Mastering The Art Of Behind-The-Back Basketball

how to do behind the back basketball

Dribbling a basketball behind your back is a challenging skill to master, but with practice, it can become a useful technique in your basketball arsenal. The key is to pound the ball hard so that it bounces up to your hand on the other side, and it may help to start by jogging or running lightly so you can guide the ball with your off hand.

Characteristics Values
Dribbling technique Pound the basketball hard so that it bounces up to your hand
Practising Keep practising consciously
Jogging It is easier to guide the ball around your body if you are jogging or running lightly

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Pound the ball hard so it bounces up to your hand

To perform a behind-the-back dribble, you need to pound the ball hard so it bounces up to your hand. This may seem counterintuitive, but it is an effective technique. By pounding the ball hard, you create a more forceful bounce that propels the ball back up to your hand, allowing you to maintain control. This technique is particularly useful when performing a behind-the-back dribble, as it helps to prevent the ball from getting stuck behind your back or bouncing too tentatively, requiring you to reach down to retrieve it.

To master this technique, it is important to practice consciously and consistently. Initially, you may lose the ball more often due to the increased bounce, but with repetition, you will develop a feel for the necessary force and angle required to make the ball bounce up to your hand. It is crucial to maintain a positive mindset and remember that being bad at something is the first step towards improvement.

When learning the behind-the-back dribble, it can be easier to start by jogging or running lightly. This movement creates a natural flow that guides the ball around your body, allowing your off-hand to react and continue dribbling. As you become comfortable with this technique, you can then work on performing it while stationary or incorporating other moves.

The key to success is to be persistent and not get discouraged by initial setbacks. Remember that improving your basketball skills takes time and practice, and by consistently applying the technique of pounding the ball hard, you will eventually master the behind-the-back dribble.

Where to Watch: USC Men's Basketball

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Practise dribbling while jogging or running lightly

To perform a behind-the-back dribble, it is important to first master the basics of dribbling a basketball. This involves holding the ball with your fingertips, not your palm, and bouncing it off the ground with a quick, yet steady and controlled motion. It is also crucial to maintain a low, defensive stance with your knees bent and feet spread shoulder-width apart.

Now, let's delve into practising dribbling while jogging or running lightly, which is an effective way to improve your behind-the-back dribbling skills. Here are some detailed instructions and tips:

Practising Dribbling while Jogging or Running Lightly:

  • Start by getting comfortable with dribbling at a slow pace: This involves practising the basic dribbling technique while walking or skipping. This foundational step will help you get a feel for the ball and improve your control.
  • Gradually increase your pace: Once you've mastered dribbling at a slower speed, start to incorporate jogging into your practice. Jog at a comfortable pace while focusing on maintaining control of the ball.
  • Guide the ball around your body: As you jog, gently guide the ball with your dribbling hand. This will help you become adept at manoeuvring the ball into spaces where your off-hand can easily reach and continue the dribble.
  • Practice different dribbling moves: Incorporate behind-the-back dribbles, crossovers, and other dribbling moves into your jogging routine. This will improve your coordination and comfort level with performing these moves while in motion.
  • Maintain a light and relaxed grip on the ball: Avoid gripping the ball too tightly, as this can hinder your dribbling fluidity. Let your hand move naturally with the motion of the ball.
  • Be mindful of your dribbling hand's position: Ensure that your dribbling hand is close to your body and that you're dribbling with low, quick motions. This will help keep the ball under control and make it more difficult for opponents to steal the ball.
  • Look ahead as you dribble: While it's natural to focus on the ball when you're starting out, try to practice looking up and ahead as you jog and dribble. This will simulate game-like conditions, where you'll need to be aware of your teammates, defenders, and the basket's location.
  • Practice in a designated area: Use a circle, such as a free-throw or half-court circle, to practice your dribbling. Stay within the circle and work on your dribbling moves for a set amount of time, gradually increasing the duration.
  • Combine dribbling with jogging exercises: Try drills such as the stutter-step move, where you jog down the court, dribbling with your right hand. After four dribbles, step harder with your left foot, momentarily stopping your upper body. Follow this with two to three more hard steps, then restart your dribble without changing direction.
  • Be patient and persistent: Learning behind-the-back dribbling takes time and practice. Don't get discouraged if you don't master it immediately. Keep working on your technique, and you'll gradually improve your skills.

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Avoid sky humping to keep your back out of the way

To perform a successful behind-the-back dribble in basketball, it is important to avoid "sky humping", which can cause you to lose balance and control of the ball.

Sky humping refers to the action of lifting your leg excessively high in an attempt to avoid hitting the ball with your legs or feet. This can cause you to lose your balance and make it more difficult to coordinate your movements effectively. Instead, focus on keeping your body relaxed and maintaining a steady rhythm in your dribble. Jogging or running lightly can help you guide the ball smoothly and make it easier to coordinate your off-hand movements.

Another tip to avoid sky humping is to pound the ball hard enough so that it bounces back up to your hand. This may increase the risk of losing the ball initially, but it will help you develop a better sense of where to bounce the ball so that it comes back to your hand. Practicing this technique will help you improve your dribbling skills and reduce the temptation to sky hump.

Remember, the key to mastering any new skill, including the behind-the-back dribble, is to keep practicing consciously. Don't be discouraged by your initial struggles, as everyone starts somewhere. With persistence and dedication, you will gradually improve your technique and be able to execute the behind-the-back dribble with ease and style on the basketball court.

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Keep practising—you'll get there

Keep a positive mindset and don't be discouraged by your initial attempts. Remember that everyone starts somewhere and that the only way to improve is to keep practising. Focus on the process and embrace the challenges that come with learning something new.

Start by jogging or running lightly, which will make it easier to guide the ball around your body and find a comfortable space for your off-hand to react and continue dribbling. Once you've mastered this technique while moving, you can work on doing the same thing while stationary.

Keep practising consciously and be mindful of your progress. Don't be afraid to make mistakes and lose the ball at first. Instead, focus on pounding the ball hard so that it bounces back up to your hand. This will help you understand where to bounce the ball to make it more accessible.

Remember that improvement takes time and consistent practice. Embrace the journey and enjoy the process of learning and refining your behind-the-back dribbling skills. With dedication and a growth mindset, you'll be well on your way to mastering this move and incorporating it into your basketball repertoire.

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Stop saying I can't

So, you want to improve your basketball skills and be able to dribble the ball behind your back? The first step is to stop saying "I can't". It's time to cut that phrase out of your vocabulary, both on and off the court. You'll be surprised at what you're capable of when you change your mindset and believe in yourself.

Instead of focusing on your limitations, shift your perspective and embrace the challenge. Say to yourself, "I can and I will master this skill." By doing so, you open yourself up to new possibilities and a growth mindset. You acknowledge that you have the potential to learn and improve, no matter how difficult the task may seem at first.

Start by visualizing your success. See yourself confidently dribbling the ball behind your back with ease and fluidity. Break down the skill into manageable steps. Begin by practicing the behind-the-back dribble while jogging or running lightly, as this motion can help guide the ball around your body and into a comfortable position for your off-hand to react and continue dribbling. Gradually work on perfecting your technique, and don't be afraid to make mistakes—they are a natural part of the learning process.

Remember, everyone starts somewhere, and it's okay to not be perfect right away. Embrace the journey and enjoy the process of improving. Keep practicing consciously and consistently. Each time you practice, focus on making small improvements, and soon enough, you'll be performing that behind-the-back dribble with style and ease. So, get out there, believe in yourself, and show everyone (including yourself) that you can!

Frequently asked questions

A: First, stop saying the word "can't"! You'll be surprised at what you can achieve when you believe in yourself. Next, try dribbling while jogging or running lightly. This way, you can guide the ball around your body and into a space where your off-hand can react and continue dribbling.

A: Pound the ball hard so that it bounces back up to your hand. This may cause you to lose the ball at first, but it will help you work out where to bounce the ball.

A: Keep practicing! Remember, everyone starts somewhere, and the only way to get better is to keep working on it.

A: Avoid "sky humping", which is when you try to move your back out of the way and end up hitting yourself with the ball.

A: It's best to start by practicing while moving, and then work your way up to doing it while stationary.

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