Andrew Pace
In basketball, the slang term handles refers to a player's ball-handling and dribbling skills. The term gained popularity in the late 1990s and 2000s, as AND1 Mixtape videos showcased players with impressive ball-handling skills playing on the streets. Ball handling is widely considered the most fundamental skill set in basketball, yet many players lack the necessary skills to become high-level ball handlers. This has been attributed to outdated coaching methods and a lack of understanding of human adaptation, with frequent, shorter training sessions often leading to better results than longer, infrequent ones.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Term origin | Coined from "ball handling" and "ball handler" |
| Popularity | Gained popularity in the late 1990s and 2000s due to AND1 Mixtape videos |
| Definition | Describes a player's ball handling and dribbling skills |
| Training | Traditional training methods may be outdated and ineffective |
| Training tips | Shorter, more frequent training sessions are more effective than longer, infrequent ones |
| Training tips | Athletes should focus on recovery, not just gym work |
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What You'll Learn
Importance of handles in basketball
The slang term "handles" in basketball refers to a player's ball-handling and dribbling skills. Ball handling is considered the most fundamental skill set in the game. Players with excellent handles can dribble with incredible speed and agility, making them difficult for opponents to guard.
Handles are essential in basketball because they enable players to control the ball effectively, allowing them to manoeuvre past defenders and create scoring opportunities. Good ball handling skills can make a player more versatile, as they can bring the ball up the court and facilitate the team's offence. This is becoming increasingly important in the modern NBA, where taller players with good handles, such as Kevin Durant, have become primary ball handlers due to their size and speed advantage.
Additionally, ball handling skills can help players develop their court vision and improve their overall confidence on the court. They can also help players become more creative with their moves, allowing them to execute smooth crossovers and other advanced dribbling techniques that can create space and leave defenders behind. This can lead to more effective offence and a higher chance of scoring.
While natural talent plays a role in a player's ball-handling ability, it is also a skill that can be developed and improved through dedicated training. However, traditional coaching methods often fail to foster engagement and ownership from athletes, which can hinder their progress. More effective approaches, such as frequent shorter training sessions, have been shown to yield better results, as they allow players to adapt and improve outside of the gym.
Overall, handles are of utmost importance in basketball as they empower players with the skills to control and manoeuvre the ball effectively, creating opportunities for themselves and their teammates to score.
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Ball handling as a fundamental skill
Ball handling is an essential skill in basketball, and it involves more than just dribbling. The term "handles" refers to ball handling and ball handler, and it became popular in the late 1990s and 2000s due to AND1 Mixtape videos showcasing players with impressive ball-handling skills. Effective ball handling requires a combination of dribbling techniques, situational awareness, and creativity.
To develop as a ball handler, players must first develop a feel for the basketball. This involves stationary and slow-moving drills that improve hand-eye coordination, hand quickness, ambidexterity, throwing, and catching. Examples of such drills include the Maravich series, one-ball dribbling, two-ball dribbling, and the Steve Nash passing series. These foundational drills help players become comfortable with the ball and improve their overall ball handling.
Once players have a good understanding of the ball, they can begin to incorporate more advanced dribbling techniques. This includes practicing dribbling at different heights, from low to high, to improve control and versatility. Players should also work on dribbling while moving, alternating between their dominant and non-dominant hands, and maintaining proper body positioning and balance. Additionally, players should focus on changing speeds and directions, such as performing a crossover or inside-out move, to keep defenders guessing.
To further enhance their ball-handling skills, players should practice in game-like situations with defenders present. This allows them to apply their dribbling techniques in a competitive environment and develop counter moves when their primary move is defended. By practicing outside their comfort zone and experimenting with different techniques, players can improve their overall ball handling and become more effective on the court.
Ball handling is a fundamental skill in basketball, and it requires dedication, consistent practice, and a comprehensive training plan. Working with experienced coaches or trainers can help players improve their ball-handling skills and maximize their potential on the court. Additionally, players should focus on frequent and shorter training sessions, as this has been shown to lead to better results than longer, less frequent sessions.
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Training methods for better handles
Handles in basketball refer to the player's ability to control the ball and make quick decisions in-game scenarios. It involves dribbling, passing, and making split-second decisions on the court. Here are some training methods to improve your handles:
- Practice with dedication and consistency: Regular and focused practice is key to improving your handles. Aim for daily practice, even if it's just for a short duration.
- Use proper dribbling techniques: Avoid common mistakes such as looking at the ball while dribbling, relying too heavily on one hand, or neglecting to use your non-dribbling arm to protect the ball. Keep the ball close to your body and at ankle height to maintain better control.
- Improve your weak hand: Being able to use both hands is crucial for crossover and combo moves. Practice dribbling and passing with your weak hand to improve your overall ball handling.
- Develop hand-eye coordination: Try drills that involve juggling multiple balls or dribbling two balls with precision around cones. These drills will help improve your reflexes and coordination.
- Strengthen your upper body and core: Strength training exercises like push-ups, pull-ups, and planks can help improve your ball control and passing accuracy. A stronger upper body and core will also help you withstand physical contact from defenders.
- Improve your agility: Agility is the ability to change direction quickly without losing balance. Lateral shuffles, cone drills, and jumping exercises are effective ways to improve your agility and move more fluidly on the court.
- Practice game scenarios: Handles are more than just dribbling; they involve practicing game scenarios. Work on moving around defenders and creating space. Challenge yourself by practicing against aggressive guarding.
- Use tools for added challenge: Dribbling goggles, cone sets, and gloves can help take your ball-handling skills to the next level by providing additional challenges and improving specific aspects of your handling.
- Preserve the ball: Wrapping plastic bags around the ball will make dribbling harder, but it will also help preserve the ball.
- Be patient and persistent: Developing your handles takes time and dedication. Don't be discouraged if you don't see immediate results. Focus on consistent practice and gradual improvement.
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Varying skill levels of ball handlers
Ball handling is a critical skill in basketball, and players with excellent ball handling skills are highly valued. While some natural ability and athleticism are advantageous, ball handling is a skill that can be learned and improved with consistent practice and dedication.
There are varying skill levels of ball handlers, from beginners to experts, and the level of proficiency can depend on several factors, including natural talent, the time dedicated to practice, and the quality of coaching. Some players may have a natural affinity for ball handling, quickly developing a feel for the ball and an intuitive sense of how to dribble and manoeuvre it effectively. Others may need more structured and progressive training to develop their skills.
Beginner ball handlers are often focused on mastering the fundamentals of dribbling, such as hand-eye coordination, hand quickness, and ambidexterity. They may start with basic drills like figure-eights and between-the-legs dribbles, gradually progressing to more advanced drills that challenge their coordination and control. Consistency is key at this stage, with dedicated practice and a structured routine helping to build a solid foundation.
Intermediate ball handlers have likely progressed beyond the basics and are refining their dribbling skills. They may be working on more advanced dribble moves like the crossover, hesitation dribble, and spin moves, which require greater control and a lower, balanced body position. At this level, players also begin to incorporate defensive pressure and simulated game scenarios into their training to prepare for actual game situations. Developing court vision is an important aspect of intermediate ball handling, as players learn to dribble while keeping their heads up, scanning the court for teammates and scoring opportunities.
Advanced ball handlers are those who have mastered the fundamentals and possess exceptional dribbling skills, court vision, and game intelligence. They can dribble without constantly watching the ball, using their peripheral vision to keep track of its location. This frees them up to focus on creating scoring chances for themselves and their teammates. Advanced ball handlers are often innovators, developing new moves, spins, and fakes that leave defenders bewildered. They can control the pace and flow of the game, stabilising the offence and breaking the press. Players like Kyrie Irving, Stephen Curry, and Chris Paul are renowned for their exceptional ball-handling skills and their ability to control the game.
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Examples of players with great handles
The slang term "handles" in basketball comes from “ball handling” and "ball handler". The term became popular in the late 1990s and 2000s due to AND1 Mixtape videos showcasing players with impressive ball-handling skills. Ball handling is considered the most fundamental skill set in basketball, yet many players lack the skills to become high-level ball handlers.
Kyrie Irving
Topping many lists of the greatest ball-handlers is Kyrie Irving, whose skills are described as mesmerizing and artistic. Irving's ability to control the ball with agility and quickness leaves defenders bewildered. His finishing ability around the rim is also noteworthy.
Allen Iverson
Iverson is known for his deadly crossover dribble, often leaving defenders helpless and in awe. His incredible skills and leadership earned him the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in the 2000-2001 season.
Isiah Thomas
Isiah Thomas revolutionized ball-handling with his use of crossovers and direction changes. His combination of speed, lateral movement, and burst made him unpredictable and nearly impossible to defend. Thomas introduced the machine-gun dribble, a move that left defenders reaching.
Pete Maravich
Maravich, also known as "Pistol Pete", was ahead of his time with his dazzling array of moves, including pull-up jumpers, no-look passes, ball fakes, and wraparound dribbles. His style would fit seamlessly into today's NBA, and his influence is seen in many modern ball-handlers.
Chris Paul
Chris Paul, often referred to as CP3, is mentioned by many as one of the best ball-handlers. He is quick, fast, and possesses a nice crossover. Paul is also known for his ability to protect the ball.
These players have not only showcased exceptional ball-handling skills but have also left their mark on the sport, influencing future generations of basketball players.
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Frequently asked questions
Handles is a slang term used to describe a basketball player's ball-handling and dribbling skills.
Ball handling is considered the most fundamental skill set in basketball. It involves the control and movement of the ball through dribbling, passing, and shooting.
Ball handling is important as it allows players to control the ball effectively, creating opportunities for scoring and preventing turnovers.
Improving ball handling skills requires consistent practice. Scientific studies suggest that shorter, more frequent training sessions often lead to better results than longer, less frequent ones.
Notable players known for their exceptional handles include Irving, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant.
