Practice Time

Ball Handling Tips and Drills

Make sure you are smooth when you're handling the ball. Here are articles with tips, drills and advice that will have you dribbling like the pros.

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  Ball Handling: The Behind-the-Back Dribble

  The behind-the-back dribble is what Magic Johnson made his living on during his days leading the Lakers’ fast break. It is one of the most effective tools to get by a defender in the open floor

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  8 Basketball Power Dribbling Drills

  Most children first learn to crawl, then walk, and finally to run. Basketball requires players to not only effectively move their feet, but also to maneuver a basketball.

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  Are You A Good Ball Handler?

  One of the most basic, yet most important aspects of basketball is the ability to effectively handle the ball.

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  Ball Handling Coordination

  Ball handling coordination is very key in your basketball development. Check here for a great drill to help you improve!

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  Ball Handling: The Stutter-Step

  Perhaps the simplest, but, most effective move there is in basketball. Requires only a minimal amount of ball handling ability, given that the ball remains in the same hand during the move.

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  The Between-the-Legs Dribble

  Dribbling between the legs, though seemingly nothing more than a stylish variation on the crossover, is an effective, and oftentimes necessary tool when facing extreme pressure from a defender.

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  The Crossover Dribble

  The crossover dribble is one of the most effective ways to maintain control of the ball against heavy pressure

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  Your First Option as a Ball Handler

  Because the quickest way to attack the basket is with a pass rather than a dribble, your first option should always be to look to advance the ball with a pass

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  Basic Dribbling

  Dribbling is a repetitive action in which a player uses one hand to bounce the basketball continuously, that is, without interruption, on the court.

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  Catching A Basketball

  Before you can shoot, pass or dribble you need to be able to be able to catch the ball the correct way!

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  Being Ambidextrous

  Complete players are able to shoot, pass, and dribble equally well with either hand. Around the basket, they can shoot lay-ups and jump hooks with either hand.

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  Driving Past An Opponent

  You are advancing the ball with a dribble toward your basket. The two teammates ahead of you are not open. As you approach the center line, a defender is waiting for you. What should you do?

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  Holding A Basketball

  How you hold the ball depends on how you want to release it. Generally, it is recommended that you hold the ball so you can pass, shoot, or dribble using wrist action.

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  The Basic Shuffle Dribble

  When you are being closely guarded anywhere on the court, the shuffle dribble is a very effective way to protect the ball with your body.

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  The Change-Of-Pace Dribble

  When you advance the ball with a dribble at a constant rate of speed, it is relatively easy for a defensive player to guard you