Andrew Pace
Dribbling is an essential skill in basketball, but it takes practice to master. While it's important to learn the basics, such as hand and body positioning, there are also rules to follow to avoid penalties. Drills and games are a great way to improve dribbling skills, and there are plenty of online resources to help, from YouTube tutorials to basketball forums. With dedication and a willingness to learn from failure, anyone can improve their dribbling and become a more confident basketball player.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Stance | Feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, hips back, head up, shoulders square |
| Hand position | Fingers relaxed and spread out evenly, ball controlled by fingertips |
| Dribbling technique | Push the ball into the ground with force by extending the elbow and snapping the wrist, keep the ball on the pads of the hand |
| Court position | In open court, dribble in front of you; near defenders, dribble to the side, keeping your body between them and the ball |
| Rules to avoid | Traveling, double dribbling, carrying |
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What You'll Learn
Basic dribbling technique
Dribbling a basketball is a fundamental skill in the sport, and it requires a lot of practice to master. Here is a breakdown of the basic dribbling technique.
Stance
Before you begin dribbling, it is important to get into a low, defensive stance. Spread your feet shoulder-width apart, bend your knees, and drop your hips back slightly as if you were sitting in a chair. Keep your back straight, head up, and shoulders square. This stance provides balance and stability, allowing you to change directions quickly and explode past defenders.
Hand and Finger Placement
There are differing opinions on whether the basketball should touch the palm of your hand. Some coaches advise against it, recommending that players use only their fingertips to dribble. However, others argue that while the fingertips control the ball, the ball should touch all the pads of the hand for better balance and control. Ensure your fingers are relaxed and spread out evenly across the basketball.
Dribbling Action
To dribble, push the basketball into the ground with force by extending your elbow and snapping your wrist. Keep your hand on top of the ball, and continue pushing it down each time it makes contact with your fingertips. The less time the ball spends out of your hands, the more control you have, making it harder for defenders to steal the ball.
Court Awareness
When dribbling in an open court, you can usually dribble the ball in front of you. However, when defenders are nearby, it is advisable to dribble the ball to your side, keeping your body between the defenders and the ball. This forces the defender to reach across your body to attempt a steal, giving you better protection. Always be aware of your surroundings, including the positions of your teammates and opponents, to make informed decisions about your dribbling and passing.
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Dribbling in a game
Dribbling is a fundamental skill in basketball, and it can be intimidating for beginners to learn how to do it well in a game situation. The first step is to get into a low, defensive stance: spread your feet shoulder-width apart, bend your knees, and drop your hips back slightly as if you were sitting in a chair. Keep your head up and shoulders square, with your eyes on the floor so you can read the defenders and make the right passing decisions.
Next, hold the ball with your fingertips, with your hand on top of it, and push it down firmly every time it makes contact with your hand. You can also use your palm, but the fingertips control the ball. Push the ball into the ground with force by extending your elbow and snapping your wrist. The less time the ball is out of your hands, the more control you have, and the more protected it is from defenders.
When you're in an open court, you can dribble the ball in front of you, but when you're near defenders, it's better to bounce the ball at your side. This way, the defender has to reach across your body to get the ball. Keep your body between defenders and the ball, and never dribble on the same side of your body as the defender.
Finally, avoid basic rule violations such as travelling, double dribbling, and carrying, which can result in penalties and give the ball to the defending team.
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Drills to improve dribbling
Drills are a great way to improve your basketball dribbling skills. They help you build stronger and more nimble hands, and prepare you for in-game situations.
Stationary drills
For beginners, it is always good to start with simple stationary drills. These drills are a great way to introduce dribbling skills, concepts, and basic terminology. Once you get the hang of the basics, you can move on to more advanced drills.
Cone drills
Set up several cones in different spots on the court. Start with the basketball 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 you practice different moves and improves your ball handling.
Figure 8 drill
Start with your feet spread apart and the ball in your right hand. Dribble the ball through your legs to your left hand and then immediately back to your right hand. This drill helps you improve your coordination and ball control.
Two-ball dribble
For this drill, you will need two basketballs. Start at the baseline with a ball in each hand and dribble them to the near free-throw line and back. Then, dribble the balls to half-court and back, followed by the far free-throw line and back. Finally, dribble from baseline to baseline. This drill improves your ball handling and ability to change directions at different speeds.
Chair drills
Place a chair on the court and dribble towards it. As you advance past the chair, perform a crossover or go behind the back. The chair serves as a defender, and this drill helps you practice making moves on defenders while moving at full speed.
Partner drills
For this drill, you will need a partner and three basketballs. Start by dribbling two basketballs. Pass the ball in your left hand to your partner and dribble the ball in your right hand to your left. Your partner will then throw you a ball, and you will dribble it with your right hand. This drill helps improve your crossover, explosiveness, and ability to switch hands mid-play.
These drills can help you improve your dribbling skills, ball handling, and in-game decision-making. Remember to also focus on the basics of dribbling, such as maintaining a low stance, using your fingertips, and keeping your head up.
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Rules around dribbling
Dribbling is a fundamental skill in basketball, and understanding the rules around it is essential for players at all levels. Here are the key rules pertaining to dribbling in basketball:
Double Dribble
A double dribble occurs when a player dribbles, stops, and then dribbles again with the same hand. This also includes touching the ball with both hands simultaneously or allowing the ball to come to rest in one or both hands before dribbling again. A player may dribble a second time if they lost control due to a field goal attempt, a pass or fumble that was touched by another player, or an opponent touching the ball.
Carrying or Palming
Carrying, also known as palming or "carrying the ball," occurs when a player's hand is positioned palm-up underneath the ball while dribbling. This results in a carrying violation, as seen in the example from an NBA game where a player failed to maintain proper control of the ball while dribbling.
Traveling
A player must not progress in any direction with the ball without dribbling it. If a player wishes to dribble after coming to a stop, the ball must be out of their hand before the pivot foot is raised off the floor. Violating these guidelines constitutes a traveling violation.
Excessive Dribbling
Although not an official rule, referees may call a violation if a player engages in excessive dribbling without making a legitimate effort to advance the play.
Other Restrictions
There are additional restrictions on dribbling in basketball. A player must not run with the ball, deliberately kick or block it with their leg, or strike it with their fist.
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Advanced dribbling techniques
Dribbling is a fundamental basketball skill that requires hand-eye coordination, good timing, and practice. Effective dribbling allows you to weave through defenders, creating opportunities for yourself and your teammates. Here are some advanced dribbling techniques to improve your game:
Crossover Dribbling
The crossover is a foundational deceptive maneuver meant to quickly change direction and throw off your defender. This technique involves passing the ball back and forth between your left and right hand in a "V" shape in front of your body. As your ability improves, increase the speed of your crossover dribbles. You can also perform two crossovers in rapid succession to completely bamboozle defenders.
Running While Dribbling
Ball-handling drills often focus on player speed. Building up your speed while maintaining control of the ball will help you master the fast break, allowing you to score before your opponents can get into a defensive position. Practice running and dribbling the length of the court, and with each hand to build dexterity.
Protective Dribbling
When squaring off with a defender, it's crucial to protect the ball. This technique involves dribbling with one hand while raising your non-dribbling arm to hold off the defender. Practice this by dribbling with your back to the defender to use your body to shield the ball.
Power Dribbling
Power dribbling is an advanced drill that involves cutting sideways while pounding the ball into the court. This technique allows players to elude defenders and move to another part of the court for a shot. To execute this move, combine proper hand placement, running while dribbling, and protective dribbling.
Behind-the-Back Dribbling
Dribbling behind the back is a classic way to "juke" or mislead a defender. To do this, dribble straight toward the hoop and then redirect the ball behind your back to swerve around the opposing team. This follows the same "V" shape as a crossover, but behind your back.
Remember, advanced dribbling techniques require a lot of practice and a solid foundation in the basics. Always be mindful of the rules to avoid violations like traveling and double dribbling. With dedication and time, you'll be able to master these advanced dribbling techniques and take your game to the next level.
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Frequently asked questions
You should always adopt a low, defensive stance with your knees bent and hips dropped back slightly. Keep your shoulders square and your head up.
You can try dribbling the ball in a figure 8 motion between your legs, or the "drop and catch" drill where you drop the ball and exchange hand positions before catching it again. You can also do a forward/backward drill, taking baby steps and dribbling back and forth over a line.
There are a few basic rules you should follow to avoid a careless dribbling violation. Avoid travelling, which includes moving with the ball without dribbling, taking an extra step, skipping, hopping, shuffling your feet, or changing your pivot foot. Also, avoid double dribbling, which means dribbling with both hands simultaneously.
Practice is key to improving your dribbling skills. Get out there and play, and don't be afraid to fail. You can also try playing 1-on-1 with a friend, which will help you work on your ball handling. Additionally, always be mindful of your purpose for dribbling and try to move in straight lines to separate from the defence.
