Ayrton Oneill
Dribbling and tapping are fundamental skills in basketball, and even the most talented players had to master the basics before attempting any fancy moves. Dribbling is necessary to take steps while possessing the ball, and it can be used to pass by defenders or to set up a pass to a teammate. Learning to dribble with control and speed will open up many opportunities for you and your teammates on the offensive end of the court. Tapping, on the other hand, is a skill used in a putback, where a player secures an offensive rebound and immediately scores a basket, or in a tip-in, where the player taps the ball into the basket without securing the rebound. In this topic, we will cover the basic techniques for dribbling and tapping in basketball, as well as some common moves and drills to improve your skills.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Stance | Low, defensive stance with feet shoulder-width apart |
| Body Position | Bend knees, drop hips back slightly, keep head and shoulders up and square |
| Hand Position | Hold the ball with fingertips, not the palm |
| Dribbling | Bounce the ball off the ground firmly, keeping it low and controlled |
| Arm Movement | Extend the elbow and snap the wrist at the bottom of the movement |
| Drills | Use a balloon to improve control, focus on technique before adding speed |
| Violations to Avoid | Traveling, double dribbling, and carrying |
| Back Taps | Keep a low dribble, switch hands, use your body to shield the defender |
| Passing/Shooting | Go back to your usual pace after dribbling to maintain momentum |
| Advanced Moves | Crossover, behind-the-back dribble, Euro step, triple threat |
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What You'll Learn
- Basic rules of dribbling: avoid travelling, double dribbling, and carrying
- The crossover: a common dribbling move to change direction
- The behind-the-back dribble: useful when near defenders
- The Euro step: bump into your defender, then take a second step in the opposite direction
- Shielding the ball: use your body and non-dribbling arm to protect the ball from defenders
Basic rules of dribbling: avoid travelling, double dribbling, and carrying
Dribbling is a fundamental skill in basketball, but there are rules that dictate how you can dribble. A careless dribbling violation can result in a penalty, giving the defending team the ball for free and halting your team's offensive momentum. Here are the basic rules of dribbling: avoid travelling, double dribbling, and carrying.
Travelling
Travelling, or moving with the ball without dribbling, is a violation. This includes taking an extra step, skipping, hopping, shuffling your feet, or moving/changing your pivot foot (set foot) when stationary. To avoid travelling, make sure to dribble the ball when moving, and keep your pivot foot firmly on the ground.
Double Dribbling
Double dribbling is another violation. This occurs when you dribble with both hands simultaneously, or when you stop your dribble (by catching or holding the ball) and then start dribbling again. To avoid this, make sure to only use one hand to dribble, and if you stop dribbling, either pass the ball or shoot.
Carrying
Carrying, or palming, is a violation similar to double dribbling. It happens when you catch the ball with one hand and then continue to dribble without stopping the dribbling motion. To avoid carrying, make sure to keep your palm facing the floor as you dribble, and avoid putting your hand under the ball.
In addition to these rules, it's important to maintain a low, defensive stance while dribbling, with your knees bent and hips dropped back. Keep the ball close to the ground and use quick, short bounces to make it harder for opponents to steal the ball.
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The crossover: a common dribbling move to change direction
The crossover is a common dribbling move used to change direction. It is effective in creating space and separation from an on-ball defender, allowing the offensive player to attack the basket or take an open jump shot. The crossover is typically performed by dribbling the basketball with one hand across the body and then catching it with the opposite hand. This move can be done in front of or behind the player.
To perform a standard crossover, an offensive player dribbles the ball with one hand near their side, then shifts their weight and leans in the direction they want to go, making the defender think they will continue in that direction. The player then quickly changes direction by crossing the ball over to the other hand, ideally surpassing the defender. This move can be enhanced by using a head fake or a wide step in the intended direction to deceive the defender.
There are variations of the crossover move, such as the double crossover, popularized by NBA All-Star Tim Hardaway, which involves dribbling the ball very low between the legs before crossing it back over to the opposite hand. Another variation is the reverse between-the-legs dribble, where the ball is bounced between the legs from behind. The behind-the-back dribble is also an option, where the player moves the ball from one hand to the other by bouncing it directly behind their back.
It is important to note that beginners should have a basic understanding of dribbling concepts before attempting the crossover move. Additionally, dribbling techniques should be combined with proper defensive stances and footwork to be truly effective.
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The behind-the-back dribble: useful when near defenders
The behind-the-back dribble is an advanced basketball move that can be extremely useful when near defenders. It is a type of crossover dribble, where the ball is dribbled with one hand behind the player's back and then caught with the opposite hand. This move is often used by perimeter-oriented players such as point guards, shooting guards, or small forwards, but can also be effective for post-oriented players like power forwards or centers if they have a good understanding of the fundamentals of dribbling.
The key to a successful behind-the-back dribble is to execute it while moving in a straight line towards the defender. This is often referred to as the "South-North" step, as you want to move forward rather than side-to-side, which gives the defence more time to react. When performing the dribble, your hand should be on the outside part of the ball, pushed behind your back in a straight line towards your other hand. It is important to maintain a low stance to reduce the distance the ball has to travel, making it harder for the defender to steal the ball.
The behind-the-back dribble is particularly useful when an offensive player wants to dribble while adjacent to a deep corner or near a baseline. It can be used as a counter to specific actions of the on-ball defender, such as when they attempt to cut off the player's driving lane or reach in to try to steal the ball. By using this dribble, the offensive player can then create scoring opportunities for themselves or make plays for their teammates.
Practicing the behind-the-back dribble can help players master this advanced move and improve their overall dribbling skills. It is important to remember that, as with any dribbling move, the behind-the-back dribble requires dedication, discipline, and hours of practice to perfect. Players can also work on their ball control, speed, agility, and footwork to enhance their dribbling effectiveness and become more confident in using this move during games.
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The Euro step: bump into your defender, then take a second step in the opposite direction
The Euro step is a creative way to use your two allowed steps towards the basket after picking up your dribble. It's a move that fakes out a defender, bumping into them and then stepping in the opposite direction to create space for an easier layup chance.
To perform the Euro step, start by dribbling towards the basket. Then, pick up your dribble and take a step in one direction, preferably with an 'outside step' to move the defender towards where you're faking. At this point, the defender should ideally have taken a step towards the baseline, anticipating your next move. Now, quickly take your second step in the opposite direction, sweeping the basketball across your body and stepping with your other foot. You can sweep the ball low, at knee height, across the body at chest height, or high, above the head. Just be careful not to make contact with the defender's forehead if you go for that last option.
If you've executed the move correctly, you should now have space in front of the basket. Jump off your left foot, extending towards the basket with either hand, and drop the ball into the hoop.
It's important to practice the Euro step from different angles, as it can be tricky to put the ball in the hoop after this move due to the momentum it creates. You might need to finish with the hand opposite to the direction of your momentum. Remember, you don't always have to shoot after using this move. If a help defender steps across to contest the shot, you can drop the ball off to a teammate for a layup or pass it out for a three-pointer.
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Shielding the ball: use your body and non-dribbling arm to protect the ball from defenders
Shielding the ball is a crucial skill in basketball, enabling you to retain possession and protect the ball from defenders. Here are some tips to effectively shield the ball using your body and non-dribbling arm:
Positioning and Stance
It is important to position your body between the defender and the ball. This prevents the defender from reaching the ball and creates a physical barrier. Avoid standing with your back to the defender, as they can easily reach through your legs or from the side. Instead, turn sideways or use a side-on position, which provides more leverage and makes it harder for the defender to get the ball.
Using Your Arms
Extend your non-dribbling arm to maintain balance and create additional space between you and the defender. Keep your arm out to feel the defender's movements and react accordingly by shifting your body and the ball in the opposite direction. Ensure you do not push or grab the defender with your arm, as this can lead to a foul.
Footwork and Movement
Use your footwork to control the ball and maintain distance from the defender. Move the ball to the foot farthest away from the defender, making it more challenging for them to reach. If you need to dribble away, use your outside foot, and be prepared to go to the ground to win a foul if necessary.
Aggression and Mental Toughness
Shielding requires aggression and mental toughness. Be prepared to engage in physical contact with the defender and absorb the pressure. Stay focused and believe in your ability to maintain possession.
Practice Drills
To improve your shielding skills, engage in specific football drills that simulate shielding scenarios. For example, drills like Shield-Steal, Knockout, or 2 vs 2 Keep Away will help you develop your shielding abilities in a competitive and interactive environment.
By following these tips and practicing regularly, you will become more skilled at shielding the ball with your body and non-dribbling arm, enabling you to protect the ball from defenders effectively.
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Frequently asked questions
To dribble a basketball, you should hold the ball with your fingertips, not your palms, and get into a low stance with your feet shoulder-width apart. Bounce the ball off the ground firmly, keeping it low and controlled so that it is harder for defenders to tap away. Keep your head up and maintain eye contact with the game, not the ball.
Keep your dribbling low and controlled, and push the ball forward. Keep your body between the defender and the ball, and switch hands to avoid back taps. If you are close to the hoop, you can use your steps to get into your shot.
There are a few basic rules that dictate how you dribble in basketball. Avoid travelling, double dribbling, and carrying. Travelling includes moving with the ball without dribbling, taking an extra step, skipping, hopping, shuffling your feet, or moving/changing your pivot foot. Double dribbling refers to dribbling with both hands simultaneously, or dribbling, stopping, and then dribbling again. Carrying is when you catch the ball with one hand and then continue dribbling without stopping the dribbling motion.
