Amanda Knapp
Kyrie Irving is widely considered to be one of the best dribblers in the NBA, with players and fans alike wanting to learn how to dribble like him. Irving's dribbling skills are characterised by his ability to create space between himself and the defender, his quick release, and his unpredictable moves. While it's important to develop your own style, there are some drills and techniques you can practice to improve your dribbling skills and emulate Irving's style. This includes practicing with two basketballs, incorporating behind-the-back dribbles, and working on your shot.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of basketballs | 2 |
| Distance between you and the partner holding the basketball | 10 feet |
| Drill frequency | 2-3 times a week |
| Drill duration | 15 minutes |
| Dribbling style | Between the legs, behind the back, crossover, combination |
| Dribbling speed | Very fast |
| Body posture | Keep your head up |
| Opponent distraction | Jab steps, fake side steps |
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What You'll Learn
Practice dribbling with two basketballs
Dribbling is a fundamental skill in basketball, allowing players to advance the ball, create opportunities, and evade defenders. One way to improve dribbling skills is to practice with two basketballs, which challenges coordination and strengthens both hands. Here are some drills that can be practiced with two basketballs:
- The Two-Ball Weave Dribble: Players dribble two balls while weaving through a line of five cones or chairs, alternating between forward and backward dribbles. This drill improves hand speed and ball control.
- The Figure 8 Drill: Players take a wide stance and dribble one ball between their legs in a figure 8 pattern, switching leg positions after each dribble. This drill can be started slowly and built up to increase speed.
- Kyrie Irving's Favorite Ball-Handling Drill: This drill requires two basketballs and a partner. The player faces the hoop while the partner holds one basketball about 10 feet away. The partner throws the other ball at the player at random times. The player catches the thrown ball with one hand and passes the dribbled ball to the partner. The partner then throws the original ball back, and the player shoots. This drill can be made more challenging by adding different dribbling patterns and doing it in different areas of the court.
It is important to practice these drills consistently and to incorporate dynamic elements to improve dribbling skills over time.
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Focus on speed and keeping your head up
To dribble a basketball like Kyrie Irving, you need to focus on speed and keeping your head up. Irving is known for his unpredictable dribbling style, which involves quick crossovers, hesitation moves, and hard dribbles. He can also create more separation between himself and the defender by making jab steps, which makes it seem like he's about to make a move to the basket.
To improve your dribbling speed, you should practice drills that challenge your brain and body. Try dribbling two basketballs at once, or incorporate moves like between-the-legs drills, behind-the-back drills, and combination drills that string together multiple dribbling moves. Focus on being able to change directions quickly and maintain a low stance, which will help you change speeds and keep your balance, just like Irving.
In addition to speed, Irving also focuses on keeping his head up while dribbling. This allows him to stay aware of his surroundings and make quick decisions with the ball. To improve your peripheral vision and awareness, try drills where you dribble while catching and throwing balls with a partner. This will help you develop the ability to scan the court and make quick decisions, just like Irving.
Remember, dribbling like Kyrie Irving takes a lot of practice and dedication. His unique style combines speed, creativity, and an understanding of how to create space and take advantage of opportunities. By focusing on speed and keeping your head up, you can start to develop dribbling skills similar to Irving's.
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Master dribbling between the legs
To master dribbling between the legs, you need to first get comfortable with the basketball. This means practising dribbling in a basic stance, with your dominant hand, keeping the ball close to your body. Bounce the ball with force, near your knee, using your fingertips for precision. Keep your fingers spread out for maximum control.
Once you have the basics down, you can try dribbling between the legs. Crouch down low, bend your knees, and lower your hips. Lean forward a little, so you are prepared to move, and keep your stance stable. Take a diagonal step forward with your opposite foot, at a 45-degree angle. Shift your hand to the side of the ball as it bounces, so your thumb is on top, ready to push it through your legs with your fingertips.
The timing of your forward movement is key. As soon as you feel the ball hit your hand, move your dominant foot forward, also at a 45-degree angle. This will shield the ball and allow you to dribble forward. Try different variations, such as the drop, where you use less force, and the dribble, which is the standard version.
You can also try an exercise where you spread your feet to be shoulder-width apart and pass the ball through without moving. Practise dribbling between the legs in a stationary position, and then try adding in a hop step, where you jump and shift your leg positioning.
Dribbling between the legs is a great way to impress crowds and keep the ball away from defenders. It can be used to create scoring opportunities and is a move often used by point guards, shooting guards, and small forwards. It is a tricky move to master, so keep practising!
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Learn to dribble with a defender
To dribble like Kyrie Irving, you need to first master the basics. This includes simple moves like crossovers, between the legs, and behind the back dribbles. Practice these moves with both hands to develop ambidextrous dribbling skills. Focus on maintaining a smooth, consistent rhythm while dribbling. Once you've mastered the basics, you can start working on more complex combinations and counter moves.
Kyrie Irving is known for his ability to create space and use the area around him to pull off dribbling moves that keep defenders guessing. He maximizes the space between himself and the defender by using jab steps to make it seem like he's going to drive to the basket. If the defender backs up, Irving will pull up for a mid-range or long-range shot. If the defender stays close, he'll attack the basket with a straight line drive. Irving is also very efficient with his dribbles, often using fewer dribbles to create more opportunities.
To improve your dribbling with a defender, practice drills that simulate game situations. For example, you can use the drill that Kyrie Irving himself uses. For this drill, you'll need a partner and two basketballs. Have your partner hold one basketball about 10 feet away from you while you face the hoop. Your partner should randomly throw the other ball at you while you dribble. Catch the thrown ball with one hand and throw the dribbled ball to your partner. Repeat this drill to improve your dribbling skills and awareness while handling the basketball.
In addition to drills, focus on developing strong hands to maintain control of the ball, even when defenders try to pry it away. Work on your shot to create driving lanes and improve your ability to beat defenders. Remember, dribbling is not about style, but about effectiveness and creating opportunities to get to your spots on the court.
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Study Irving's favourite moves
To dribble like Kyrie Irving, you need to train your handles like him. Irving has been described as having "maybe the best handles of all time in the NBA". His favourite drills involve dribbling with speed while keeping your head up and being ready to catch the ball. This helps you become comfortable staying aware while handling the basketball.
Irving's favourite drills involve a partner holding a basketball about 10 feet away from you while you face the hoop. Your partner should throw another ball at you at random times, which you should catch with one hand and throw the one you have been dribbling back to your partner. You can also add in different dribbling patterns and do this drill in different areas of the court.
Irving is also a master of the crossover, using it to create space between himself and the defender. He often uses a fake side step, followed by a half-spin and fadeaway from the baseline. He also uses a behind-the-back dribble, and can dribble the ball between his legs with quick transitions back to his dominant hand. Irving's ability to change speeds and directions effortlessly makes him a highly unpredictable player, keeping the defence guessing.
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Frequently asked questions
To dribble a basketball like Kyrie Irving, you need to train your handles like he does. This involves drills with two basketballs and a partner, where you dribble and catch the ball at the same time, simulating game situations.
One of Kyrie's favourite drills involves facing the hoop while your partner holds the other basketball about 10 feet away. Your partner will throw the ball at you at random times, and you must catch it with one hand and throw the ball you're dribbling to your partner. Repeat this process, adding in different dribbling patterns and locations on the court as you improve.
Kyrie is known for his creative in-and-outs, crossovers, and behind-the-back dribbles. He often uses jab steps and fake side steps to create more separation from defenders and maximize space. He also incorporates moves like the reverse Tim Hardaway, a right-to-left crossover followed by a crossover between the legs.
It's recommended to incorporate dribbling drills into your workout 2-3 times a week for about 15 minutes each session.
While dribbling is important, it's just one aspect of basketball. To truly improve your game, you should also focus on shooting, strength training, nutrition, and other fundamental skills. Remember, it's about quality practice and developing a well-rounded set of skills, not just copying someone else's style.
