Practice Time
The Speed Dribble
An Overview
How fast can you run? That is the speed with which you should be able to advance the ball with a dribble. Here is an exercise to help you develop this ability.
This exercise involves dribbling the length of the court with one hand and, then, dribbling back with the other. In essence, the speed dribble involves pushing the ball ahead of you and chasing it. Consequently, no matter how fast you run, you can never catch it.
Step 1: Stand behind a baseline. While stationary, dribble as described in my tip, Basic Dribbling. Because you are stationary, bounce the ball straight down to the court. When you bounce it straight down, it comes straight up.
Step 2: Using a running stride, begin advancing the ball toward the other baseline. As you increase your speed, increase the angle at which you dribble the ball to the floor. As you increase the angle, the dribbling hand moves farther in front of the body, staying in line with the shoulder.
The forefinger of the dribbling hand should be pointing directly away from you. Keep the ball low, at or below waist level.
Step 3: As you approach the other baseline, begin to slow down. As you slow down, the angle of the dribble decreases and your dribbling hand moves closer to your body. When you come to a complete stop, you should be dribbling as in Step 1.
Step 4: Turn toward the other baseline. As you turn, begin dribbling with the other hand. When ready, repeat Steps 2 and 3.
Step 5: Practice, practice, practice.
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