Kristian Ferrell
Basketball has evolved since its invention in 1891 by Canadian-American gym teacher James Naismith. The original rules did not mention dribbling, only stating that passing was the legal way to advance the ball. Players soon developed the strategy of passing to themselves, which evolved into the dribble. The first known team to dribble was Yale University in 1897, and in 1909, continuous dribbling and shots off the dribble were allowed. Dribbling is now a fundamental skill in basketball, allowing players to move the ball down the court, evade defenders, and create scoring opportunities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| History of dribbling in basketball | Dribbling was not part of the original game except for the "bounce pass" to teammates. In 1927, there was a period when dribbling was outlawed, but it was reinstated two weeks later. In 1909, continuous dribbling and shots off the dribble were allowed. |
| Rules | There are basic rules that dictate how you dribble in basketball. Violations include traveling, double dribbling, and carrying. |
| Techniques | Dribbling is done with finger pads and relaxed, spread fingers. The wrist should be pushing the basketball, and the forearm should be moving up and down. The ball should be bounced at the side while in a low, defensive stance when near defenders. |
| Purpose | Dribbling allows players to move the ball down the court, evade defenders, and create scoring opportunities. |
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What You'll Learn
Dribbling was not part of the original game
Basketball was invented in 1891 by Canadian-American gym teacher James Naismith in Springfield, Massachusetts. The game has evolved to become one of the world's most popular and widely viewed sports.
Naismith's original rules did not mention dribbling. Instead, the rules stated that passing the ball was the legal way of advancing it. However, players soon developed the strategy of "passing to themselves", which Naismith endorsed and admired for its ingenuity. This strategy evolved into the dribble as it is known today. The first known team to dribble was Yale University in 1897. In 1909, continuous dribbling and shots off the dribble were allowed.
In the early days of basketball, the game was played with peach baskets or 18-inch square boxes hung from the balconies of the running tracks of most indoor facilities. The peach baskets and boxes slowed the game down, as the ball had to be retrieved after every goal. The peach baskets were replaced by heavy woven wire rims in 1892, and then by cast iron rims in 1893. Open-ended nylon nets were approved for use in 1912, which increased the tempo and scoring of the game.
In 1927, there was a brief period when dribbling was outlawed, but it was reinstated two weeks later. The National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) was founded in 1927 to oppose a move to eliminate dribbling from the sport.
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Basic rules dictate how you dribble
The rules of basketball have evolved over the years, with the original 13 rules expanding to over 100. The basic rules that dictate how you dribble in basketball are as follows:
Avoid travelling
Traveling is moving with the ball without dribbling. This includes taking an extra step, skipping, hopping, shuffling your feet, carrying the ball while walking or running, and moving or changing your pivot foot when stationary. If a player raises their pivot foot off the floor, they must pass or shoot before their pivot foot returns to the floor.
Avoid double dribbling
A double dribble refers to two separate violations: dribbling with both hands simultaneously, and dribbling, stopping, then dribbling again. Once a player has stopped dribbling, they cannot start another dribble until another player from either team touches or gains control of the basketball, usually after a shot or pass.
Avoid carrying
Carrying the ball involves catching it with one hand and continuing to dribble without stopping the dribbling motion. The player's hand must be on top of the ball while dribbling.
Other dribbling rules
A player may not dribble with their back or side to the basket for more than five seconds. The player may dribble a second time if they lost control of the ball due to a field goal attempt, a pass or fumble that touches the backboard, basket ring, or another player.
Dribbling technique
To properly dribble a basketball, hold the ball with your fingertips, then, in a low stance, bounce the ball off the ground firmly. Keep your hand on top of the ball and continue pushing it down every time it makes contact with your fingertips. When near defenders, it is better to bounce the ball at your side while assuming a low, defensive stance. Skilled dribblers can dribble behind their backs, between their legs, and change the speed of the dribble, making them difficult to defend.
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Drills to improve dribbling skills
Dribbling is one of the most important skills in basketball, and also one of the easiest to practice. It can be done anywhere and does not require a lot of space. The more time you spend with a ball in your hand, the better your ball control will be. However, it is important to practice outside of your comfort zone. This means experimenting with drills that are faster or harder than you are used to.
The Figure 8 Drill
This drill is great for improving hand-eye coordination. Start with your feet spread apart and the ball in your right hand. Then, dribble the ball through your legs to your left hand, and immediately back to your right hand. As the ball moves from one side to the other, switch the hand that is not in use so that it is always ready to make the switch.
The Cone Drill
Set up cones in different spots on the court. Start with the ball and dribble to each cone, making a move at each one, such as a crossover, between the legs, or a behind-the-back dribble. This drill helps with agility and coordination.
The Two-Ball Drill
This drill requires two basketballs. Start at the baseline with a ball in each hand and dribble both balls to the near free-throw line, then back to the baseline. Repeat this process, dribbling to the half-court line, then the far free-throw line, and finally, baseline to baseline. This drill improves ball handling while changing directions at different speeds.
The Chair Drill
Place a chair on the court. Dribble towards the chair and perform a crossover or go behind the back as you advance past the chair. The chair serves as a defender, and this drill helps improve your ability to make moves on defenders while moving at full speed.
The Front V-Dribble
This drill is used for in-and-out fake moves and can help you get around a defender. Start by dribbling the ball side-to-side in front of your body with only your right hand. This should make a V shape. Switch to your left hand and repeat. Your upper body should move with the rhythm.
The Pound Drill
This drill requires two basketballs. With a ball in each hand, pound the balls three times on each side of your body simultaneously. Then, pass one ball behind your back and one in front to the opposite hand. Repeat this process, pounding the balls three times again after each pass. Change direction after five repetitions and see how fast you can do this drill.
It is important to vary your drills and push yourself to improve your dribbling skills. Remember to always keep your head up and eyes forward, and try to practice every day, even if it's just for a few minutes.
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The National Association of Basketball Coaches opposed the elimination of dribbling
Dribbling is a fundamental skill in basketball that allows players to move the ball down the court, evade defenders, and create scoring opportunities. While James Naismith's original rules did not mention dribbling, players soon developed the strategy of "passing to themselves", which evolved into the dribble. The first known team to dribble was Yale University in 1897. In 1909, continuous dribbling and shots off the dribble were allowed.
Despite its benefits, there have been attempts to eliminate dribbling from basketball. In 1927, the Joint Basketball Rules Committee, the central governing authority of the game at the time, unexpectedly adopted a change in the rules that effectively eliminated dribbling. This prompted Phog Allen, the men's basketball head coach for the University of Kansas and a student of basketball founder James Naismith, to take action. Allen organized a nationwide protest, which led to the formation of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC). The NABC was established specifically to oppose the elimination of dribbling from the sport.
The NABC's efforts were successful, and the dribble remained a part of basketball. The short-lived rule change in 1927 only lasted two weeks before dribbling was reinstated. This incident highlights the importance of dribbling in the eyes of coaches and players, who recognized its value in creating scoring opportunities and adding excitement to the game.
The NABC has played a significant role in the evolution of basketball rules. In addition to preserving dribbling, the organization has contributed to various initiatives, including the establishment of the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts, and the format of today's NCAA Basketball Tournament. The NABC also held the first national basketball tournament in 1939 in Evanston, Illinois, where Oregon defeated Ohio State for the championship.
While the NABC successfully prevented the elimination of dribbling, the rules surrounding this skill have continued to evolve. Over time, rules have been introduced to address specific dribbling techniques and violations, such as double dribbling and carrying, to ensure fair play and maintain the balance between offense and defense.
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Dribbling creates space in tight situations
Dribbling is a fundamental skill in basketball that allows players to move the ball down the court, evade defenders, and create scoring opportunities. It involves bouncing the ball on the floor continuously with one hand at a time, enabling players to maintain possession of the ball while walking or running.
Creating space in tight situations through dribbling is crucial for generating scoring opportunities and advancing the ball toward the rim. Here are some ways to achieve this:
Change of Direction and Speed
Changing direction and speed while dribbling can create separation from defenders. This technique helps to establish space between the dribbler and the on-ball defender, allowing for subsequent passes or shots that can lead to scoring chances near the basket or the perimeter areas of the court.
The Retreat Dribble
The retreat dribble is employed when facing an overly aggressive defender who is applying significant pressure. By retreating and dribbling away from the defender, you can create the space needed to assess your options and make the next move.
The Between-the-Legs Dribble
This dribbling technique is useful when a defender is close and cutting off your angle. By dribbling the ball between your legs, your body acts as a shield, protecting the ball from the defender. This move allows you to change hands while keeping the ball safe from interception.
The Behind-the-Back Dribble
Similar to the between-the-legs dribble, the behind-the-back dribble is effective when a defender is nearby and blocking your path. Your body acts as a barrier as you change hands behind your back, enabling you to protect the ball and create the necessary space to continue your offensive maneuvers.
Practice and Drills
Improving dribbling skills in tight situations requires dedicated practice. Drills such as using props (chairs) to create a figure-8 dribbling pattern or utilizing cones to simulate defensive pressure can enhance your ability to dribble in confined areas. Focus on footwork, quick touches, and shielding the ball to improve your ball-handling skills in tight spaces.
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Frequently asked questions
Dribbling is a fundamental skill in basketball that involves moving the ball around the court with control. It allows players to advance the ball by bouncing it while walking or running.
To dribble a basketball, you should hold the ball with your fingertips and fingers, not the palm of your hand. Then, in a low stance, bounce the ball off the ground firmly, keeping your hand on top of it. Keep your head up and shoulders square, and use your body and non-dribbling arm to shield the ball from defenders.
Basketball was first played in 1891, and dribbling was not part of the original game except for the \"bounce pass\" to teammates. The first known team to dribble was Yale University in 1897. In 1909, continuous dribbling and shots off the dribble were allowed.
