You need not be the most athletic or tallest player around to become a successful basketball player. Nor do you need to be a dead-eye shooter. By becoming a reliable ball handler, you can make yourself a valuable asset in the eyes of any coach. And while some might argue that the best ball handlers are born and not made, you can fine-tine your dribbling skills by learning the basics and honing your craft.
Use Your Fingertips
Young players tend to use their palms and slam down on the ball when dribbling. This bad habit significantly reduces your ability to maintain control of the ball. Instead, always use your fingertips to dribble. Doing so provides better control of the ball, fewer turnovers and the ability to more quickly change the direction of your dribble.
Hand Placement
Your hand should always be on the top of the ball when dribbling. Placing the ball underneath the ball is considered a carrying or "palming" violation, which will result in a whistle from the referee and a turnover.
Dribbling Wth Both Hands
Most players have one hand -- usually the one they eat and write with -- with which they feel more comfortable using to dribble the ball. Although this is natural, if you want to be a stellar dribbler, you'll need to work on your "off" hand. If you become adept at dribbling with either hand, defenders will be left guessing which way you're headed. Trying placing a sock or other item on your dominant hand while practicing. It'll remind you not to use it, forcing you to become more adept with your nondominant hand.
Heads Up
Inexperienced ball handlers and those who lack confidence in their dribbling ability often dribble with their heads down, staring at the ball. The problem with this technique is that when you're looking at the ball, you're not seeing open teammates or opponents moving in to swipe it from you. Effective ball handlers are able to dribble in most any situation while keeping their head up. Try placing a piece of tape on the bottom of some old glasses to block your downward peripheral vision. Doing so forces you to practice dribbling without being able to see the ball.
Crossover
Once you've developed your ball handling skills, add some flare to your game. Try the crossover dribble, in which you take one quick dribble to one side to get your opponent leaning that way, and quickly dribble back across to the other side. The crossover, made famous by former NBA star Allen Iverson, is an excellent way to fake out a defender and create an open path to the basket.
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