Ayrton Oneill
When teaching basketball dribbling, it is important to focus on both internal and external cues. Internal cues refer to things inside the body, such as lock out your elbow or dribble from your shoulder. External cues refer to things outside the body, such as push the ball through the floor or touch the floor. These external cues have been shown to be more effective for teaching, especially for young athletes. Teachers can use stations and cones to help students practice dribbling with the correct cues.
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What You'll Learn
Using both hands is important
While dribbling a basketball, it is important to remember that you can only use one hand to control the ball. Using two hands simultaneously to dribble is considered a "double dribble" and is a violation. However, using both hands at different times during dribbling is allowed and can be advantageous.
Using your non-dribbling hand, or your "off hand," serves several important purposes. Firstly, it helps you maintain possession of the ball by shielding it from defenders. This is especially important when you are in close quarters with defenders who are trying to steal the ball. By keeping your off hand close to the ball, you create a barrier that makes it more difficult for defenders to knock the ball away.
Additionally, your off hand can be used to protect the ball when you are preparing to shoot or pass. In the triple threat position, players spread their feet shoulder-width apart with a slight bend in their knees, giving them greater balance and the option to shoot, pass, or dribble. By keeping their off hand close to the ball in this position, players can better protect it from defenders and quickly make a move.
Using both hands alternately also allows players to take a break from dribbling without committing a violation. For example, a player can dribble with their dominant hand, let the ball come to rest in their off hand, and then resume dribbling with their dominant hand again. This technique can help players control the pace of the game and make more strategic decisions.
In conclusion, while you cannot dribble a basketball with two hands at the same time, using both hands alternately during a dribbling sequence is not only allowed but also an important skill to develop. It helps players maintain possession, protect the ball, control the pace of the game, and make more effective offensive moves.
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Push the ball through the floor
Pushing the ball through the floor is a fundamental aspect of dribbling in basketball. This technique involves bouncing the ball off the ground and pushing it back down with a controlled motion of the wrist and forearm. Here are some detailed instructions to help you master this skill:
Hand and Finger Placement
When dribbling a basketball, it is important to hold the ball with your fingertips. Your fingertips should be the only part of your hand that touches the ball. This technique allows you to have better control over the ball and facilitates quick and precise movements. Place your dominant hand on top of the ball, with your palm facing down towards the floor. This prevents a carrying violation, which occurs when the underside of the ball is caught during dribbling.
Body Stance and Movement
Get into a low, defensive stance by spreading your feet shoulder-width apart and bending your knees. Drop your hips back slightly, as if you were about to sit in a chair. Avoid bending at the waist or maintaining a tall, vertical posture. Keep your head up with your shoulders square, enabling you to maintain court awareness and protect the ball from defenders. When walking with the ball, ensure that one of your feet always makes contact with the ground as you dribble.
Bouncing and Pushing the Ball
Using your dominant hand, bounce the ball off the ground firmly but without exerting too much force. Aim for quick, steady, and controlled bounces. Each time the ball returns to your hand, avoid catching or grabbing it. Instead, use your fingertips to push the ball back down towards the floor. The ball should be bounced slightly to the side and ahead of the foot on the same side as your dribbling hand. This technique helps protect the ball from defenders and allows for smoother movement.
Variations and Strategies
The height of your dribble can be adjusted to lure your opponent. If facing a shorter opponent, pretend to bring the ball low and then suddenly increase the height of your dribble. Conversely, if your opponent is taller, lure them by initially bringing the ball high and then quickly lowering the dribble. Remember that the shorter and quicker the bounces, the harder it is for your opponent to steal the ball. Additionally, when dribbling in an open court with no defenders, you can dribble the ball in front of you. However, if a defender is nearby, dribble the ball to the side of your body to protect it.
Common Dribbling Moves
The crossover is a popular dribbling move used to change direction. It involves faking as if you're moving in one direction and then quickly changing the ball to the other hand. Another move is the in-and-out dribble, where you fake a crossover and push the ball back out with the same hand, creating a "V" motion. This technique can be combined with other dribbling techniques to improve your effectiveness on the court.
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Bounce and catch
Bounce passes are an essential part of basketball, and they can be used in a variety of situations. Firstly, it's important to understand when to use a bounce pass. This type of pass is particularly useful in tight quarters, such as when you're in traffic in the lane. It can also be used when you're double-teamed. If you're unable to step between the two players, fake the ball high to get the defenders' arms up, and then use a bounce pass to connect with your open teammate.
When executing a bounce pass, there are a few key techniques to keep in mind. Firstly, always throw the ball hard enough so that it bounces up to the chest of your teammate. Passing too low can put the receiver in an awkward position, compromising their balance and reaction time. Secondly, the ball should bounce approximately two-thirds of the distance from you to the receiver. This ensures a quick and efficient pass.
Additionally, it's important to use both hands when throwing a bounce pass. Hold the ball with two hands and push with your outside hand to direct the pass away from any defensive players. This type of pass can be thrown without adjusting your hand position, whether you're holding the ball in a shooting position or after using a shot fake.
Bounce passes are a valuable skill in basketball, allowing players to navigate through tight spaces and create opportunities for their teammates. By understanding when and how to use this type of pass, players can improve their ball handling and decision-making skills, ultimately enhancing their overall performance on the court.
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Dribble from the shoulder
Dribbling is a fundamental skill in basketball, and teaching it correctly is important. While dribbling above the shoulder is legal, it is not recommended as it increases the risk of the ball being stolen by an opponent. This is because, at that height, the dribbler's hand will likely be on the bottom hemisphere of the ball, which is a carry and results in a turnover.
To avoid this, players should be taught to dribble from the shoulder. This means keeping the ball below shoulder height, with the hand on top of the ball. This technique allows for better control of the ball and makes it less likely for the dribbler to commit a violation.
When teaching dribbling, it is important to focus on the fundamentals and build up students' skills gradually. This can be done through various drills and exercises that improve ball handling and dribbling skills. For example, teachers can use follow-the-leader-style exercises, where students copy the teacher's ball-handling moves without looking at the ball. This helps students improve their dribbling technique while also developing their peripheral vision and awareness.
Additionally, teachers can set up stations with cues on cones to help students practice their dribbling. These stations can include different types of balls, such as playground balls, arcade basketballs, or youth basketballs, to allow students to find the right fit for their hand size and develop their skills.
By focusing on proper technique, such as dribbling from the shoulder, and providing a variety of practice activities, teachers can help students build their dribbling skills effectively and safely.
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Keep your eyes up
Keeping your eyes up while dribbling a basketball is a crucial skill to develop. It can be challenging for beginners to avoid looking at the ball, but keeping your head up offers several advantages during a game.
Firstly, keeping your eyes up allows you to locate your teammates and communicate with them effectively. You can also keep an eye on your defender, helping you make quick decisions about your next move. Additionally, being aware of the basket's location is essential for scoring opportunities.
To improve your ability to keep your eyes up, it's beneficial to understand and utilize peripheral vision. This skill allows you to focus on your surroundings without needing to look directly at them. One way to illustrate peripheral vision to students is to ask them to hold their hands up to their eyes like binoculars. When they look straight ahead, they can observe that their peripheral vision includes everything else they can see. By using their peripheral vision while dribbling, students can confidently look up and maintain awareness of the ball and their surroundings.
Several activities can help students develop the skill of keeping their eyes up. One such activity is "Dribble Stare," where students stare into each other's eyes and count down before beginning to dribble while maintaining eye contact. Another activity, "Balance the Bagel," involves students dribbling while balancing a stack of bagels (sliced pool noodles) on a ping pong paddle. This activity specifically trains their peripheral vision as they need to watch both the bagels and the ball.
Additionally, a drill that involves keeping a balloon in the air while dribbling can help improve a player's ability to keep their eyes up. By focusing on the balloon instead of the basketball, players train themselves to look up and become more aware of their surroundings.
In conclusion, keeping your eyes up while dribbling is a critical skill in basketball that offers several advantages during gameplay. By understanding peripheral vision and engaging in specific activities and drills, students can improve their ability to keep their heads up, leading to more effective communication with teammates and better decision-making on the court.
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