How to dribble a basketball
Learning to be a good ball handler starts early in the development process. Three exercises a young player can do to improve their ball control include:
- CIRCLE DRIBBLES: The player should make circles with the basketball next to their outside leg. Younger players have a habit of dribbling out in front, so make sure the ball is to the side to protect it from defenders. Make a letter “C” while dribbling to handle the ball for as long as possible. Do 30-50 reps with each hand to maximize results.
- CROSSOVERS: Get low and wide and intentionally shift the hips from one side to the other as the ball is passed back and forth. Increase speed as the exercise goes along until the player is confident enough to do it with their eyes up.
- THROUGH THE LEGS: The player takes a couple of dribbles and puts the ball through their legs. They can lift their leg if necessary to start out. As they begin to get better and gain speed, transition into “scissor” moves – going through the legs with no dribbles in between.
