Kristian Ferrell
Dribbling between the legs is a flashy basketball move that can help you keep the ball out of a defender's grasp. To perform this move, start by getting into a basic dribbling stance with your knees slightly bent, lowering your hips, and pointing your head and chest straight ahead. Use the pads of your fingers to bounce the ball in front of you at knee height, then take a diagonal step forward with your opposite foot. As you do this, shift your hand to the side of the ball so that only your thumb is on top, then push the ball between your open legs so that it bounces underneath you and comes up behind you. To receive the ball, move your opposite hand behind you. The key to mastering this move is practicing a hard dribble, using your wrist, and getting comfortable with squatting low to the ground.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Stance | Basic dribbling stance with knees slightly bent, head and chest pointed straight ahead |
| Foot position | Diagonal step forward with the opposite foot |
| Hand position | Shift your hand to the side of the ball as it bounces so that only your thumb is on top |
| Ball movement | Use your hand to push the ball between your open legs so it bounces underneath you and comes up behind you |
| Receiving the ball | Move your opposite hand behind you to receive the ball as it emerges |
| Speed | To increase speed, keep your hands closer together during a crossover |
| Control | To maintain control of the ball, release and catch it as close to the ground as possible |
| Balance | Lean forward slightly to shift your weight, but not too far as this may cause you to lose balance |
| Ball contact | Use the pads of your fingers to bounce the ball, and flick your wrist as if scratching your leg |
| Power | Use your back to create more power |
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What You'll Learn
Start with a basic dribbling stance
To start with a basic dribbling stance, stand on the balls of your feet to prepare yourself to move. Keep your knees slightly bent, with your head and chest pointed straight ahead. Your back should be straight and not bent. Lean forward on your toes to shift your body weight to the front part of your feet. Be careful not to lean too far forward, or you might lose your balance. If you feel your heels lifting off the ground, lower them for stability. This stance will allow you to move quickly and cut at sharp angles while dribbling down the court.
Balance is crucial for ball control. If you're off-balance, you won't be able to move effectively, so get your stance right before attempting to dribble. If your feet start cramping, you're likely putting too much weight on your toes. Instead, lean forward very slightly, just enough to shift your weight.
When dribbling, the highest point of your bounce should be up to your hip. Keep your head up and look ahead, not at the ball. During a game, you'll need to look for your teammates, keep an eye on your defender, and be aware of the basket's location while dribbling. Practice looking up as you dribble, and over time, it will become second nature.
To dribble effectively, hold the ball so that your fingertips are the only part of your hand that's touching it. Place your legs about shoulder-width apart. Bounce the ball off the ground firmly and catch it with your fingertips as it bounces up, then push it back down. As you walk, step so that one of your feet always hits the ground with the ball. Keep the ball 3 inches away from your body and low to the ground while moving.
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Shift the ball to the side
Shifting the ball to the side is a fundamental skill in basketball, and doing so between the legs is a flashy way to showcase your dribbling prowess. To execute this move effectively, start by assuming a basic dribbling stance with your knees slightly bent, lowering your hips, and leaning forward slightly. This stance provides stability and prepares you for quick movements.
Now, focus on the ball. Use the pads of your fingers on your dominant hand to bounce the ball in front of you at knee height. This technique ensures control over the ball. As the ball bounces, shift your hand to the side so that only your thumb remains on top. This positioning facilitates the next step.
The key moment arrives as you use your hand to guide the ball between your open legs. The shift to the side allows you to push the ball through, letting it bounce underneath you and emerge behind. It's like creating a tunnel with your legs for the ball to pass through. As the ball comes up behind you, move your opposite hand behind you to seamlessly catch it.
Mastering this skill requires practice and a feel for the ball. The hard pound dribble is recommended for maintaining control as the ball goes between your legs. It's a delicate balance between power and precision. Practice dribbling at different speeds and angles, and soon you'll be executing this move with style and grace, leaving defenders in your dust.
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Push the ball between your legs
To push the ball between your legs, you'll first need to master the basic dribbling stance and crossover. Stand on the balls of your feet to prepare yourself to move. Lean forward on your toes to shift your body weight to the front part of your feet. Don't lean too far forward, or you may lose your balance. Bounce the basketball in place with the pads of your fingers, keeping the ball close to your body and near your knee.
Once you've mastered the basic dribble, you can move on to the crossover. Take a diagonal step forward with your opposite foot, moving your leg at about a 45-degree angle away from your body. Keep your dominant side stable with your foot planted on the ground. As you step forward, shift your hand to the side of the ball so that only your thumb is on top. 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.
When doing a crossover, it's best to release and catch the ball as close to the ground as possible. If you release and catch the ball at waist height, there's a long period where the ball isn't in your hands, and you have no control over it. Keep your hands close together during the crossover, so the move is faster and more controlled. Practice the move to impress crowds and leave defenders in your dust on game day!
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Receive the ball with the opposite hand
To receive the ball with the opposite hand after dribbling it under your leg, there are several steps to follow. Firstly, get into a basic dribbling stance with your knees slightly bent, lowering your hips and pushing your back end out behind you. Lean forward slightly, keeping your balance and preparing yourself to move. Stand on the balls of your feet, shifting your body weight to the front part of your feet.
Next, bounce the ball in front of you at knee height using the pads of your fingers on your dominant hand. As the ball bounces back up, shift your hand to the side so that only your thumb is on top of the ball. This is when you can use your wrist to flick the ball and guide it between your legs.
As the ball goes through your legs, it will bounce underneath you and come up behind you. Move your opposite hand behind you to receive the ball as it emerges. This move requires practice to perfect, but it is a great way to impress crowds and keep the ball out of a defender's grasp.
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Practice a hard dribble
To practice a hard dribble, there are several techniques to try. Firstly, it's important to get comfortable with the basketball and develop a feel for dribbling. Start by bouncing the ball in front of you, using the pads of your fingers on your dominant hand, at knee height. You can do this while standing on the balls of your feet, leaning forward slightly to prepare for movement. Keep your head up and look ahead, rather than at the ball. This will help you develop a sense of where the ball is without looking at it, which is crucial for game situations.
Next, you can try bouncing the ball firmly but without using serious arm strength. Each time the ball returns to your hand, make contact with your fingertips and use a controlled motion of the wrist and forearm to push it back down. Avoid using too much force or bouncing the ball too lightly, as this can make it easier for defenders to steal it.
You can also try some dribbling drills to improve your skills. Set a timer for 15-30 seconds and focus on one type of dribble for the duration. You can try dribbling at different heights, up and down stairs, or practice with your non-dominant hand. It's important to get out of your comfort zone and push yourself to improve.
Remember, dribbling is a fundamental skill in basketball, and it takes lots of practice to master. Keep at it, and soon you'll be able to impress your friends with lightning-fast moves!
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Frequently asked questions
Start by getting into a basic dribbling stance with your knees slightly bent, lowering your hips, and leaning forward. Use your dominant hand to bounce the ball in front of you at knee height. As you take a diagonal step forward with your opposite foot, shift your hand to the side of the ball so that only your thumb is on top. Push the ball between your legs so that it bounces underneath you and comes up behind you, then move your opposite hand behind you to catch the ball.
Practice dribbling from a sitting and then standing position. When dribbling, use your wrist and flick it as if you are scratching your leg. Wear less clunky shoes and stretch your legs to get lower to the ground.
Dribbling between the legs is a flashy move that can help you keep the ball out of a defender's grasp.
