one meter (yard) from one to the other. Next, the player dribbles two balls and weaves in and out of the marks. Advise the player to alternate between forward and backward dribbles after each chair.
Figure 8s
The figure 8 basketball drill is a good workout activity for strengthening the player’s hand speed and improving their catch and passing ability. If you have players who are regularly getting stripped, this drill might help. In addition, this is a great workout activity if you want to improve your players’ ability to dribble with both hands.
To execute this drill, the player starts by taking a wide stance so that the right foot is forward and the left foot is back. Next, have the player dribble the ball from the right hand to the left hand. As soon as the ball is in the right hand, the player should jump and alternate the position of the legs so that the right foot is back while the left foot is forward. Next, he dribbles the ball between the legs again. As with other basketball dribbling drills, the player should start slow before building up speed.
Advanced Ball Handling Drills Basketball
Once your players get a good hang of basic and intermediary dribbling drills, it’s time for advanced ball control drills.
Kyrie Irving Double Behind the Back Crossover
Named after Brooklyn Nets point guard, the Kyrie Irving Double crossover behind the back is considered one of the most iconic and effective moves in NBA history. Irvin says this is one of his best moves when trying to get out of a difficult position. When this move is executed with precision, we’ve seen most players leave their opponent off balance, giving them precious time to change pace or direction.
How to do the Kyrie Irving Double Behind the Back Crossover
The first step is to set up the defender. Begin by dribbling the ball with your left hand and then throw it in front to control it with your right hand.
Almost immediately, do the first crossover behind your back from your right hand to the left hand and take a jab with your left foot simultaneously. This jab step is important as it makes the defender think that you’re going that way.
The third step is to do the second crossover. For this one, you wrap the basketball around your waist and then push off the left foot to take off.
Jump Shot
The jump shot is one of the biggest weapons for most professional basketball players. This move involves shooting the ball from a straight vertical jump towards the rim. The player starts by holding the basketball in one hand before making the shot using the other hand.
While it’s relatively basic, the jump shot is quite complicated, and it takes some time to perfect. On the upside, most defenders often have difficulty blocking because it’s executed above their heads. This increases your team’s chances of winning.
Steps to make a jump shot
The player starts by bending their knees with the ball in front of their forehead. The elbows and feet need to be pointed towards the basket.
Let the player place their dominant hand under the ball and the other hand on the side of the ball.
Next, the player jumps straight up without moving forward or backward.
At the top, the player snaps the wrist and extends the arm to shoot the ball upwards towards the basket.
Lastly, the player lands on the same spot and gets ready for the next move.
The players should always be aware of their range to perfect the jump shot. They should also train how to make themselves a perfect target for passers. Finally, once they receive a pass, they should try to make the shot quickly.
Most of the top basketball, soccer, football and MMA coaches, trainers, and athletes are enormous fans of the Blazepod training system. These Bluetooth-enabled light-up pods will add flash reflex training to your drills. This is a great investment for coaches who want to add agility, speedy footwork, dexterity, and quick decision-making to their players’ skill arsenal.
FAQs
Why is ball-handling skill important in basketball?
Ball handling when playing basketball involves controlling the basketball, mostly using dribbling and skillful passing. Great ball handlers perfect the art of handling and moving the ball using both hands.
Who is the best offensive player in the NBA right now?
As of 2021, the best offensive player in basketball is Stephen Curry (37. 3 PPG), followed by Kevin Durant (29.5 PPG).
What’s the best way to train youth players in basketball?
Youths are fun to coach because they are impressionable, meaning they are usually willing and ready to learn from you. However, note that their readiness to be trained also means that they can easily pick up bad habits that may ruin potentially great players.
While there are other aspects at play, coaching young players requires being organized down to the minute. Spend time planning the activities of the practice session and arrive early to explain them to the players. Most importantly, remember to keep everything fun.
What is the essence of stationary drills in basketball?
Stationary drills are drills you accomplish without moving the body. These drills are important for training young players how to dribble while keeping their heads up. Stationary drills also increase the sphere of ball control by developing confidence.
What is the size of a basketball court?
A typical basketball court measures 91. 86ft (length) by 49.21ft (width) and has a total playing area of 4520.43 ft².
exercises and useful tips for beginners
Basketball is one of the most difficult and spectacular ball games. The beauty of the duel depends not only on the number of hits in the basket. The main thing is still the technical aspects of dribbling and passing it. At the same time, you can’t just take a projectile and immediately play like LeBron James. It takes years of hard work to grow a real basketball player out of a child.
Among the many specific terms in this game sport is the concept of dribbling. Translated from English, the word means "to carry the ball" and implies the ability to maneuver with it during a duel. Dribbling training in basketball is aimed at developing this skill in the attacking team, who must not give the ball to the opposing side. The beauty of the game and the result of a sporting event largely depend on how the attacker owns dribbling.
Ways of dribbling
Basketball is a game based on three pillars - dribbling, passing, throwing. Each stage is important, requires skill and affects the course of the game. Dribbling means the maneuvering movement of the attacker on the playing field with the projectile. At the same time, it is forbidden to hold it in the hands, with the exception of the moments of transfer to the partner and when making a throw. In the process of dribbling, it is necessary that the projectile constantly bounces off the floor, and the athlete can touch it with his fingertips or with an open palm.
The dribbler constantly moves around the playing court and maneuvers between the defenders of the opposite team, for which he uses a variety of techniques:
changes the speed of movement;
makes sudden stops;
performs so-called feints with shoulders, arms, head and even eyes.
All these techniques pursue several goals at the same time:
Organize the correct direction of attack.
Move the ball into the opponent's zone as close to the basket as possible.
Beat an opponent and make a successful roll.
If a cluster of players from the opposing team has formed around the projectile, then remove the ball from there.
Prevent the enemy from taking possession of the projectile, which is especially important in the last minutes of the match.
There are 2 types of dribbling: high and low. The first is performed at high speed and is used in situations where a basketball player needs to quickly move around the court. In this case, the leading arm is almost completely straightened. The height of the bounce can reach the athlete's chest, but the amplitude should be maintained at which the basketball player manages to develop maximum speed.
The second method is also known as shell cover . It is used when it is necessary to dodge an opponent. In this case, the basketball player's legs are bent, the body is tilted forward, the arm is pressed to the body, the rebound is not higher than the level of the knees. Moments of low driving are characterized by the highest intensity.
Dribbling drills
Professional basketball players are excellent at dribbling. Many techniques are very difficult to perform, but at the same time the most effective during martial arts.
Dribbling behind the back
An excellent trick, used by players when they are blocked by opponents from the target and they need to escape, but not give up the projectile. The athlete takes a stance on bent legs and passes the ball from one hand to another, doing it behind his back, covering his body from the opponent.
Dribbling between the legs
A very difficult and effective hold. For its execution, the legs are placed as wide as possible and bent at the knees, one hand is located in front, the other behind the body, the eyes look at the enemy. In this position, the ball is passed from one hand to the other, each time moving between the legs.
Keeping the head up
This means guiding without eye tracking. Only the most experienced players can act like this. With this skill, the basketball player does not need to be distracted by the search and visual tracking of the ball, which makes it possible to concentrate on more serious goals.
Crossovers
This technique also belongs to the category of deceptive and disorienting opponent. The attacker dribbles around the court, hitting the projectile with one or the other hand, “drawing” the Latin letter V. In such a situation, it is difficult for the opponent to understand from which side the attacking actions will follow.
How to learn basketball dribbling at home: tips for beginners
You don't have to be on the court to hone your dribbling skills. This can be done anywhere, because at the initial stage it is necessary to simply get used to the ball, learn how to feel it, hit it, control the rebounds. This can be done in any open area, in the yard and even in the apartment. Start by slapping the ball. This develops the sensitivity of the palms. Keep your wrist as relaxed as possible at the moment of impact.
Another fundamental skill to master at the very beginning is dribbling with the tips of the phalanges. In this case, you should learn to control the impact force and at the same time increase the speed.
To improve the quality of training outside the gym:
find a friend and train together;
master the simultaneous dribbling of two balls, alternate hands, then hit both balls at the same time, then in turn, change the rhythm of rebounds;
learn to dribble not only moving forward, but also sideways or moving backwards;
practice driving at every opportunity: on the way to the store, to the bus stop, to school, etc., practicing the ball handle in basketball is especially effective when moving on an uneven surface;
always use both hands during training;
arrange an obstacle course, use any available items and go through it, changing the configuration of the track from time to time;
start training with standard exercises, as you master them, you can move on to more complex ones;
to develop strength in the arms (which is a necessary condition for success in this sport), train them by squeezing a rubber ball. This can be done outside the basketball court and not even during training, but in any free minute.
You will probably be interested to know about this : “How is street basketball different from ordinary basketball?” and "How to learn to play basketball?".
Basic Dribbling Basketball Training
When you learn to control bounces, hold the ball confidently, and move along a given trajectory without losing it, you can move on to mastering the classic tricks.
Touching with the tips of the knuckles, not with the palm of the hand
The ability to dribble only with the tips of the fingers, according to many professionals, is one of the main skills in basketball. The projectile should be controlled, but not exerted with excessive effort, and this can be achieved not by slapping it with the whole palm, but only by touching it with the fingertips. The palm should be opened as much as possible, fingers spread out so that the grip area is maximum, but at the same time work only with the phalanges.
Rebound work
Hold the ball in your supporting hand with only your fingertips and tap it on the floor. Hit him firmly and confidently, but not too hard, as this will make it difficult to control. Every time try to catch the ball, doing it gently without effort and tension of the hand, and then hit it in the same manner.
Keeping the hand on top of the ball
For complete control of the ball during movement, the palm must always remain on top of the ball while dribbling. This will prevent the projectile from flying far and will not give the enemy a chance to knock it out. This skill worked out to automatism will also help to avoid accidental catching from below, which is punishable by a fine in the game.
Holding the torso between the guarding opponent and the projectile
Being in this position, you create big problems for the opponent in terms of possession of the ball. The reception is especially effective if several representatives of the opposing side have gathered around you.
Low stance work
Low holding prevents the opponent from taking possession of the projectile. For a successful maneuver, the legs should be bent at the knees, and the body is tilted forward, rebounds should be as frequent and low as possible (not higher than the leader’s thigh). To hone the exercise, you need to learn how to feel comfortable when the projectile is somewhere below. In this case, tilting to the sides is not allowed.
Avoiding Stops
A stop while dribbling must always end with an action, either a pass or a throw. Otherwise, further dribbling, according to the rules, will be impossible, which the enemy will certainly take advantage of.
Timely passing
Masterful dribbling is beautiful, but everything should be in moderation. There are many situations in which it is much more efficient and useful for the team to pass the ball to colleagues. For example, in the case when they are in a better shooting position or if the space between you and the basket is occupied by several opponents.
Do not run before throwing
In this sport, running is prohibited, which includes one step with the ball in hand, especially carrying the projectile while walking or running, as well as moving or changing the supporting leg during a stop. Hence the conclusion: it is necessary to work out the skill of moving around the sports ground without the above-described hitches.
Training Enhancement Goggles
Special goggles have been invented for practicing blind dribbling. They look a little like the ones swimmers use: a plastic frame with rubber straps and a thick rubber shutter at the bottom. The rubber helps the goggles stay tight on the head during training and closes the athlete's view from below. It is this curtain that plays the main role: the basketball player does not see the projectile. This forces him to focus not on the projectile, but on what is happening on the field.
However, you should not overdo it and constantly train with glasses, because the player should always have a complete picture of what is happening . Dribbling training in basketball with glasses greatly improves visual non-contact dribbling.
10 exercises for developing attacking skills of basketball players
Hello, dear visitors of basketball-training.org.ua! Today I want to tell you about a few basic exercises, by regularly performing which you can reach the next level, becoming a really good attacking player.
Yes, many articles have already been written about it and many videos have been made. Yes, we all know a few dozen exercises that promise to make you at least the next Michael Jordan. I will not reinvent the wheel, but will tell you about a series of exercises that just a year ago helped me a lot to improve in the attacking aspects of the game. Let's start the story.
Basketball drills
Mikan Drill
This drill gets its name from the first really big guy in the NBA, George Mikan. Begin to perform the exercise, located on the right side of the basketball basket (a meter and a half from the ring). Take two steps to the left, parallel to the endline, and throw a half hook on the other side of the hoop using your left hand. Without letting the ball fall to the ground, pick it up and take 2 steps to the right (again parallel to the base line) and again throw the ball into the ring with a half hook using your right hand. Try to get into the rhythm and hit 10-20 in a row.
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This exercise will teach you how to attack with a weak hand and turn it into a formidable weapon. Personally, while doing this exercise, already on the second day I began to complete the passages with my left hand. And after a couple of weeks, the effectiveness of the attacks doubled: now the defender had to hold both sides, and I could always attack with the hand farthest from him.
Superman Drill
This exercise is very similar to the previous one. Position yourself almost on the border of the three-second zone (you always want to call it a “trapeze”, but with the change in the rules of basketball, it has lost its usual shape). We perform a throw on the ring with one single difference: do not try to hit the ring! On the contrary, raise the trajectory higher so that the ball, bouncing off the backboard, falls on the other side of the ring. This is where you need to catch him, not allowing him to fall to the floor. Important: try to take no more than three steps to overcome the distance from one side of the ring to the other. Follow the rhythm: let the entire exercise be performed in the same rhythm. Do 10 to 20 repetitions of this exercise.
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Beat the Pro
Imagine that you are playing 1 on 1 against your favorite player. You just need to beat him by being the first to score 21 points. Perform game throws (with deviation, after strides, after crossovers and sudden stops). Be clear about your opponent, how he defends against you, how he tries to cover your every throw, how he waits for the slightest mistake in order to intercept. For each roll you make, you get 1 point. For each miss, the opponent receives 2 points. When you reach 20 points (if you haven't lost before) - you need to make a "buzzer beater" and it needs to be scored. How will you do it: with an incredible deflection after a fabulous dribbling or just hitting the ball with 9meters. Try to beat the best players in your imagination. Important: be realistic when playing against Shaquille, it is foolish to push him with your back or try to shoot the ball while in close contact. Also, it would be wrong to try to overtake Rose or Jordan. In general: adequately evaluate the opponent and try to complicate your life as much as possible.
Shoot the Shot
Do you remember the good old game "Around the World"? Sometimes it is called "Points", but that's not the point. Now we will try to add a hit percentage to this game. Also, we will add a couple of new points to it, the so-called "elbow spot".
In order to advance to the next point, you must make at least 3 out of 5 rolls. Naturally, if the level of your game (and especially your sniping skills) allows you to regularly shoot with a percentage higher than 60%, then increase the number of goals scored to 4 out of 5 from each point. Or up to 5 out of 5 from medium and 4 out of 5 from long range. Total: you have 18 points, 90 throws of which at least 54 must reach the goal. Challenge accepted?
Ball slaps and squeeze
Throw the ball up as if it had bounced off the ring after a bad throw. Jump up, grab the rebound and squeeze the ball as hard as you can with your hands. Imagine that you had difficulty getting this rebound and now they are trying to knock it out from you. Immediately after the rebound, rotate the ball around the body (at different heights): around the head, back, knees and calves. Repeat this exercise 10-20 times.
Figure 8's - with dribble and without dribble
Eight, the famous eight is back, now with dribbling. Do you remember how Petya Maravich taught us how to handle the ball? So, now we are doing the same thing, but using dribbling. For those who find it difficult to perform such dribbling - try to perform the exercise without it.
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Quick hands
This is a cool exercise that is sure to be performed at every training session for young basketball players. Starting position: one hand in front, the second - behind, the ball is between the legs. After releasing the ball, you need to change the location of the hands: if the right one was in front and the left one was behind, then now the ball needs to be grabbed with the right one from behind, and the left one in front. Diversify the exercise: both hands in front, the ball between the legs. We release the ball and catch it with our hands, but from behind. Important: regular performance of this exercise will allow you to develop hand speed, which is very important for performing high-quality and fast feints.
How to do it: 30 seconds first option, 30 seconds second option. Write down how many times you managed to do the first time, and then compare with the results after a week.
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Tom-Tom dribble
This movement is also familiar to many of us. Stand with your legs slightly apart so that you can easily transfer the ball between them. We start with the right hand. We transfer the ball in front of us from the right hand to the left; then from the left hand, transfer under the foot to the right hand. Now with the right hand we transfer the ball behind the back - it turns out to be in the left hand and we send it back (also behind the back) to the right. This is 1 repetition. Repeat 10 times and change hands (i.e. mirror).
Drum dribble
The point is to learn how to quickly and comfortably change the pace of dribbling and its pitch. For example, right after a screen or a run, you may find yourself kicking the ball out from behind (even though you already think your opponent is offside). The most elementary countermeasure is to sharply reduce the height of the dribbling. So, the exercise is that you need to knock the ball on the floor alternately with your right and left hand. Start from a normal static position (legs and back straight) and go down, increasing the intensity of the knocks on the floor. As soon as there is a space between your hands and the floor, a little more than a ball, begin to rise up. Make several series (for example, 5). For advanced players, try this exercise without looking at the ball, or by hitting it with 1 finger of your right hand and 1 finger of your left hand.
Summary
Here is a set of exercises I suggest you do every time you enter the court. Believe me, the results will shock you! Of course, if you are a professional player, then these exercises will be familiar to you and will be given easily.
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 there are no better basketball ball-handling drills than others, it’s vital to customize the workouts to your players’ experience level. This means starting with basic basketball dribbling activities for starters and advancing to complex basketball handling drills as your players learn how to dribble a basketball comfortably. Keeping track of their progress can be easily done by incorporating Blazepod pods and app.
After all, teams win by outscoring their opponents. The key to becoming a great shooter is understanding and developing proper shooting form.
Because it involves using both hands, it will also boost your players’ coordination and awareness of what’s happening around the ball.
But you should see a significant improvement after practicing for a few days or weeks.
For this drill, the player dribbles the two balls at different times so that as one hits the ground, the other ball is up.
3 PPG), followed by Kevin Durant (29.5 PPG). 
86ft (length) by 49.21ft (width) and has a total playing area of 4520.43 ft². 
Each stage is important, requires skill and affects the course of the game. Dribbling means the maneuvering movement of the attacker on the playing field with the projectile. At the same time, it is forbidden to hold it in the hands, with the exception of the moments of transfer to the partner and when making a throw. In the process of dribbling, it is necessary that the projectile constantly bounces off the floor, and the athlete can touch it with his fingertips or with an open palm. 
Moments of low driving are characterized by the highest intensity. 
Start by slapping the ball. This develops the sensitivity of the palms. Keep your wrist as relaxed as possible at the moment of impact. 
This can be done outside the basketball court and not even during training, but in any free minute. 
The palm should be opened as much as possible, fingers spread out so that the grip area is maximum, but at the same time work only with the phalanges. 
The reception is especially effective if several representatives of the opposing side have gathered around you. 
For example, in the case when they are in a better shooting position or if the space between you and the basket is occupied by several opponents. 
Begin to perform the exercise, located on the right side of the basketball basket (a meter and a half from the ring). Take two steps to the left, parallel to the endline, and throw a half hook on the other side of the hoop using your left hand. Without letting the ball fall to the ground, pick it up and take 2 steps to the right (again parallel to the base line) and again throw the ball into the ring with a half hook using your right hand. Try to get into the rhythm and hit 10-20 in a row. 
Position yourself almost on the border of the three-second zone (you always want to call it a “trapeze”, but with the change in the rules of basketball, it has lost its usual shape). We perform a throw on the ring with one single difference: do not try to hit the ring! On the contrary, raise the trajectory higher so that the ball, bouncing off the backboard, falls on the other side of the ring. This is where you need to catch him, not allowing him to fall to the floor. Important: try to take no more than three steps to overcome the distance from one side of the ring to the other. Follow the rhythm: let the entire exercise be performed in the same rhythm. Do 10 to 20 repetitions of this exercise. 
Be clear about your opponent, how he defends against you, how he tries to cover your every throw, how he waits for the slightest mistake in order to intercept. For each roll you make, you get 1 point. For each miss, the opponent receives 2 points. When you reach 20 points (if you haven't lost before) - you need to make a "buzzer beater" and it needs to be scored. How will you do it: with an incredible deflection after a fabulous dribbling or just hitting the ball with 9meters. Try to beat the best players in your imagination. Important: be realistic when playing against Shaquille, it is foolish to push him with your back or try to shoot the ball while in close contact. Also, it would be wrong to try to overtake Rose or Jordan. In general: adequately evaluate the opponent and try to complicate your life as much as possible. 
Now we will try to add a hit percentage to this game. Also, we will add a couple of new points to it, the so-called "elbow spot". 
Repeat this exercise 10-20 times. 
Important: regular performance of this exercise will allow you to develop hand speed, which is very important for performing high-quality and fast feints. 
For example, right after a screen or a run, you may find yourself kicking the ball out from behind (even though you already think your opponent is offside). The most elementary countermeasure is to sharply reduce the height of the dribbling. So, the exercise is that you need to knock the ball on the floor alternately with your right and left hand. Start from a normal static position (legs and back straight) and go down, increasing the intensity of the knocks on the floor. As soon as there is a space between your hands and the floor, a little more than a ball, begin to rise up. Make several series (for example, 5). For advanced players, try this exercise without looking at the ball, or by hitting it with 1 finger of your right hand and 1 finger of your left hand. 
