Ball handling is one of the most fundamental basketball skills newer players can learn. If you can't keep control of the basketball during the game, your team's going to have a hard time scoring. If you're a sixth-grade coach looking to improve your team's ball handling, using simple drills during practice will help them get there in no time.
Kill Drill
The kill drill develops players' ability to keep control of the ball in pressure situations when you have to change the speed of your dribble quickly, such as when the defense suddenly approaches. Have players line up along the baseline with one ball and do a normal dribble to the side. Instruct players to dribble the ball tall and strong, then "kill" their dribble when you blow the whistle. Killing the dribble means taking it from a high dribble to a very low and short dribble. Blow your whistle and watch for players to kill their dribble. Blow the whistle again to have players resume their normal dribble.
Figure-8
The figure-8 drill helps players learn to avoid losing the ball and how to stay in a proper ball-handling stance. Have your players stand along the baseline, each with a basketball in hand. Have the players bend at the waist, bend their knees and spread their legs more than shoulder-width apart. When the players are in a proper stance, have them perform the figure-8 maneuver by dribbling the ball through and around the legs in a figure-8 pattern.
Two-Ball Drill
Most young basketball players only have the ability to dribble effectively with their dominant hand. The two-ball drill will force your players to learn how to develop both hands, giving them the ability to dribble in multiple directions. Have each player line up on the baseline with two basketballs. Start by having them dribble both balls with both hands at the same time. Have them alternate between dribbling high, then low, then a regular dribble. When players get the hang of dribbling two balls at once, have them practice dribbling while they walk up and down the court.
Cone Drill
When players have mastered the art of dribbling in place, it's time to test those skills in game-like situations. The cone dribbling drill will help simulate players dribbling during the game and having to change directions -- and hands -- quickly. Set up a series of seven to 10 cones spaced about 5 feet apart, in a straight line. Have players line up in front of the first cone. At the whistle, have the first player dribble in between the first set of cones. As the player turns to dribble between the next set of cones in a zig-zag pattern, have him change dribbling hands, then alternate dribbling hands after each cone. Have all the players run through the drill at least once.
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