Learning to handle the basketball is vital when the game is played at a high level. Olympic basketball is the highest international level of competition, and excellent guard play is essential. To play the game properly, Olympic coaches give their players ball handling drills in practice to improve their skill level.
Two-Ball Drill
In this drill, you want your point guard and all your players who bring the ball up the court to work on their skills. Give each player two basketballs and have them start at the far baseline. On the coach's whistle, the players will dribble the ball in their dominant hand. As soon as that ball hits the floor, they will dribble the other one. Jog to midcourt, dribbling both balls, and then sprint to the end line while maintaining the dribble. Take a 15-second break, and repeat the drill going back toward the other end of the court. Begin and end practice in this manner to build ball handling skills.
One-on-Two Drill
In this this drill, one player has the ball under his own basket. He has to get the ball to half court by dribbling past a defensive player. If he can do that, another defensive player is waiting for him. He must dribble past the second player and get to the end line. If either of the two defensive players deflects or steals the basketball, the ball handler must go back to the end line and dribble the length of the court again until he can do it cleanly. Use the Olympic clock to make sure the player gets past midcourt in eight seconds or less.
Four-Speed Dribble
In the Olympics, ball handlers must be able to respond to hard defense. They must handle the ball in intense pressure situations. In this drill, the ball handler is asked to demonstrate his versatility with the ball in his hands. The player gets the ball at midcourt and he must perform a crossover dribble, a between-the-legs dribble, a behind-the-back dribble and a spin dribble. All dribbles must be performed consecutively and then the player must do them with a defensive player guarding him.
Three-on-Three Drill
In this drill, three offensive players work the ball up court against three defenders. The three offensive players start off with the ball under their own basket. The first player starts the drill with a pass. The player who receives the ball must dribble it once and then pass. All players who receive the ball must take one dribble and pass. The offensive team must get the ball up court within 10 seconds and take a shot. Then the three players who were on defense take over on offense and go back down the court under the same circumstances and take their shot. Make sure all players get to participate on offense and defense at least four times each.
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