Ball Handling Basics

by RealHoops
http://realhoopstalk.com

In my last post I said that my article on defense should have been the first one I published. Looking back, I realize that this probably should have been the second post I made. Why? Because without your basic ball handling skills you will be completely useless on the court! And if you are undersized and can’t handle the ball, you can pretty much kiss any kind of basketball career goodbye.

It dosen’t matter if you’re the best shooter, dunker or passer on your squad, if you can’t handle the ball. Without basic ball handling, your defender can simply steal the ball from you or force you into turning the ball over. Then you’ll never get the chance to show off your amazing scoring abilities. It’s also important to be able to handle the ball with both hands because your defender will almost always try to force you to drive with your weak hand.

A good ball handler always knows when it is a good time to use their dribble. The last thing a player wants to do is waste their dribble. That is a good way to get abused by your coach (or teammates). Let’s look at the situations where it is okay to use your dribble.

1. To bring the ball up the court.

2. To attack the basket.

3. To open up a passing lane.

4. To get out of trouble.

Now, let’s look at the situations where it is okay to end your dribble.

1. To attempt a jump shot, layup or dunk.

2. To make a pass to a teammate

THESE ARE THE ONLY SITUATIONS WHERE IT IS OKAY TO PICK UP YOUR DRIBBLE IF YOU ARE ALREADY IN THE PROCESS OF DRIBBLING. NEVER EVER PICK UP YOUR DRIBBLE UNLESS YOU HAVE THE INTENTION OF DOING ONE OF THESE THINGS!!!

There are several different methods and tricks that can be used while dribbling. But before we get into that, there are a few basic but important rules that apply across the board.

1. Always keep your head up while dribbling, you need to be able to see what’s going on around you and be ready for any defenders coming to trap you or take the ball away. Some players get into the habit of simply not looking down while dribbling. They’re not watching the ball but their still not aware of their surroundings either. You must train yourself to be able to look UP and see the floor as you handle the ball.

2. Handle the ball using the hand farthest away from the defense. This will keep the ball from getting stolen as an average defender who attempts the swipe will probably get called for a foul.

3. Dribble with your fingertips and snap your wrist. You must dribble using the pads of your fingertips. Using your palms will result in you having less control of the basketball. It is also important not to allow the ball to travel higher than waist level while dribbling.

Now let’s look at the two basic methods of dribbling.

The Control Dribble

If your defender is within an arm’s length of you then you are probably going to want to use the control dribble. When you watch the pros and you hear Reggie Miller say something like “Rondo in control”, this is what he means. When using the control dribble, have your knees bent and use your body to protect the basketball. You don’t want to have the ball in front of you where your defender can steal it. Dribble using the hand that is farthest from the defender.

The Speed Dribble

After a turnover or a steal, or when the other team is lagging behind on defense you want to use the speed dribble to get a bucket at your end of the floor. To use the speed dribble, push the ball out several feet in front of you and sprint in control to catch up to it. If you read my article ‘HARD IN THE PAINT’ using the speed dribble should result in an easy bucket or foul at the other end.

When moving about the court on your side of the floor, you’re going to want to be able to switch hands and change direction. A defender might switch the side that he is playing you on and so you might want to shift your body position in the control dribble. A defender might take a swipe at the ball, so you might want to switch hands and blow by him. Or, a defender might make a dive for the ball while you’re in the speed dribble, and you might want to switch hands to lose him completely. This is where the crossover comes in.

To perform the crossover, simply dribble the ball from one hand to the other keeping it below ankle level and shift the momentum of your body in the direction that you intend to go. You want to keep the crossover short and quick to give yourself the best chance of either shaking your defender, or preventing your defender from stealing the ball. When you get used to the crossover, you can get a little more fancy with it, going between the legs or behind the back.

Training

To improve at the two basic dribbling methods, I would practice dribbling up and down the court switching between the two. For example you could use the speed dribble, right handed up to half court, then the control dribble up to the free throw line, and finish with a crossover and a drive to the basket for a layup. Then repeat going back down the court with your left hand. Here are a few basic drills that will help you get a feel for handling the ball.

Circles: Circle the ball around your head, waist, legs, then around each leg, then around both legs and do the reverse. Once you get more advanced, try increasing the speed.

Drops: Hold the ball in between your legs at about knee level, with one hand behind your leg and one hand in front. Drop the ball and switch hands to catch the ball before it reaches the ground. Continue to do this as fast and as many times as possible.

Once you get these drills down, you should be able to handle yourself in any situation. Be sure to master the crossover, it will add style to your game. Then, when the ladies are watching you will be the one doing the crossing. To read additional articles like this one, please visit www.realhoopstalk.com!

Article submitted Tuesday, August 09, 2011 & read 12 times.

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