Dribbling is one of the fastest and most effective ways to move the basketball around the floor and past defenders. Players hoping to improve their dribbling skills can use individual dribbling drills to develop superior ball-handling abilities. The best part about these drills is they require only a player and a ball, meaning you can do them virtually any time, anywhere.
Speed Dribbling Drill
Basketball is played at various speeds, so being able to change speeds on the go and keep control of the basketball at the same time is essential to being an efficient ball handler. To practice this drill, start at the baseline of the basketball court or pick a spot outside to start dribbling. Dribble forward about 15 feet---or the distance to the free-throw line---as fast as you can. Once you reach that point, slow down and dribble at normal speed for another 20 feet or to the half court line, then speed up again and dribble for another 20 feet, or to the other free throw line. Finish your drill by dribbling another 15 feet, or to the opposite baseline.
Chairs Dribbling Drill
Dribbling between opponents is a skill you'll need when the defense is pressuring you during a game, so try the chairs dribbling drill to prepare for that type of scenario. Set up seven to 10 chairs in a line, spaced about 5 to 6 feet apart. Dribble in a tight pattern around the chairs, keeping the ball close to you with a relatively low dribble, as if you were trying to protect it from the defense. Dribble through the chairs and back for one repetition. You might even have a teammate, coach or someone else time you in order to measure how effective you were at the drill. If you don't have chairs, use can use cones or other stationary objects instead.
Crossover Dribbling Drill
As you're running down the court, you come across an opponent who wants to steal the ball from you. Using a crossover move is an effective way to fake out your opponent and dribble right past him. Set up two to three chairs, cones or other objects in a straight line about 15 feet apart. Dribble to the first chair at medium speed with your right hand. As you approach the chair, fake a move to the right as you cross the ball over in front of you to the left. Dribble past the chair with your left hand and repeat the move to the other side when you get to the next chair, and so on until you make it past all the chairs.
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