Dribbling

The better a player can dribble and handle the ball, the better that player will become. Not only is this paramount for perimeter players but holds true for post players as well. Being a good ball handler puts pressure on the defense.

Players of all ages need to be able to dribble with both hands, maybe not equally but efficiently, and it is important that a player becomes confident in using his off-hand.

When dribbling, the player’s hand is in almost constant contact with the ball, and there is only a brief instant that the hand is off the ball. The ball is pushed to the floor with the fingers, hand, wrist and forearm forcefully, and then, the ball then rebounds quickly back up to the hand, fingers, wrist and forearm. It is important to keep the ball controlled and close to the body, therefore not allowing the defense to steal the ball. While dribbling, shielding the ball with your opposite hand or body is a good way to keep the defense at bay and protect the ball.

As a player grows in skill, they need to be able to dribble while also seeing the other players on the floor. Players should be able to dribble without “looking” at the ball, but instead, using their peripheral vision to see the ball and the whole court. Not only does this help the dribbler protect the ball from the defense, but also, enable the dribbler to see who is open to make a pass to.

There are two styles of dribbles, one used for speed and one used for control. It is important that a player can do both and inter-mix the two. Players need to learn a change of pace ability, to go from a high speed dribble, to a low, control, protective dribble, to a high speed dribble.

The control dribble should be done from the basic basketball stance, knees flexed, and weight forward. The ball is dribbled about knee height and generally out in front.

The speed dribble is executed with more of a sprinter-type lean and the dribble is higher and more out in front. Most speed dribblers lose control by not pushing the ball far enough out front.

A player should not misuse the act of dribbling. A dribble should be used for a purpose:

1. to advance the ball up the floor

2. to create a better passing angle to a teammate

3. to create a scoring opportunity, either for the dribbler or by drawing the defense for a teammate

4. to get the ball in the proper position to start a player.