Basketball coaches want point guards who can penetrate with the ball so the team can have more offensive options once it gets into its offense on a possession. An aggressive player who handles the ball skillfully will be able to push the ball into the weak spots of the defense. If the opposing team does not react quickly, the play will result in a layup or dunk for the point guard, a layup or dunk for a teammate, or a wide open shot.
Step 1
Build your ball-handling skills by practicing with two basketballs at a time. Start off at the baseline with basketballs in each hand. Dribble the ball in your dominant hand and when you hear that ball hit the ground, dribble the other ball. Walk towards midcourt as you dribble. When you get to that point, break into a trot and continue dribbling in that manner. Turn around and dribble while jogging at half-speed to midcourt. Then, run at full speed while dribbling as you head back to the starting point.
Step 2
Run a scrimmage session in practice by dribbling with your opposite hand. The best way to dribble the ball in competitive basketball is to handle the ball well with both hands. The only way you can improve your ball handling with your non-dominant hand is to put yourself to the test. When you can handle a possession or two in practice without using your dominant hand, you will have more confidence when you have to use that hand in a game situation.
Step 3
Build your offensive skills. When you can shoot the ball well and also fill the role of scorer for your team, you will be covered more tightly by the opposing defense than if you were looking to pass first. Point guards have to be quick enough to get into the soft spots of the defense and take the open shots. Once you have shown you can hit those shots, the defender will play tighter. That means if you have a quick first step, you will be able to get past the defender much more easily and penetrate to the basket.
Step 4
Keep your head up at all times. When you are penetrating, you have to be able to find your open teammates. If you have tunnel vision as you move towards the rim or you are looking at your dribble, you won't see open teammates and you will miss chances to dish the ball off for easy baskets.
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