Amanda Knapp
Dribbling a basketball between your legs is a flashy move that can help keep the ball away from defenders. It's a tricky move to master, but with practice, it can be a useful skill to have in your arsenal. The key is to maintain a low, stable stance with your knees bent and back straight, using your wrists and fingertips for precise ball control. You can practice this move with various drills, such as the between-the-legs scissors drill, to improve your wrist action and finger pad control. While it's an impressive move, it's important to note that passing the ball between an opponent's legs in an official game is considered disrespectful and may have consequences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To keep the ball out of a defender's grasp |
| Body stance | Feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, chest and head lifted and pointed straight ahead |
| Dribbling technique | Use dominant hand, bounce ball at knee height, use fingertips to push ball down, lean forward on balls of feet |
| Movement | Take a diagonal step forward with the opposite foot, shift hand to the side of the ball, push the ball between legs, receive the ball with the opposite hand |
| Drills | Practice the basic crossover, stand with feet shoulder-width apart, step left foot ahead of the right, bend knees, dribble with the right hand between legs, catch with the left hand, switch feet positions, repeat with the other hand |
| Additional tips | Keep your head up and eyes forward, use your wrist, get lower with your legs stretched out, squat lower and use your back to create more power |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Basic dribbling stance: bend your knees, lower your hips, lean forward, and control the ball
- Use your dominant hand: bounce the ball at knee height, then push it between your legs
- Master the crossover: release and catch the ball close to the ground, and quickly switch hands
- Scissors drill: dribble with your right hand, catch with your left, then switch feet positions
- Practice: sit and practice, then stand and practice, and wear less clunky shoes
Basic dribbling stance: bend your knees, lower your hips, lean forward, and control the ball
To perform a between-the-legs dribble, you must first master the basic dribbling stance: bend your knees, lower your hips, lean forward, and control the ball.
Bend your knees and lower your hips to get into a basic dribbling stance. This stance is essential for maintaining control of the ball as you shift it between your legs. Crouch down low, pushing your back end out behind you. This lowered stance helps protect the ball while also giving you mobility. Keep your knees bent, positioning them about shoulder-width apart, and avoid bending at the waist.
As you crouch, lean forward slightly on the balls of your feet, balancing on your toes. This shift in weight prepares you to move quickly and cut at sharp angles while dribbling. Be careful not to lean too far forward, as you may lose your balance. If you feel your heels lifting, lower them to maintain stability.
While in this stance, focus on controlling the ball. Use your dominant hand to dribble, keeping the ball close to your body and bouncing it at knee height. Avoid bouncing it too high, as it may give defenders a chance to steal it. Instead, snap your wrist to bounce the ball with force, using the pads of your fingers or fingertips, not your palm. Keep your fingers spread apart to maximize control.
Practising this basic dribbling stance with ball control will help you perform the between-the-legs move smoothly and effectively. It will enable you to keep the ball close to your body and protect it from defenders as you manoeuvre it between your legs.
Browns Men Basketball: Did They Win?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![SLEEFS Football Leg Sleeves [1 Pair] - For Adult & Youth - Calf Compression Sleeves for Men and Boys](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61iBvWq37GL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Use your dominant hand: bounce the ball at knee height, then push it between your legs
To perform a between-the-legs dribble, you'll need to start by getting into a basic dribbling stance. Bend your knees, lower your hips, and lean forward slightly, keeping your back straight and your chest and head pointed straight ahead. This stance will help you maintain stability and control while dribbling the ball.
Once you're in the correct stance, use your dominant hand to bounce the ball at knee height. Try to keep the ball close to your body, and use the pads of your fingers to bounce it, with your fingertips providing precise control over the ball's movement. A hard pound dribble is key when going between the legs, as it ensures you don't lose control of the ball.
As the ball bounces back up from your initial dribble, push it between your legs. You can do this by flicking your wrist as if you're scratching your ankle. This motion will guide the ball smoothly between your legs.
To perfect this move, practice is essential. Start with the ball in your dominant hand and bounce it between your legs, catching it with your non-dominant hand behind your body near your leg. Then, quickly switch the position of your feet so that the opposite foot is now leading. Continue dribbling the ball between your legs and switching your feet, performing this action for a set amount of time or a certain number of repetitions. This drill will help you master the between-the-legs dribble and improve your ball control.
Pac-12's Pursuit of Basketball Glory: National Champs?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$12.99 $16.99
Master the crossover: release and catch the ball close to the ground, and quickly switch hands
To master the crossover, you must first master the basics of dribbling and controlling the ball. Start by getting into a basic dribbling stance: stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart, bend your knees, and keep your back straight while pointing your head and chest straight ahead.
Next, dribble the ball with your dominant hand, keeping it close to your body and bouncing it at knee height. Use the pads of your fingers to bounce the ball, and push down on it with your fingertips for more precise control. When you're comfortable with this, transition to pushing the ball between your legs. Crouch down low by bending your knees and lowering your hips. Lean forward slightly to prepare for movement, ensuring your stance feels stable.
Now, you're ready to master the crossover: release the ball from your dominant hand close to the ground and quickly switch hands by catching it with your non-dominant hand behind your body. The closer your hands are together during the crossover, the faster and more controlled the movement will be. To practice, try the between-the-legs scissors drill: 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 continue the drill with the other hand, dribbling the ball between your legs and catching it with your right hand. Repeat this movement, alternating hands and foot positions.
Remember, when facing a defender, you can use the between-the-legs dribble to keep the ball out of their grasp and break down their defensive stance. However, this move may require slowing down your forward momentum as it demands precise timing and execution.
Pendleton, Oregon: Basketball Tournament Dates and More
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Scissors drill: dribble with your right hand, catch with your left, then switch feet positions
To perform the scissors drill, start by standing with your feet about shoulder-width apart while holding a basketball. Next, move your left foot about a step ahead of your right foot. Keep your back straight and bend your knees.
Now, dribble the ball with your right hand between your legs and catch it with your left hand behind your body, near your left leg. As the ball is in your left hand, quickly switch the position of your feet so that your right foot is now leading, but continue to remain in the same spot.
As you switch your feet, dribble the ball with your left hand between your legs and catch it with your right hand behind your body, near your right leg. Continue to repeat these actions, dribbling the ball with alternating hands while switching the position of your feet. Start slowly, and once you have mastered the technique, increase your speed.
This drill is an excellent way to improve your ball handling, coordination, and control. It helps you develop the skill of dribbling the ball between your legs, a tricky move that can help keep the ball away from defenders during a game.
Ohio's HL Tournament: Basketball Boys' Dreams
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Practice: sit and practice, then stand and practice, and wear less clunky shoes
To perform a between-the-legs dribble in basketball, you need to master the basics first. Start by sitting down and practising dribbling the ball between your legs. This will help you get comfortable with the motion and build your finger pad control. Once you've mastered the technique sitting down, progress to standing up and repeating the same drill.
When standing, ensure your feet are about shoulder-width apart and bend your knees while keeping your back straight. Dribble the ball with one hand between your legs and catch it with the other hand behind your body. It's important to keep your head up and eyes forward, avoiding looking down at the basketball. This will help you maintain good posture and balance.
As you advance, you can incorporate movement into your drill. Try walking or running while dribbling between your legs. This will help you get used to performing this move in a game setting.
To perform the between-the-legs dribble effectively, wear the right basketball shoes. Choose shoes that offer good traction, support, and comfort. Look for shoes with thick soles that provide cushioning and protect your feet from hard court surfaces. Ensure your shoes fit well and provide the necessary ankle support to prevent injuries.
By practising the between-the-legs dribble in a step-by-step manner, starting from a seated position and gradually adding movement, you'll be able to master this skill and impress your teammates!
Amazon Prime Live: Does it Cover the Ta A Basketball?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to dribble a basketball between your legs:
- Get into 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.
- Take a diagonal step forward with your opposite foot.
- Shift your hand to the side of the ball as it bounces, so only your thumb is on top of the ball.
- 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.
Here are some tips to help you improve your dribbling technique:
- Practice the movement pattern first without a ball, then transition to using a ball.
- When dribbling, use your wrist and try to flick it as if you were scratching your ankle.
- Wear less clunky shoes to give yourself more flexibility and control.
- Keep your head up and eyes forward, avoiding looking down at the basketball.
- Use a hard dribble to maintain control of the ball as it passes between your legs.
While it is possible to pass a basketball between someone else's legs, it is generally considered disrespectful and flashy, especially in official games. It may be best to avoid doing this during a game to prevent causing offence to the other player.
