Kristian Ferrell
Basketball is a team sport played with a ball on a rectangular court. It involves dribbling, passing, and shooting the ball into the opponent's basket. There are several types of dribbles that can be used in basketball, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some common types of dribbles include the low dribble, speed dribble, change of pace dribble, hockey dribble, reverse dribble, and half-reversed dribble. Additionally, there are also more complex dribbling techniques such as the crossover dribble, behind the back dribble, and spin move. Each dribble has a specific purpose and can be used to gain advantages over opponents in different situations.
Different Types of Dribbling in Basketball
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To advance the ball up the court, drive to the hoop, get open for a shot, open up a passing lane, get out of a trap, or kill the clock at the end of a game |
| Stance | Feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, straight back |
| Head Position | Head up, eyes forward |
| Hand Position | Use fingertips, not palms; ball is 3 inches away from the side of the body and low to the ground |
| Footwork | Step so that one foot always hits the ground with the ball |
| Variations | Between-the-legs, behind-the-back, and other advanced moves |
| Rules | Avoid traveling, double dribbling, and carrying; violations can result in penalties and give the ball to the defending team |
| Practice | Use drills, cones, or chairs to simulate defenders and improve dribbling skills |
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What You'll Learn
Basic dribbling techniques
Dribbling is a fundamental skill in basketball, used to advance the ball up the court, create space, and generate scoring opportunities. Here are some basic dribbling techniques to get you started:
Athletic Stance
Before beginning to dribble, it's important to get into a proper athletic stance. Position your feet approximately shoulder-width apart, bend your knees slightly, and keep your back straight. This stance helps you maintain balance, especially when facing defensive pressure. Keep your head up and eyes forward to survey the court and make strategic decisions.
Finger Tips and Ball Control
When dribbling, use your finger tips, not the palms of your hands. Basketball is a game played on the tips of your fingers and the balls of your feet. Use your forearm and wrist to bounce the ball, and maintain control by catching it with your fingertips as it bounces back up. Keep the ball close to the ground, about 3 inches away from your body, as you move.
Practice with Both Hands
It's important to practice dribbling with both your right and left hands. You should be able to dribble confidently with either hand to adapt to different game situations. Practice drills that involve switching between hands and dribbling in different directions. This will improve your overall ball handling and control.
Dribbling in Open Court vs Near Defenders
When you're in an open court situation, such as moving the ball up the court, you can dribble the ball in front of you. However, when you're near defenders, it's best to dribble to your side while assuming a low, defensive stance. This makes it harder for the defender to reach for the ball, and you can use your body to shield the ball from them. Always try to keep your body between the defenders and the ball.
Avoid Violations
Understand and avoid common dribbling violations such as traveling, double dribbling, and carrying. Traveling includes moving with the ball without dribbling, taking extra steps, or changing your pivot foot when stationary. Double dribbling means dribbling with both hands at the same time or dribbling, stopping, and then dribbling again. Carrying involves catching the ball with one hand and continuing to dribble without stopping the dribbling motion.
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Dribbling to advance the ball
Dribbling is a fundamental skill in basketball, and it is important to know when and when not to dribble. One player who over-dribbles can disrupt their team's offensive motion and momentum.
When dribbling to advance the ball, the player should use their fingertips to bounce the ball, not the palms of their hands. They should use their forearm and wrist to bounce it, keeping the ball low to the ground and close to their body. When walking with the ball, the player should step so that one foot always hits the ground with the ball.
If there are defenders nearby, the player should dribble the ball at their side, rather than in front of them. This makes it harder for the defender to reach for the ball, as they have to reach across the player's body. The player should also keep their body between the defenders and the ball, defending it with their body if necessary.
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Dribbling to create space
Dribbling is a fundamental skill in basketball, and one that players must constantly practice to master. It involves an offensive player bouncing the ball on the floor at least once before grasping it with both hands or palming it. Dribbling is used to advance the ball up the court, drive to the hoop, create space, get open for a shot, open up a passing lane, and more.
To create space effectively, players should adopt an athletic stance with their feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and back straight. This stance helps maintain balance, especially when facing defensive pressure. Keeping the head up and eyes forward is essential, as it enables the player to survey the court, anticipate defenders' movements, and identify scoring opportunities.
The dribbler should use their fingertips, not the palms, to make quick, controlled bounces, always keeping the ball close to their body and low to the ground. Practicing dribbling with both hands is key, as it enables players to change directions and throw off defenders.
Mastering the art of dribbling to create space takes time and dedication. It requires a combination of balance, coordination, and quick decision-making. While dribbling, players must be aware of their surroundings, anticipating potential traps or defensive pressure. Through practice and repetition, players can improve their dribbling skills, creating space and opportunities to advance the ball and score.
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Dribbling violations
Dribbling is a fundamental skill in basketball, and players must learn to dribble well and know when to dribble. Dribbling is when an offensive player in possession of the basketball bounces it to the floor before grasping it with both hands or palming it, indicating the completion of the dribbling sequence. It is used to advance the ball up the court, drive to the hoop, get open for a shot, open up a passing lane, get out of a trap, or kill the clock at the end of a game.
However, there are several dribbling violations that players must be aware of. Firstly, a player may not dribble a second time after voluntarily ending their first dribble, known as double dribbling. This is because, once a player has ended their dribble, one foot becomes their pivot foot, and they cannot move or lift it off the ground. Moving the pivot foot is called travelling and is a violation.
Another violation is carrying or palming, which is similar to double dribbling. This is when a player places their hand palm-up under the ball while dribbling, carrying it from one point to another. Players must use their fingertips, not the palms of their hands, to dribble. Additionally, a player may not dribble and then bring the ball to a pause before dribbling again.
If a player is dribbling and steps out of bounds, they may not return inbounds and continue their dribble. They also may not be the first player to touch the ball after re-establishing an inbounds position.
The penalty for most dribbling violations is the loss of possession of the ball, with the ball awarded to the opposing team.
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Dribbling drills
Dribbling is a fundamental skill in basketball, and players should practice dribbling as often as possible, using both their left and right hands. Before getting into dribbling drills, players should get into an athletic stance, with their feet about shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and their back straight. They should also keep their head up and eyes forward to survey the court and look for teammates and defenders.
Basic Control
Stand in place and focus on controlling the ball with quick and precise dribbles. This fundamental drill helps players establish a solid foundation for more advanced techniques.
Figure 8 Dribble
Create a figure 8 pattern with the ball, weaving it through your legs. This drill hones your coordination and enhances your ability to navigate defenders.
Cone Drill
Set up a series of cones to simulate defensive players and practice navigating through them with controlled dribbles. This improves your agility and gives you a quick first step.
Around the World
Encircle your body with the ball, alternating hands, and focus on maintaining a smooth, continuous motion. This drill expands your dribbling range.
High-Intensity Drill
Push yourself to cover as much ground as possible while maintaining control, mimicking game scenarios that demand quick transitions.
Blindfold Drill
Enhance your ball-handling instincts by temporarily eliminating your visual cues. Dribble blindfolded to rely on touch and spatial awareness, refining your ability to navigate the court under varying conditions.
Two-Ball Dribbling
Simultaneously control two basketballs, challenging both hands to work in harmony and improving overall coordination.
Resistance Drill
Have a partner or coach apply light resistance while you dribble to simulate defensive pressure. This drill helps build strength in your dribbling arm and improves your ability to maintain control under pressure.
Sideline Dribbling
Line up along the sideline and dribble from sideline to sideline, first with the right hand and then back with the left. Do each move down and back twice before switching.
Chair Drill
Set up a folding chair and pretend it is a defender. Make your move quickly in front of the chair, then turn around and attack from the opposite direction with your other hand.
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Frequently asked questions
A low dribble is performed nearest to the ground and can be used to shield the ball from opponents.
A speed dribble is used when a player has an open court. It involves taking advantage of time while maintaining good control of the ball and your body.
A hockey dribble involves a head and shoulder fake combination with an abrupt change of pace. This type of dribble is used to divert the defender from a close guard.
A crossover dribble is a dribbling technique in basketball.
