Dribbling is a skill every basketball player should master, and it takes a commitment to training to make it happen. Not only guards need to be top-notch dribblers. Forwards and centers should have a steady hand when dribbling, whether they are making a move to the basket or helping break a full-court press. Dribble training drills can help all players improve their skills.
Catch-Switch-Catch
Hold the ball between your legs with your right hand in front of your body and left hand in back. Without letting the ball bounce on the court, switch hands so your left hand is holding the ball in the front and the right hand in the back. Continue this pattern. As you improve your dexterity, perform the drill more quickly. Look ahead of you, That's a good tip for all dribbling training drills.
Up and Down the Ladder
Hold the basketball out in front of you. Using your fingertips, pass the ball from hand to hand and circle your body. Start in front of your head, and as you circle your body, continue down to your shoulders, waist, thighs, knees and ankles, and then work your way back up. Move the ball quickly as you become adept at the drill.
Pass and Catch
Using both hands, throw a bounce pass between your legs from front to back. Catch the ball with two hands behind you, and then bounce the ball through your legs from the back to the front. Continue the pattern.
Figure 8 Dribble Drill
With knees bent and feet spread apart, dribble the ball around your right foot with your right hand from front to back. Switch to your left hand when the ball is between your legs, and dribble the ball around your left foot. Continue the pattern dribbling in a figure 8. Keep the ball a few inches off the ground while you perform this drill.
Two-Ball Dribble Drill
Dribble both basketballs from the baseline up to the free throw line, with each basketball hitting the ground at the same time. At the free throw line, stagger the dribble so each ball hits the ground separately. One should be on the fingertips of one hand while the other is hitting the ground. Stagger dribble to the half court, switch to a simultaneous dribble to the free throw line and then stagger dribble to the baseline.
One-on-Two Dribble Drill
Practice dribbling under pressure by dribbling full court against two defenders. Change directions and move up the court by using as many dribble moves as possible--speed, spin, crossover, hesitation, pull-back and around the back--to keep the defenders at bay.
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