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Dribbling a basketball between your legs is an impressive skill to have, but it requires practice and a good level of comfort with the ball. It's important to start with the basics and work on your dribbling technique, ensuring you use the momentum of the ball and keep it on the tips of your fingers. Once you've mastered the fundamentals, you can move on to dribbling between the legs. This requires a wide base and a relaxed motion, with as little force as possible to get the ball through your legs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Stance | Basic dribbling stance with knees slightly bent, body weight shifted to the front of the feet, and the head and chest pointed straight ahead |
| Movement | Move the left foot about a step ahead of the right foot, bend the knees, and dribble the ball with the right hand between the legs. Catch the ball with the left hand while it is behind the body near the left leg |
| Direction | Head in the direction you stepped toward while crossing the ball between your legs. Keep your body between the ball and the defender |
| Practice | Try out the move until you feel comfortable doing it at a quick pace. Practice consistently to maintain your skills |
| Drills | The between-the-legs scissors drill is a good practice drill for beginners and advanced players |
| Dribbling technique | Dribble harder to use the momentum of the ball. Keep the ball on the tips of your fingers and not your entire hand |
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What You'll Learn
Basic dribbling stance: knees bent, head and chest pointed straight
To dribble a basketball between your legs, you need to start with the basic dribbling stance: knees bent, head and chest pointed straight. This stance is essential for maintaining balance and control, enabling quick movements and sharp cuts on the court.
Here's a step-by-step breakdown of the basic dribbling stance:
- Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart. This stance provides stability and a solid foundation for your dribbling moves.
- Slightly bend your knees. Bending your knees helps you stay agile and ready to move in any direction. It also lowers your centre of gravity, improving your balance and responsiveness.
- Keep your back straight. A straight back is crucial for maintaining good posture and preventing unnecessary strain on your body. It also helps you maintain balance while performing dribbling moves.
- Distribute your weight evenly on the balls of your feet. This weight distribution allows you to quickly shift your body weight in any direction, enabling swift movements and changes in momentum.
- Lean forward slightly on your toes. By leaning forward just enough to shift your weight forward, you prepare your body for dynamic movements while dribbling. Be careful not to lean too far forward, as this can compromise your balance.
- Keep your head and chest pointed straight ahead. Maintaining a forward focus helps you stay aware of your surroundings, including the positions of your teammates and defenders. It also helps you dribble with purpose and anticipate your next move.
Once you've mastered the basic dribbling stance, you can start incorporating dribbling moves, such as dribbling the ball between your legs. Remember to keep your head up and eyes forward as much as possible while executing these moves to maintain situational awareness and coordination. Practice this stance consistently to improve your balance, agility, and overall dribbling skills.
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Keep your body between the ball and the defender
Keeping your body between the ball and the defender is an essential skill in basketball. This skill is particularly useful when dribbling the ball between your legs, a flashy move that can help keep the ball out of the defender's grasp.
To keep your body between the ball and the defender, you must master the art of dribbling and develop a good defensive stance. Start by getting into a basic dribbling stance with your knees slightly bent and your head and chest pointed straight ahead. Stand on the balls of your feet and lean forward on your toes to shift your weight to the front of your feet, being careful not to lose your balance.
As you dribble the ball with your dominant hand, keep it close to your body. Dribble with force to use the momentum of the ball, allowing you to maintain control. The key is to keep your body between the defender and the ball as you move. If you need to change directions, you can repeat the steps to cross the ball back over to the opposite side.
Practice this move consistently until it becomes second nature. The timing can be tricky at first, so take it one step at a time to improve your control and agility. Once you master this skill, you'll be able to beat the defence and take the ball to the hoop with style!
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Use the pads of your fingers on your dominant hand
To dribble a basketball between your legs, you need to start by getting in a basic dribbling stance with your knees slightly bent and your head and chest pointed straight ahead. Use the pads of your fingers on your dominant hand to bounce the ball in front of you at knee height. Keep your palm away from the ball, and instead, use your fingertips to touch it. This gives you more precise control over the ball's movement. Indiana Pacers' player Paul George recommends against palm-to-ball contact as it "slows down the whole dribbling process".
To dribble, you need to bounce the ball off the ground firmly but not so hard that you use serious arm strength. Your dribble should be quick, yet steady and controlled. Each time the ball returns to your hand, make contact with your fingertips and push it back down with a controlled motion of the wrist and forearm. Aim for the ball to hit the floor at a spot slightly to the side and ahead of the foot on the same side of your body as your dribbling hand. Avoid bouncing the ball too lightly, as this can make it easier for a defender to steal the ball.
To prepare for the crossover, take a diagonal step forward with your opposite foot. As you do this, keep your dominant side stable with your foot planted on the ground. Shift your hand to the side of the ball as it bounces, so only your thumb is on top of the ball. Then, use your hand to push the ball between your open legs, so it bounces underneath you and comes up behind you. Move your opposite hand behind you to receive the ball as it emerges.
Once you get the hang of the move, practice doing it over and over so it will feel natural on the court.
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Lean forward on your toes to shift your weight
To dribble a basketball between your legs, you need to start by standing on the balls of your feet, preparing to move. Lean forward on your toes, shifting your body weight to the front of your feet. Be careful not to lean too far forward, as this could cause you to lose your balance. If you feel your heels lifting, lower them to the ground to maintain stability. This slight forward lean is important for maintaining balance and allowing quick, sharp movements while dribbling down the court.
Leaning forward on your toes gives you the ability to move with agility and speed. It is a fundamental part of ball control, as you cannot move effectively if you are off-balance. This stance allows you to cut at sharp angles and quickly change directions. By keeping your weight forward, you can also protect the ball from defenders, using your body as a shield.
It is important to find the right balance when leaning forward. If you feel your feet cramping, you may be putting too much weight on your toes. Adjust your stance slightly backward until you find the right balance. Practice this stance until it feels natural, and you can move with ease and stability.
Once you have mastered the art of leaning forward on your toes, you can begin to work on dribbling the ball between your legs. This move will help you keep possession of the ball and create scoring opportunities. Remember to keep your head up and eyes forward, avoiding looking down at the ball. With practice, you will be able to execute this move smoothly and effectively during a game.
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Practice doing it repeatedly so it will feel natural on the court
To make dribbling between the legs feel natural on the court, you need to practice consistently. Start by getting in a basic dribbling stance with your knees slightly bent, standing on the balls of your feet, and leaning forward on your toes. This stance allows you to move quickly and cut at sharp angles while dribbling.
Begin by dribbling the ball with your dominant hand, keeping it close to your body. Focus on dribbling harder to use the momentum of the ball. Once you're comfortable with the ball, you can start practicing dribbling between the legs.
Start by dribbling between your legs and then gathering the ball into a shooting motion without actually shooting. When this becomes natural, begin taking shots. Try different variations, such as the drop between the legs, which is done with minimal force and a relaxed posture.
You can also try the between-the-legs scissors drill. Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart and move your left foot a step ahead of your right. Bend your knees while keeping your back straight. Dribble the ball with your right hand between your legs and catch it with your left hand behind your body near your left leg. Quickly switch the position of your feet so that your right foot is now leading, and dribble the ball with your left hand, catching it with your right hand near your right leg. Repeat this drill, focusing on switching the position of your feet while keeping the rest of your body still.
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Frequently asked questions
Start by getting into a basic dribbling stance with your knees slightly bent, back straight, and head and chest pointed straight ahead. Stand on the balls of your feet and lean forward on your toes to shift your weight to the front of your feet. Bounce the basketball in place with the pads of your fingers and dribble the ball with your dominant hand, keeping it close to your body. Dribble the ball between your legs and catch it with your opposite hand.
Practice dribbling with force to use the momentum of the ball. Try out the move until you feel comfortable doing it at a quick pace. Practice consistently to maintain your skills.
One drill is the between-the-legs scissors drill. Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart while holding the basketball. Move your left foot about a step ahead of your right foot and bend your knees while keeping your back straight. Dribble the ball with your right hand between your legs and catch it with your left hand while it is behind your body near your left leg. Quickly switch the position of your feet so that your right foot is now leading and continue to remain in the same spot. Dribble the ball with your left hand between your legs and catch it with your right hand. Continue to do this with both hands while switching the position of your feet.
