Kristian Ferrell
Ball handling is one of the most fundamental skill sets in basketball, and dribbling is a key part of that. Dribbling is the skill of controlling the ball as you bounce it on the floor, and there are many different types of dribbles and drills that can be used to improve your ball handling. These include dribbling with one or two hands, dribbling with a change of pace and direction, and dribbling with a partner who acts as a defender. It's important to maintain a balanced athletic position while dribbling, with bent knees and your chest up, and to use your fingertips to control the ball rather than your palm.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Dribbling with two balls
Stationary Practice
Start by standing stationary on the baseline and focus on controlling both balls. This will build your confidence and allow you to get a feel for dribbling with two balls. It is recommended to begin with stationary drills for a few minutes as a warm-up before progressing to movement drills.
Two Ball Dribble Drills
Once you are comfortable with stationary dribbling, you can begin to move. Try the following two-ball dribble drills:
- Two Ball Low Dribble: Dribble the balls below your knees while weaving through chairs or cones. On the way down, dribble the balls simultaneously, and on the way back, alternate dribbles.
- Two Ball High Dribble: Similar to the low dribble, but with the balls dribbled at shoulder height.
- Two Ball High-Low Dribble: Dribble one ball below your knees while dribbling the other ball at shoulder height.
- Crossover: Cross the two balls in front of your body at the same time.
- Between the Legs and Crossover: Dribble one ball between your legs and cross over with the other.
- Hesitation: Act like you're slowing down or stopping, then explode out of the dribble as forcefully as possible.
- Behind the Back and Crossover: Take one ball behind your back while crossing the other ball in front.
- Alternating Heights: Dribble one ball high while dribbling the other low.
- 2-Ball Front Circles: Dribble both balls low and in front of you, crossing them over from one hand to the other.
- 2-Ball Figure 8: Master dribbling two balls around one leg, then progress to a figure-8 drill.
- 2-Balls Through the Legs: Bounce the two balls twice in front of you while moving forward, then bring them around the outside of your thighs and dribble them through your legs.
Additional Tips
- Use cones or chairs to create an obstacle course, forcing you to move side to side while dribbling.
- Focus on dribbling the ball hard. The harder you dribble, the quicker it gets back into your hand, giving you more control.
- Keep your head up at all times, looking at the rim or a spot on the wall during practice.
- Use your fingertips to control the ball rather than your palm.
- Practice changing speeds and directions to improve your agility and keep defenders guessing.
Remember, any dribble or drill you can do with one ball can be adapted for two balls. Dribbling with two balls may seem challenging at first, but with regular practice, you will see real improvement in your dribbling skills.
Style Slam Dunk: Girls' Take on Basketball Sneakers
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Using your fingertips
There are a number of drills you can do to improve your fingertip control. One is to extend your arms and push the ball back and forth with your fingertips. Once you feel comfortable, move the ball from high above your head to low in front of your ankles, still working it with your fingertips. Another drill is to dribble two balls at the same time, which will improve your ball handling while changing directions at different speeds. You can also try dribbling with one hand, then alternate hands.
You can also practice dribbling in a figure-of-eight pattern. This can be done in multiple ways: front to back, back to front, low dribbles (as many as possible with the ball at shoe height), as few dribbles as possible (with the ball at waist height), or even walking. For an extra challenge, try the drill with one hand instead of two.
Ball slaps are another drill that can help improve your ball handling. Slap the ball as hard as you can with one hand, while the other hand holds the ball. Rotate hands with each slap. This will help you get used to the feel of the ball and improve your fingertip control.
The New Balance 550: Basketball Shoe or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Changing pace and direction
To improve your ability to change pace and direction, you should practice dribbling drills. One such drill involves dribbling two basketballs from the baseline to the free-throw line and back, then to half-court and back, then to the far free-throw line and back, and finally, baseline to baseline. This drill helps you practice changing directions at different speeds. You can also use a chair as a defender and dribble towards it, practicing crossovers or going behind your back as you advance past it.
Another drill to improve your ability to change pace and direction is the two-ball pound, where you dribble with both hands at the same time. You can also practice single-leg dribbling, where you dribble the ball with one hand in circles around the same-side leg, and then switch to the other hand and leg. This will help you improve your balance and control.
You can also practice changing pace and direction by dribbling outdoors by yourself. Work on dribbling fast and then slowing down quickly, changing the looks and speed of your different moves. This will help you get comfortable with the ball and improve your ball handling skills.
Projectile Motion: The Science Behind Basketball Shots
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Practising dribble pounds, crossovers, and between the legs
Dribble Pounds
Dribble pounds are a fundamental skill to develop a strong foundation in ball handling. To start, focus on using your fingertips to control the ball instead of your palm. This will give you more precision and control. Practice dribbling the ball hard and fast, as this will increase the speed at which the ball returns to your hand. Keep your head up at all times, looking at the rim or a spot on the wall during practice. Visualise when and how you would use each dribble in a game situation. Remember, the primary purpose of dribbling is to create opportunities for lay-ups.
Crossovers
Crossovers are an effective way to change pace and direction, throwing off defenders and creating space for yourself or your teammates. To practice crossovers, start by dribbling the ball with your dominant hand in a stationary position. Crouch down low, bending your knees and lowering your hips, to get into a stable dribbling stance. Lift your chest and head while bouncing the ball close to your foot. Practice shifting the ball between your hands, catching it with the opposite hand and immediately pushing it down to continue bouncing at knee height. Focus on keeping your palm off the ball, using your fingertips for control.
Between the Legs
Dribbling between the legs is an advanced technique that requires a good understanding of the basic crossover. Start by mastering the crossover in a stationary position. Once comfortable, step forward with your opposite foot at a 45-degree angle while continuing to dribble. This will create a brief window to push the ball between your legs. As you shift the ball between your legs, move your hand so your thumb ends up on top, allowing you to push it with your fingertips. Practice this technique in motion, as it is rarely done standing still. Focus on maintaining control and balance while dribbling between your legs.
Drills and Variations
To improve your dribbling skills, consider incorporating drills such as the "Maravich Drills" or the "Figure 8's" drill. You can also challenge yourself by using two balls for dribbling drills, starting stationary and gradually increasing movement. Additionally, work on your hand-eye coordination by holding the ball and moving it in a figure-eight motion between your legs without bouncing it. This will improve your comfort and balance with the basketball in your hands.
Magarity's Basketball Journey: From Court to Court
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Maintaining a balanced position
First, start by bending your knees and keeping your chest up. This stance provides a stable base and allows you to react quickly to changes in direction. It also enables you to look forward and maintain court vision, which is essential for making informed decisions and anticipating your next move or that of a teammate or opponent.
Keep your arms relaxed and use your fingertips to dribble the ball, spreading your fingers out to cover more surface area and gain better control. This technique prevents the ball from slipping out of your hands and allows for more precise dribbling. Avoid using your palms, as this can result in a loss of control and make it easier for opponents to steal the ball.
When dribbling, focus on using your arms and wrists to generate power and control, rather than relying on your entire body. This isolated movement helps maintain balance and prevents unnecessary movements that can throw you off-centre. Practice dribbling as quickly and forcefully as you can to improve your handling skills and the speed at which the ball returns to your hand.
To further enhance your balance, incorporate drills that challenge your stability. For example, try dribbling with your legs spread at shoulder width and perform figure-eight dribbles in front of and behind your legs. You can also do this drill with one hand to increase the difficulty. Additionally, work on single-leg dribbling, focusing on maintaining control while circling the ball around one leg and then switching to the other leg.
By following these tips and incorporating them into your practice sessions, you'll develop a more stable dribbling posture and improve your overall ball-handling skills.
US Basketball Team: Ever Lost a Gold Medal?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
You can try the two-ball dribbling drill, dribbling two balls at the same time, or the one-hand pound drill, which is the same but with one hand. Another drill involves dribbling with one hand and slapping the ball with the other.
Dribbling is bouncing the ball on the floor. To dribble, keep your knees bent, chest up, and head forward. Use your fingertips to dribble, not your palms, and spread your fingers out to cover more of the ball.
Practice makes perfect. Try to dribble the ball as hard and as fast as you can. Practice changing the speed and direction of your dribbles.
Dribbling is bouncing the ball on the floor. Ball handling is what you do with that dribble. For example, dribbling could be used to go to the basket, make a passing angle, or escape from pressure.
Keep your head up and look forward, not down, so you can see the floor and have good court vision. Use your fingertips to control the ball, not your palm.
