Amanda Knapp
Drake and Will Ferrell teamed up for a hilarious sketch at the inaugural NBA Awards in 2017, where they played the roles of handshake coaches for NBA players. In the sketch, Drake, as NBA handshake specialist Coach Palmer, and Ferrell, as Coach Murphy, an NBA Dexterity Technician, taught players a series of over-the-top handshakes, including the Jenga, the Gossip Queen, the Prom, the Obi-Wan Kenobi, and the Black Dad. The sketch was a lighthearted take on the importance of post-basket handshakes in basketball, with Ferrell's character even threatening to trade players if they didn't improve their handshakes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Theme | Basketball |
| Setting | NBA Awards |
| Participants | Drake, Will Ferrell |
| Participant Roles | Handshake coaches |
| Drake's Role | NBA Handshake Specialist, Coach Palmer |
| Will Ferrell's Role | NBA Dexterity Technician, Coach Murphy |
| Handshakes Taught | "The Jenga", "The Prom", "The Obi-Wan Kenobi", "The Black Dad", "The Gossip Queen" |
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What You'll Learn
Drake and Will Ferrell's roles in the sketch
In the sketch, Drake and Will Ferrell play the roles of "handshake coaches" for an NBA team. Drake, a well-known rapper and basketball fan, assumes the role of "NBA Handshake Specialist" Coach Palmer, while Ferrell portrays the eccentric Coach Murphy, an "NBA Dexterity Technician." Their mission is to elevate the team's celebration game by introducing creative and over-the-top handshakes.
Drake, as Coach Palmer, sets the tone by acknowledging the team's impressive plays while subtly critiquing their lackluster handshakes. Ferrell's Coach Murphy delivers a memorable line, interjecting with his unique brand of humour: "Your handshakes aren't worth dog crap. If you score and your handshake sucks, we will trade you!" This combination of Drake's straight-laced character and Ferrell's comedic timing lays the foundation for the sketch's humour.
The coaches then proceed to teach the players an array of elaborate and humorous handshakes. Among the moves are "the Jenga," "the Gossip Queen," "the Prom," and, most notably, "the Obi-Wan Kenobi." The sketch reaches its climax with the introduction of the controversial "the Black Dad" handshake. Through their enthusiastic coaching, Drake and Ferrell emphasize the importance of a strong handshake game to enhance the fan experience, stating that audiences don't just attend basketball games for the action but also for the post-basket handshakes.
The sketch effectively combines Drake's passion for basketball and his comedic timing with Ferrell's expertise in comedy, resulting in a memorable and entertaining segment that captures the essence of the NBA Awards.
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The Jenga handshake
In the NBA Awards sketch, Drake and Will Ferrell, portraying characters Coach Palmer and Coach Murphy, introduce "The Jenga" as one of the new handshake moves. While it is not clear exactly how the handshake is performed, it is likely that it involves intricate movements that require dexterity, similar to the game of Jenga, where players carefully remove and stack blocks to build a tower.
The sketch, which opened the inaugural NBA Awards hosted by Drake, featured the duo as "handshake coaches" tasked with improving a team's celebration moves. With an emphasis on the importance of post-basket handshakes, the coaches introduced a range of over-the-top handshakes with unique names like "The Gossip Queen," "The Prom," and the well-known "Obi-Wan Kenobi."
"The Jenga handshake" is likely designed to be a challenging and complex routine, mirroring the delicate nature of the Jenga game, where one wrong move can cause the tower to collapse. This handshake probably involves a series of intricate hand gestures, finger movements, and perhaps even full-body movements to create a memorable and entertaining routine for the crowd.
The coaches' critical assessment of the players' initial handshakes, described as "not worth dog crap," sets the tone for the introduction of these new, elaborate routines. "The Jenga" is meant to be a step up from the traditional, simple handshakes, adding flair and showmanship to the players' celebrations.
While the specific steps of "The Jenga handshake" are not explicitly outlined, it is implied that it is a carefully choreographed routine that requires practice and precision to execute successfully, much like the strategic moves in the game of Jenga.
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The Gossip Queen handshake
In the NBA Awards sketch, Drake and Will Ferrell, as Coach Palmer and Coach Murphy, respectively, introduce "The Gossip Queen" handshake as one of the over-the-top celebrations they teach the players. While the specific steps and choreography of "The Gossip Queen" handshake are not explicitly described in the sources provided, it can be inferred that it is designed to be attention-grabbing and entertaining for the crowd.
- Begin with a strong, confident stance: feet shoulder-width apart, shoulders back, and chest held high. This projects confidence and energy to the crowd.
- Initiate the handshake with a firm grip and a direct eye contact. This initial connection sets the tone for the entire routine.
- Incorporate synchronized movements with your teammate(s). This could include simultaneous claps, shoulder bumps, or even a brief chest bump, creating a unified and impactful display.
- Add unique and unexpected elements to make the handshake memorable. This might involve creative hand movements, such as simulated gossip-telling gestures like cupped hands around your mouth or exaggerated whispering motions.
- Include some dynamic moves that showcase athleticism and agility. This could be quick footwork, jumps, or even a brief dance routine that showcases your team's spirit and enthusiasm.
- End with a dramatic finish that leaves a lasting impression. This could be a freeze frame pose, a mutual finger snap, or even a playful mock-bow to each other, milking the applause from the crowd.
Remember, "The Gossip Queen" handshake is all about embracing the dramatic and entertaining aspects of the post-basket celebration. Feel free to add your own creative touches and adapt the steps to make it unique to your team's personality and style.
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The Obi-Wan Kenobi handshake
In a hilarious sketch at the inaugural NBA Awards in 2017, Drake and Will Ferrell played handshake coaches tasked with improving a team's celebration game. The sketch opened with Drake, as "NBA handshake specialist" Coach Palmer, and Ferrell, as Coach Murphy, an NBA Dexterity Technician, berating the players for their lackluster handshakes. "Your handshakes aren't worth dog crap!" exclaimed Ferrell. "If you score and your handshake sucks, we will trade you!" Drake added.
The coaches then proceeded to teach the players a series of over-the-top handshakes, including "the Jenga," "the Gossip Queen," and the infamous "Obi-Wan Kenobi." The "Obi-Wan Kenobi" handshake is described as a showstopping move that is sure to impress on the court. While the exact steps of the handshake are not publicly available, one can only imagine the comedic genius that Drake and Ferrell brought to their performance.
The "Obi-Wan Kenobi" handshake is likely a playful reference to the iconic Star Wars character of the same name, portrayed by actor Ewan McGregor. The handshake probably involves some creative movements and gestures that evoke the spirit of the beloved Jedi Master, known for his graceful and elegant fighting style.
Ferrell and Drake's sketch not only entertained the audience but also highlighted the lighthearted and fun side of basketball culture. Handshakes and celebrations are an integral part of the game, often showcasing the players' personalities and team camaraderie. The "Obi-Wan Kenobi" handshake has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on viewers and players alike, becoming a memorable part of NBA pop culture.
Overall, the "Obi-Wan Kenobi" handshake from the Will Ferrell and Drake sketch is a perfect blend of comedy and basketball spirit, showcasing the unique connection between sports and entertainment. It has become a cultural reference that continues to be remembered and celebrated by fans even years after the sketch's initial release.
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The Black Dad handshake
In the NBA Awards sketch, Will Ferrell and Drake portray "handshake coaches" tasked with improving a basketball team's celebration moves. They introduce several over-the-top handshakes, including "the Jenga," "the Gossip Queen," and "the Prom." However, the most notable and controversial handshake they showcase is "the Black Dad."
"The Black Dad" handshake is a highlight of the sketch, drawing attention and sparking conversations. While the specific moves and gestures of the handshake are not described in detail, it is implied to be a complex and intricate routine. The coaches present it as a prestigious and respected move, one that the players should aspire to master.
The coaches, known as Coach Palmer (Drake) and Coach Murphy (Will Ferrell), take on the roles of specialists in the field of handshakes and celebrations. They critique the players' current handshakes, declaring that they are "not worth dog crap." Through exaggerated statements, they emphasize the importance of a strong handshake game, threatening to trade players if they don't improve.
While the sketch primarily focuses on the comedic aspect of these over-the-top handshakes, it also draws attention to the significance of celebrations and rituals in team sports. Handshakes like "the Black Dad" are meant to foster camaraderie, unity, and a sense of brotherhood among teammates, adding an extra layer of excitement and showmanship to the game.
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Frequently asked questions
The sketch featured Drake and Will Ferrell as "handshake coaches" teaching NBA players how to improve their handshakes and celebrations.
Drake played "NBA handshake specialist" Coach Palmer, while Will Ferrell played Coach Murphy, an NBA Dexterity Technician.
Some of the handshakes included "the Jenga", "the Gossip Queen", "the Prom", "the Obi-Wan Kenobi", and "the Black Dad".
Will Ferrell's line, "Your handshakes aren't worth dog crap. If you score and your handshake sucks, we will trade you!" was a notable quote from the sketch.
The sketch was performed at the inaugural NBA Awards in 2017, hosted by Drake at NYC's Basketball City.
