Basketball Dribbling Drills for Coaches

The more basketball becomes a positionless sport, the more ball-handling at every position will become important. This means that there has never been a higher premium on good ball handlers and basketball dribbling drills. This doesn’t mean that there should be less ball movement and passing; it just means players need to handle the ball when needed.

Players should be able to use the dribble to handle pressure, create for themselves or others, use ball screens, and more. When it comes to working on ball handling, there are various basketball drills a player can use. And while all work on dribbling, some will work on specific areas of ball handling.

For example, a tennis ball dribbling drill will work on hand-eye coordination, and a two-ball dribbling drill will work on developing both hands. It doesn’t mean that either of them isn’t also improving a player’s overall ball-handling; it just means that they will also focus on specific areas.

Another reason why there are so many different types of ball-handling drills is to keep material fresh and challenging for players. If a player is forced to do the same ball-handling drills every day, they will get bored. When that happens, they check out mentally, and improvement is minimal. With new basketball dribbling drills to try out and to master, ball-handling remains fun and challenging for players.

The other great thing about all of the different ball-handling drills in our database is that they offer something for all skill levels. Also, many of the dribbling drills can be adapted to increase or decrease the difficulty level. This will allow basketball players of all levels to start a drill and then find the level that will challenge them the best.

So, if you are looking to improve your ball handling as a basketball player or with your team as a coach, look through these different categories and find the dribbling drills for you. There is going to be something for all levels of players and all group sizes.

The Importance of Basketball Dribbling Drills

As a basketball coach, you want the ball moving and not sticking with each player, and you also want player movement off the ball. These are all essential to a great offense in basketball. However, you also need players who can create off the dribble for themselves and others, bringing the ball up against pressure and running the offense. This only happens, though, if you have players that are comfortable handling the basketball. It is also much easier if you have multiple players on the floor that are comfortable handling the basketball.

If you want this to be your basketball team, you have to be willing to spend time developing your team’s ball handling. You may have some naturally skilled ball handlers, but if you want them to become elite and the rest of your team to also be comfortable dribbling the basketball, ball handling needs to be a priority in your skill development philosophy.

You are probably thinking, “I know this is true, but there is only so much practice time.” The good thing about ball handling is that it doesn’t take much time if players are willing to lock in and work hard. 10-20 minutes of dribbling drills at the beginning or end of a practice or workout will do wonders for your players. With the variety of all the basketball dribbling drills that we offer in our database, you will have a pretty much never-ending rotation of ball-handling drills to use with your team.

It is up to you to invest the time in basketball practice drills and emphasize ball handling with your team. Also, ball-handling is a great way to get warmed up. So you could use it as a warm-up before each practice.

Basketball Dribbling Drill Teaching Points

Dribbling is an essential skill in basketball, and it’s crucial for coaches to not only teach their players how to dribble but also to reinforce proper dribbling techniques. To help improve your team’s dribbling skills, here are some teaching points for coaches to keep in mind when running dribbling drills.

Keep the ball low

One of the most important aspects of dribbling in basketball is keeping the ball low. This allows players to have better control of the ball and make quicker movements on the court. When running dribbling drills, encourage your players to keep their hand on top of the ball, with their wrist bent and fingers spread out for better control.

Use fingertips

Another crucial aspect of dribbling is using fingertips instead of the palm of the hand. This allows for better control and a softer touch on the ball, which is especially important during game situations where defenders may try to steal the ball.

Change directions quickly

Dribbling drills should also focus on changing directions quickly, as this is a crucial skill in basketball. Teach your players to use their body to shield the ball from defenders while changing directions, and to keep their eyes up and aware of their surroundings.

Vary speed

In addition to changing directions quickly, players should also learn how to vary their speed while dribbling. This helps keep defenders off balance and allows for better control of the ball. Encourage your players to practice going from a slow pace to a faster one, as well as incorporating hesitation moves to throw off defenders.

Incorporate game-like situations

To make dribbling drills more effective, it’s essential to incorporate game-like situations. This can include setting up cones or chairs as defenders and having players practice getting past them while dribbling. You can also have players work on specific skills such as crossovers or between-the-legs dribbles during these drills.

Emphasize weak hand development

Many players tend to rely on their dominant hand when dribbling, but it’s essential for coaches to emphasize the development of their players’ weak hand as well. Dribbling drills should incorporate both hands and encourage players to practice with their non-dominant hand to improve their overall ball handling skills.

Must-Use Basketball Dribbling Drills

Level up your team’s ball handling with these basketball dribbling drills. Not only will our dribbling drills improve your players’ handles, they will also allow you a ton of variety to keep your basketball dribbling drills fresh and challenging.

Drill # 1: Rhythm Dribble Toss Tennis Ball Basketball Drill

Rhythm dribble tennis ball toss basketball drill combines four different moves into the same basketball drill. It makes you think about what move is coming up next while still dribbling the basketball and tossing/catching the tennis ball each time.

A good point guard can run the offense while making multiple moves with the basketball and keeping his defender at bay. This tennis ball basketball dribbling drill will help simulate that scenario and improve the player’s overall ball handling.

Basketball Drill Overview

Drill Name: Rhythm Dribble Toss Tennis Ball Basketball Drill

Equipment Needed: Basketball and tennis ball.

Goals of the Drill

• Work on dribbling and developing soft hands.

Coaching Points

• Stay low and don’t be afraid to mess up.
• A big key to this basketball dribbling drill is pushing yourself to go faster each time.

Basketball Drill Instructions

• Begin with the tennis ball in one hand and the basketball in the other.
• This drill will practice four different moves, and in this order, crossover, between the legs, behind the back, and reverse between the legs.
• You will do each move twice, and you will do all the moves in a row continuously.
• When the drill starts, you will toss the tennis ball up in the air, and while the tennis ball is in the air, you are going to crossover the ball to your other hand.
• Catch the tennis ball with the opposite hand that threw it, and then continue onto the next repetition.
• Try to make the move with no dribbles in between the move, but stationary dribbles may be used if needed.

Drill #2: Windshield Wipers Two Ball Basketball Dribbling Drill

The windshield wipers two ball basketball dribbling drill is a great ball handling drill for improving your ball control and touch. Some basketball dribbling drills are meant to work on a specific move, but this basketball drill is all about developing your hands and working on ball control.

It is a great dribbling drill to use for less experienced dribblers or to get warmed up if you are a more experienced ball handler. One of the great things about this stationary two ball basketball dribbling drill is that it can be done pretty much anywhere you have a flat hard surface. This means that you can work on your game at home, the park, or wherever you can find some space. You don’t have to have a court develop as a player.

Basketball Drill Overview

Drill Name: Windshield Wipers Two Ball Basketball Dribbling Drill

Equipment Needed: 2 basketballs.

Goals of the Drill

• Work on ball control and soft hands.

Coaching Points

• Sweep the basketballs as wide as you can each time.
• Do your best not to look down, even if it means losing the basketball.
• Stay low in an athletic stance during the drill and really look to get out of your comfort zone.

Basketball Drill Instructions

• Begin dribbling both basketballs in front of you in a sweeping back and forth motion (similar to a car’s windshield wiper motion).
• Continue this back and forth pattern for 30-45 seconds and then stop.

Drill #3: Moving Slow to Fast Crossover Between the Legs Basketball Dribbling Drill

Great ball handlers are able to breakdown a defender off of the dribble. Every one of these players does this by being able to change up their speeds. Yes, they are quick and fast, but it is really about how well they can shift gears from slow to fast and back again.

This basketball training video will teach players how to set up their defender with one move at about quarter speed. After that, they will then crush them with a second counter move at full speed. This is a great drill for helping players first learn about changing up their speeds and then also allow them to get repetitive practice at it. This one ball basketball dribbling drill also strengthens their overall ball-handling skills as well.

Basketball Drill Overview

Drill Name: Moving Slow to Fast Crossover Between the Legs Basketball Dribbling Drill

Equipment Needed: 1 basketball.

Goals of the Drill

• Strengthen a player’s ball-handling skills.
• Work on a player’s ability to change up their speeds, using the crossover between the legs combo move.
• Develop a player’s mindset to use one move to set up their defender for a second move.

Coaching Points

• The player must stay in a low athletic stance the whole time while they are handling the basketball.
• Have them really lock in on the details of the move and changing up your speeds.
• They need to focus on mastering their ball handling to be able to put a move together fluidly.
• Use your eyes and your shoulders to help sell the first move. A defender who is not expecting the second move will be more vulnerable to that move.

Basketball Drill Instructions

• The player is going to start on the baseline with a basketball in their hand.
• They will begin dribbling the basketball while stationary with their right hand.
• Moving forward, the player will make a crossover move to their left hand at about 1/3 speed setting up the imaginary defender.
• As soon as the ball touches their left hand, though, they will snap it back to their right hand as quickly as they can using a between the legs move.
• The player will take a stationary dribble and then repeat the same move.
• Continue this pattern for the desired amount of repetitions or time and then have the player reset and execute the move starting with their left hand.

Recommended Time, Steps, Scoring, Repetitions

• The player can perform this starting at the baseline and finishing at half court. They will then turn around and go back, starting with the other hand. Do this for a desired number of repetitions.
• This basketball drill can be done for a two minute time period going back and forth.

Types of Basketball Dribbling Drills

There are a number of different basketball dribbling drills that you can use with your team. Some will work on a specific type of move, and others will work on overall ball-handling skills or skills like hand-eye coordination. Regardless of what you need, our database of basketball dribbling drills has hundreds of different drills from which you can select.

One Ball Basketball Dribbling Drills

All of these one-ball basketball dribbling drills are in HD video and text format. They are also instructed by an expert basketball coach and demonstrated by a high-level basketball player. All of these ball-handling basketball drills are on the move and are designed to work on different dribbling moves, hand-eye coordination, the player’s overall handles, etc.

Some of these basketball drills will work on breaking down a defender and getting into the paint, while others will involve learning how to protect your dribble and keep from turning the ball over. All of these basketball training videos will demonstrate the drill, but they will also come with teaching points to help basketball players and coaches better understand the move or the drill.

As a basketball coach, it is important to have players who can dribble the basketball and handle defensive pressure. You want your ball handlers to be sure with the basketball and also be able to attack the defense to create scoring opportunities for your offense. Well, with our basketball dribbling drills, you will be able to find exactly what type of drill you need for your players. Whether it is learning how to create separation from a defender or break down a defender to get past them, we have a ball-handling drill for that.

Partner Tennis Ball Basketball Dribbling Drills

Partner tennis ball basketball dribbling drills work on ball handling and hand-eye coordination. That means that these drills are great for point guards and wing players as well as forwards and post players, as they can work on developing handles and overall touch. Post players in basketball are usually known for not having the best hands and sometimes struggle to catch the ball in the post. With these partner tennis ball drills, they will be able to develop their hands and coordination.

All of these basketball drills are in high-quality video and come with written text as well. In each video, the expert basketball coach will break down the drill, and then a high-level basketball player will demonstrate it. That way, you will see the drill and get tips on how to master the specific move or drill.

Tennis ball basketball dribbling drills are great for your player because they work on their ball handling, hand-eye coordination, and learning to keep their eyes up while dribbling. These drills have the same basic idea, but they add a little more difficulty and work on communication. The player must be able to make a good toss to their teammate while also trying to catch their toss. It takes teamwork and skill to complete the drills. These are great drills to use in practice or during your team’s basketball training time.

Stationary One Ball Basketball Dribbling Drills

All of these one-ball basketball dribbling drills are all stationary, so they can be done almost anywhere that there is a flat surface. That means that if you are a player, you can do these basketball drills at home or on the sideline as you wait to play pick up or get ready for practice. If you are a basketball coach, these drills work well for doing stations because you can have a group off of the court on a sideline or in the corner.

Expert basketball coaches instruct the basketball drills and come in HD video and text format. This will allow you to maximize your learning and skill development in a shorter period of time. Basketball HQ only allows the highest quality of content on the site to make sure that you are receiving the best instruction possible.

Not only will these basketball dribbling drills teach you how to make a specific move, but they will also give you tips about selling the move and how to execute it the right way. After learning the correct way to make a move, you can start practicing it and putting it into your game. The site is also mobile-friendly, which means you can take us to the gym with you, and that means that you will have expert basketball coaching instruction in the gym with you at all times.

These dribbling drills are great basketball practice drills for warming up before practice. They don’t take up very much space, and you can have the players go full speed during the drills without having them moving their legs and potentially pulling something before they are all the way warmed up.

Stationary Tennis Ball Basketball Dribbling Drills

Stationary tennis ball basketball dribbling drills are great because they can be done pretty much anywhere that there is a flat surface. This works well for players looking for basketball drills to do at home or basketball coaches with limited gym space for practices or basketball training.

These basketball drills come with HD video and text format explaining the drill and how to do it. All of Basketball HQ’s contributors have either coached, trained, or played at a high level. That means that you can trust the training you are getting and know that it comes from an expert source.

Tennis ball toss basketball drills will force the player to keep their eyes up while dribbling the basketball because they have to toss and catch the tennis ball. This is especially useful for youth basketball players who constantly want to look down while dribbling the ball. The reason it works so well is because the player has no choice. If they try to look down while they are doing the drill, they will drop the tennis ball.

Along with training the player to keep their eyes up while dribbling, the drills also work on hand-eye coordination and overall ball handling. Some of the drills require the player to dribble the basketball from hand to hand while the tennis ball is up in the air, requiring great hand-eye coordination and quick hands. Basketball dribbling drills like these will help take your basketball team’s handles to the next level.

These drills are also great for developing post players in basketball because of all of the benefits to a player’s hands. This will pay off big when it comes to tough catches and being able to finish around the basket.

Stationary Two Ball Basketball Dribbling Drills

Stationary two-ball basketball dribbling drills are a great way for the player to work on their handles, and they can be done almost anywhere that a flat surface is available. One of the reasons that these types of basketball dribbling drills work so well because the player can work on both hands simultaneously. That essentially means that the player is eliminating their weak hand.

Another reason that two ball dribbling drills are good is because the extra ball puts added difficulty on the move or the drill. The thinking behind this is to make a move more difficult than it would be in a game with only one basketball. When the player makes the same move in a game, it is much easier to do. The player is more comfortable with the move, and they can focus on seeing the floor and making the right play.

These two ball basketball dribbling drills are instructed by an expert basketball coach and demonstrated by an experienced basketball player. Along with the basketball drills being in high-quality video, they also come with written instructions as well. Both of these ways to learn will help you as a basketball player or coach maximize your learning time.

If you are limited to gym space for your basketball training or practice time, stationary two-ball drills are great to use to work on your player’s ball-handling skills. They are also a great way to warm up because you can have the players go full speed during the drills without the threat of having them pull something (since they aren’t moving). After 10-15 minutes of these basketball drills, their blood will be pumping, and they will have a good sweat going.

Tennis Ball Basketball Dribbling Drills

Tennis ball drills are great ball handling drills because they place added difficulty on the player dribbling the basketball. This is done by making the player focus on tossing and catching the tennis ball while also keeping their dribble alive.

This allows the basketball player to work on their ball-handling while focusing on something else. In a game, if a player has to worry about dribbling and is playing with their head down, they will not see the open teammate or make the right play for their team.

All of these basketball drills are in HD video and also come with written instructions and tips. The expert basketball coach instructing the drill will breakdown the drill, and then a high-level basketball player will demonstrate how to execute each move. There are drills for all different levels and ages as well, so you will be able to start where you are comfortable and then progress from there.

Tennis drills like these are a great way for your players to develop their handles, and although most of the drills are challenging at first for the player, the basketball drills are fun at the same time. That means that your players are going to be motivated to work hard and continue to get better.

These drills are great for point guards and wing players, but they are also good for non-ball handlers as well because you are working on developing their hands and their hand-eye coordination. So if you have a post player that is constantly dropping passes, try using some of these drills to help him/her out.

Two Ball Basketball Dribbling Drills

Two-ball basketball dribbling drills work well because the player can work on both hands simultaneously. This will maximize basketball training time and force the player to work on their weak hand. These two ball basketball drills are perfect for youth basketball players who have a bad habit of always transferring the basketball to their strong hand when they get in trouble. By having the player dribble two basketball simultaneously, you eliminate this crutch.

Another idea behind practicing dribbling with two basketballs at the same time is that if the player can make a move with two basketballs, then they should be able to make the same move with only a single basketball. This will allow the player to be a lot more comfortable dribbling a basketball in a game, freeing them up to see the floor, read the defense, and make the right play.

An expert basketball coach instructs all of these two ball basketball dribbling drills in HD video, and they also come with written text instructions. Not only is there an expert coach to instruct the basketball drills, but there is also a high-level basketball player that will demonstrate the correct way to do each drill as well.

Two ball drills can be used to warm up before practice or during your basketball training. A big key, though, to helping your players get the most out of the drills is to make sure that they are pushing themselves as hard as they can. It is okay for them to mess up and lose the basketball; it should actually be encouraged (if they are going their hardest). That way, when the player gets back into a game situation and slows their dribble back down to normal, they will be really comfortable handling the ball.

Wall Basketball Dribbling Drills

Wall basketball dribbling drills are a little more unheard of than some other dribbling drills like two ball basketball dribbling drills, tennis ball basketball dribbling drills, etc. However, they are still very effective for developing a player’s handles. They are perfect for developing a player’s hand strength and ball control while dribbling a basketball. Wall drills are also great for improving a non-ball handler’s hands for catching tough passes. So these drills can be used for developing post players in basketball as well.

Along with being great dribbling drills for a player to use to work on becoming a great ball handler, they offer a change from traditional dribbling drills. This is important because if a basketball player does the same types of ball-handling basketball drills over and over, they will get bored and lose interest. They need fresh dribbling drills that will challenge them and keep them working hard when developing basketball skills.

Everyone of these wall basketball dribbling drills is instructed by an expert basketball coach and then demonstrated by a high-level player. All of the basketball drills come with a high-quality video and written instructions to help you learn the drill or move. Basketball HQ is also a mobile-friendly website, so you can take us to the gym with you and watch every drill on your smartphone or tablet.

Keeping your drills and basketball workouts fresh can sometimes be challenging as a basketball coach. Finding good quality basketball dribbling drills can be difficult. That is why basketball drills like this are important. These might not be drills that you do every day, but you will be able to mix them into your training time or basketball practice drills, and you will know that you are getting a quality drill while also keeping the material fresh.

Wall Tennis Ball Basketball Dribbling Drills

Wall tennis ball basketball dribbling drills are a great way to improve a player’s ball-handling and hand-eye coordination. Tossing the tennis ball against the wall will help simulate the partner tennis ball toss drills, but it will also add difficulty to the drill. These drills are going to help the player develop their handles, but also their hand-eye coordination. Even if the player is not a point guard or a primary ball-handler, the wall tennis ball drills listed below are great for developing their hands.

One of our expert basketball coaches instructed these drills, which were then demonstrated by a high-level basketball player. The basketball drills also come with a high-quality video and written instructions covering the drill tips and pointers.

Wall tennis ball drills are more advanced ball handling drills than most, but they can help your players develop quick handles and hands. This is especially true if a coach is tossing the tennis ball against the wall because the player must make a move quicker than they normally would. They will continue to challenge themselves, and over time, become a lot quicker with the ball.

These basketball drills are great for non-ball handlers as well. Many post players in basketball struggle to catch the ball in the post, especially if it is a sub-par pass. Well, these drills are going to train your post player’s hands to move quicker and be softer on the catch. After a while, you will recognize that they can catch the basketball a lot easier and don’t fumble passes anymore.

Why Basketball Dribbling Drills

Basketball dribbling drills play a pivotal role in developing a team’s overall performance on the court, making them an essential part of any basketball coach’s training regimen. By enhancing a player’s ball-handling skills, these drills ensure that each team member can confidently maintain possession and maneuver through tight defense in basketball matches. Not only do dribbling drills improve agility and coordination, but they also foster a player’s ability to make quick decisions under pressure, a fundamental aspect of successful gameplay. Coaches utilize basketball dribbling drills to instill discipline and elevate a player’s individual talents to benefit the team dynamic. Practicing these drills regularly helps cultivate an unstoppable offense while equipping players with the skills necessary to evade opponents and drive the ball to the basket. It’s through these meticulous and repetitive drills that teams gain a competitive edge and players transform into adept, strategic athletes on the basketball court.

Basketball Dribbling Drill Tips

One of the most fundamental skills in basketball is dribbling. It involves bouncing the ball with one hand while moving around the court, and it is an essential component for any player to master. As a coach, it is your responsibility to teach your players how to effectively dribble and control the ball during games. Here are some tips on how you can incorporate dribbling drills into your coaching sessions.

Start with the Basics

Before moving on to more advanced dribbling drills, it is crucial to ensure that your players have a solid foundation in basic dribbling skills. This includes being able to dribble with both hands, controlling the ball at different speeds and heights, and maintaining good body posture while dribbling. Make sure to spend enough time teaching and reinforcing these basic skills before moving on to more challenging drills.

Incorporate Different Types of Dribbling Drills

There are many different types of dribbling drills that you can incorporate into your coaching sessions. Some examples include stationary dribbling, where players stand in one spot and focus on controlling the ball, and full-court dribbling, where players move up and down the court while dribbling. It is essential to vary the types of drills you use to keep your players engaged and challenged.

Focus on Ball Control and Body Positioning

When teaching dribbling, it is essential to emphasize the importance of ball control and body positioning. Players should learn how to keep their eyes up while dribbling, maintain a low center of gravity, and use their fingertips to control the ball. By focusing on these elements, players will develop better overall control of the ball and be able to make quicker moves on the court.

Incorporate Defensive Pressure

In a game situation, players will often face defensive pressure while dribbling. Therefore, it is critical to simulate this in your drills by adding defenders or obstacles for players to navigate around. This will help players learn how to protect the ball and make quick decisions while under pressure.

Create Competitive Drills

Players tend to perform better when there is an element of competition involved. Try incorporating drills where players compete against each other in a race or see who can dribble through a series of obstacles the fastest. This will not only keep your players engaged but also help improve their dribbling skills under pressure.

Provide Feedback and Encouragement

As a coach, it is essential to provide feedback and encouragement during dribbling drills. Give specific pointers on areas where players can improve and praise them when they execute a drill successfully. This will not only motivate your players but also help them understand how they can continue to improve their skills.

Basketball Dribbling Drills Frequently Asked Questions

How can I improve my dribbling in basketball?

To enhance your basketball dribbling skills, engage in drills that involve dribbling with each hand while progressively increasing your pace from walking to running and eventually to sprinting. Pay close attention to how your dribbling technique varies when switching hands and focus on improving the proficiency of your less dominant hand. This practice will build your confidence and versatility in handling the ball under game pressure.

What is dribbling drills in basketball?

Dribbling drills in basketball are exercises designed to enhance a player’s control and skill in handling the basketball. One such drill is the Pound Dribble, where the player forcefully bounces the ball with one hand, ensuring it doesn’t rise above knee level, for 30-45 seconds before switching hands. Another variation involves Two-Ball Dribbling, where the player simultaneously dribbles two balls, one in each hand, mirroring the intensity and technique of the one-hand pound dribble. These drills are fundamental in building a player’s dribbling proficiency and confidence on the court.

How do I get better at dribbling a basketball when moving?

To improve your dribbling while moving, start by practicing stationary dribbling drills and gradually incorporate movement into them. This can include side-to-side movements, crossovers, and between-the-legs dribbles while walking, jogging, or sprinting. Additionally, focus on keeping your head up and maintaining control of the ball at all times. Practicing these drills regularly will help you become more comfortable and confident in dribbling while moving on the basketball court.

What are the benefits of incorporating dribbling drills into practice?

Aside from improving a player’s individual skills, incorporating dribbling drills into practice also helps build team chemistry and communication. By working together to complete these drills successfully, players learn to trust and rely on their teammates, leading to better overall performance on the court. Dribbling drills also help players develop a strong work ethic and discipline, which translates to success in other aspects of life. So, incorporating these drills into practice not only improves basketball skills but also fosters important life skills for players.

What not to do when dribbling a basketball?

When dribbling a basketball, it’s important to avoid making these common mistakes:

• Dribbling too high or too low
• Keeping your head down instead of looking up and being aware of your surroundings
• Only relying on the dominant hand for dribbling
• Failing to vary speed or direction while dribbling
• Not protecting the ball from defenders by keeping it close to the body
• Over-dribbling, or taking unnecessary and excessive dribbles.

By avoiding these mistakes, players can maintain better control of the ball and become more effective dribblers on the court. Overall, basketball coaches should aim to incorporate a variety of drills into their practices that cater to different skill levels and encourage continual improvement in their players’ ball handling abilities. With consistent practice and incorporation of these drills, players will become more confident and versatile in their dribbling skills, ultimately leading to success on the basketball court.

What are 3 fundamentals of dribbling?

• Fingertip Control: Rather than using the palms, dribbling should be executed with the fingertips for better control and agility with the ball.
• Ball Protection: Utilize your non-dribbling hand to shield the ball from defenders. Alternatively, position your body in such a way that it serves as a barrier between the ball and the opponent, enhancing ball security.
• Economical Dribbling: Avoid excessive dribbling. Dribble only as much as necessary to maintain possession and progress the play, ensuring efficient use of dribbles to advance the game strategically.

How can I improve my child’s dribbling in basketball?

To improve your child’s dribbling in basketball, encourage them to practice drills regularly and provide positive reinforcement and feedback. Emphasize the importance of proper technique and reinforce good habits such as keeping their head up while dribbling. Additionally, incorporate fun games and challenges into their practices to make the learning process more engaging and enjoyable for them. It’s also crucial to allow them to make mistakes and learn from them without being too critical. With patience and encouragement, children can develop their dribbling skills and become more confident players on the basketball court. The key is consistent practice and a positive learning environment.

Should you look at the basketball when dribbling?

While dribbling, it’s essential to keep your head up and maintain awareness of your surroundings. This allows you to scan the court for open teammates, see potential defenders, and make quick decisions with the ball. However, it is crucial to glance at the ball periodically to ensure proper control and technique. So, while it’s not necessary to constantly stare at the basketball when dribbling, it is crucial to keep a balance between looking up and keeping an eye on the ball for optimal control. With practice, players can learn to dribble without needing to constantly look at the ball, increasing their overall court vision and awareness. So, coaches should encourage players to develop this skill through drills that incorporate both elements of looking up and controlling the ball.

More Basketball Dribbling Drills

Drill 1: Five Cone Zig-Zag Dribble

This drill works on changing directions quickly while dribbling and maintaining control of the ball. Set up five cones in a zig-zag pattern, about 5-7 feet apart. Start at one end and dribble through each cone, changing direction with each cone. Focus on staying low, using quick footwork, and keeping the ball under control.

Drill 2: Figure Eight Dribble

Place two cones about 5-7 feet apart. Start at one cone and dribble in a figure eight pattern around the cones, keeping the ball under control with quick hand movements. Repeat going in both directions.

Drill 3: Partner Ball Slaps

This drill helps improve ball handling, reaction time, and coordination with a partner. Stand facing your partner, about arm’s length apart. One player starts with the ball and slaps it towards the ground, while the other player reacts quickly by slapping it back. Continue exchanging slaps back and forth, varying the speed and direction of the slaps.

Drill 4: Circle Dribble

This drill works on dribbling in tight spaces and using quick footwork to maintain control. Set up cones or markers in a circle, about 5-7 feet apart. Dribble around the circle while keeping control of the ball and staying low to the ground. Challenge yourself by increasing speed or adding in crossovers or between-the-legs dribbles.

Drill 5: Three-Man Weave

This drill works on coordination and teamwork while also incorporating dribbling. Start with three players lined up side by side, facing the same direction. The player in the middle starts with the ball and begins dribbling down the court while the other two follow behind. Once the middle player reaches the opposite end, they pass to one of the other players and continue weaving back and forth down the court.

Basketball Dribbling Drills for Coaches Conclusion

In conclusion, developing strong dribbling skills is crucial for success in basketball. Coaches should incorporate a variety of drills into their practices to cater to different skill levels and focus on improving key elements such as fingertip control, ball protection, and efficient dribbling. By continuously practicing and reinforcing good habits, players can become confident and versatile with the ball in hand. Remember, consistency and patience are key to developing these fundamental skills in basketball. So, coaches should encourage their players to have fun while practicing and always strive for improvement, leading to success on the court. Keep dribbling! And keep improving!