How to power dribble in basketball

Power Dribble Basketball

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• Basketball Power Dribble
• When is a Power Dribble Used?
• How do you Execute a Power Dribble?

Basketball Power Dribble

A power dribble in basketball is when a player forcefully dribbles the ball and drives to the basket.

When is a Power Dribble Used?

In most cases a power dribble refers to a low post move in basketball, however it is sometimes used in reference to a dribble drive, or even a player at the top of the key.

Post Move

The primary definition for a primary dribble is the hard bounce of the ball an offensive player performs before making their move. After receiving a pass or executing a pump fake, an offensive player slams the ball with two hands for one dribble. (This is the only time a basketball player may bounce the ball with two hands and not be called for a double dribble violation). Simultaneously, as the dribble is being completed, the offensive player slides towards where they want to be.

The purpose of the power dribble is to allow the offensive player to shift their pivot foot and move towards the basket.

Dribble Drive

When dribbling and driving to the basket sometimes players will utilize a similar technique to the power dribble in the post. They dribble the ball hard as they are driving, and before they make their move will slam the ball. An example is during a hopstep, when a player jumps and lands on both feet. The power dribble assists this by letting the offensive player keep their move quick. A slow/soft dribble allows the defense to react, while a power dribble lets the offensive player continue moving.

Top of The Key

Players have also been known to dribble the ball in ways that showcase their ability and flaunt their swagger. One of those ways is by performing dribble moves while power dribbling. It is a difficult task, so when a player attempts to pull it off, it is clear that they are showing off.

How do you Execute a Power Dribble?

Power dribbles require practice and an understanding of the fundamentals. For the sake of what variation of a power dribble is the most common, this brief guide will focus in on power dribbling in the post.

Catch The Ball

In order to do a power dribble you first need to receive the ball. Once you catch a pass from a teammate, size up your defender. Try to see if you can tell what type of move would work based off how they are guarding you.

Make Your Fake

Once you’re set it’s time to make your fake. Give a pump fake to the defender and see if they bite. If they do it’s time for the power dribble.

Power Dribble

Now that the defender is in the air you need to get to the basket. Bounce the ball hard with two hands and pivot with your weight planted on your set leg. You’re doing an up and under move, so you’re essentially going under the defender and then laying the ball in the basket.

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Pages Related to Power Dribble Basketball

• Set Shot Basketball
• Skip Pass Basketball
• Skyhook Basketball
• Pivot Foot Basketball
• No Look Pass Basketball
• Overhead Pass In Basketball

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USA Basketball - 8 Basketball Power Dribbling Drills

Most children first learn to crawl, then walk, and finally to run. Basketball requires players to not only effectively move their feet, but also to maneuver a basketball. Basketball players first learn to dribble the basketball with one hand, then to alternate hands, and progressively to increase to more advanced dribbling. As a basketball player, a powerful and effective way to keep defenders on their toes and increase your threat as an offensive player is to develop an agile and quick dribbling technique. The power dribble can do this. 

A basic power dribble is when you dribble the ball at a very intense rate. Maintain your normal form and posture. Use your muscles to thrust the ball forcefully down, and then expect the ball to quickly bounce back to your hand. 

The drills described below will help you gain confidence and agility to handle a basketball in a power dribble. This will help you run a fast break, cut through the defensive, and outmaneuver your opponents. 

Power Dribble

1. Power Crossovers - Power dribble in your right hand, and then quickly bounce the ball to your left hand. Power dribble with your left hand for a few seconds before bouncing the ball back to your right hand. 

2. Dribble Blindfolded - Wrap a cloth around your head as a blindfold, or you could simply close your eyes...no peeking. Power dribble a ball for at least 60 seconds. This drill helps you enhance your tactile sense of the ball. You can enhance the drill by performing it in the center of a deserted basketball court, walking around while dribbling. To make the drill even more challenging, try power dribbling two balls, one in each hand, while being blindfolded and slowly walking around a deserted basketball court. 

3. 10-5 Repeats - This drill exercises power dribbling with one hand at a time. Choose which hand your would like to practice. Power dribble for 10 seconds, then soft dribble for 5 seconds. Repeat multiple times. This exercise teaches your arm muscles how to alternate between various dribbling speeds that occur during game play. 

4. Dribble Between Legs While Walking - In order to do this drill you will need a segment of floor, such as a basketball court floor, a street's sidewalk, or a wide hallway that is deserted. Power dribble while walking up and down the walkway. Power dribble the ball between your legs to practice fancy dribbling skills. To enhance the drill, perform the drill at a quicker walking pace, maybe at a light jogging pace. 

5. Double Ball Power Dribbling - Power dribble two balls, one in each hand. This will increase your arm strength for dribbling and enhance your dribbling control. Since you can't look at both hands at the same time, this drill will also practice your ability to power dribble without looking at the ball. 

6. Power Dribbling Sprints - This drill requires you to power dribble for an extended period of time and run back and forth on the basketball court. Stand at one end of a basketball court. Dribble to the nearest foul line, and then return to the baseline. Dribble to the middle of the court, and then return to the baseline from which you started. Dribble to the farthest foul line, and then return to the baseline from which you started. Finally, dribble the entire length of the court, and return to the baseline from which you started. This entire continuous power dribbling exercise counts as one complete cycle of the drill. Repeat multiple times to practice your dribbling, speed, and direction-changing abilities. 

7. 3-Chair Dribbling - Set up 3 chairs or cones in a line, spacing each chair/cone 10 feet apart. Power dribble around the chairs/cones in different shapes, such as figure-eights, circles, or any shape. Use your imagination. 

8. Dirt dribbling - This drill actually requires you to leave the basketball court and find a patch of dirt. Do a Power dribble on the dirt for 1 or 2 minutes. You will need to power dribble the ball even harder than usual in order to get the ball to bounce on the dirt. This drill is an extremely good arm workout with power dribbling. 

Start with just a few of these exercises, and then expand your workouts to include more drills. You can also modify the drills to be more challenging by increasing the number of repetitions or slightly modifying the drill. The key is to vary your routines and have fun with them. By practicing the power dribble, you will greatly improve your dribbling.

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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