Improving your weak hand -- the hand you don't usually write or throw a ball with -- is essential in the sport of basketball, where movements and dribbling occur on both sides of the court. Do weak-hand dribbling drills often, alternating with your other hand to improve overall coordination. Boston Celtics assistant coach Kevin Eastman says young players with a strong "weak hand" will separate themselves from the competition.
Heads-Up Stationary Dribble
This drill is recommended by Basketball4All, a nonprofit organization in California. Crouch down in athletic position with your head about 2 feet off the ground and dribble the ball with your weak hand. Raise your head to shoulder level and repeat; then repeat again with your head only 4 inches off the ground.
Weak Hand Full-Court Drill
Pat Anderson, a basketball coach and author, recommends this team drill for developing the weak hand in a game-speed environment. One by one, each player will dribble up the court with his weak hand, stopping abruptly at half-court and making three hard dribbles with his weak hand, then continue up the court, do a layup, and go back down the court on his weak side. Emphasis should be placed not on speed but on weak-hand development.
V Drills
V drills can be effective in practicing transitions from the strong to the weak hand. Basketball4All recommends several types of V drills. To do a Front V, stand almost straight and dribble from your left hand to your right and back again, forming a "V" shape in front of you. Crouch lower and dribble low and fast for a "machine gun Vs" drill. Use your weak hand to do a one-handed front V dribble. You can also do the V drill behind your back or off to one side -- try it on your weak side.
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