We focus on use of both the left hand and the right hand, practicing multiple dribble moves. the crossover, inside out, reverse dribble, around the back, between the legs, step back, pocket dribble, hip swivel, glide dribble, power dribble, slide dribble, veer dribble, escape dribble and speed dribble.
Dribble moving the elbow and wrist through the ball, no higher than the thigh, hips down / eyes up.
“Break the Floor” with your dribble. When you dribble hard the ball returns quickly. This is especially important when shooting off the dribble. A hard dribble can be snapped into the shot pocket more quickly than a soft dribble.
Emphasis is on attacking at proper angles. If the dribble attack is too wide the defender can easily recover. Avoid turning the shoulders. Dribble in a balanced position (knees over toes / shoulders over knees). Footwork is important here as with other basketball skills. Competent ball handlers can move effortlessly from the balanced position, facing the defender, to a split and go stance to accelerate and drive by the defender. Footwork is also used to pivot and attack on a cross over, inside out, and between the legs dribble, to step back and away from the defender, to glide to the defender’s outside shoulder, to spin away from the defender using a reverse dribble and to stop and turn your shoulder in to protect the ball with a power dribble.
Attack the ankles and hand of the defender. As you step past the defender, dribbling with the hand farthest from the defender, the inside hand leads through (arm bar) – like shaking hands – maintaining body position and shielding the ball from the reach of the defender.
To create effective offense players must have the skill to break down their defender, draw a help defender and make sound decisions - score or pass. Dribbling east / west (side to side) rarely creates offensive opportunities. Experienced ball handlers also know that straight ahead speed is not as effective as changing speed and changing direction. They combine slow moves with quick moves, step backs with cross overs – keeping the defender off balance. With change of speed / change of direction skills, the ballhandler can attack north / south (to the basket) and create more efficient scoring opportunities.
Skilled ball handlers also change level as they change speeds and direction. As the ball handler dribbles slowly, she is upright. When transitioning from slow to fast the ball handler also transitions from high to low, similar to a lunge position, accelerating and attacking the defender.
Drew Hanlen demonstrates a 5 minute workout. (video option)
Practice the fundamental V- dribble.
Practice a fundamental cross over dribble. (video option)
Practice a fundamental inside out dribble.
Practice a power dribble move to relieve defensive pressure.
Practice staying low as you execute change of direction moves.
Practice moving to protect the ball from defenders.
Practice various dribble moves.
Practice the post seal, reverse pivot, rip through and jump stop. (video option)
Practice the Iverson cross over and countermove. (video option)
Practice the cross over move. (video option)
Practice change of speed / change of direction moves. (video option)
Practice reacting to pressure while dribbling.
Practice the hesitation move. (video option)
Practice the Chris Paul Hip Crank, change of speed move. (video option)
Using the hip swivel to relieve pressure and assess attack options.
Practice the Carmelo Anthony hip swivel move to change speed and assess where to attack the defender.
Getting past your defender and getting separation for a shot. (video option)
Use the glide dribble to get outside the defender's hip and attack. (video option)
Creating space with the dribble glide step. (video option)
Practice the veer dribble to get and maintain position. (video option)
Various “shifty” moves to increase deception, and improve separation skills. (4 video options)
Practice the slide dribble as a deception move.
Practice the reverse dribble as a change of direction move. (video options)
Practice the pocket dribble as a change of speed/direction move. (video option)
Practice using the dribble jab to get the defender to step back. (video option)
Practice using eye fakes to move the defender. (Video option)
Practice quick change of direction moves.
Practice using the arm bar when defenders reach in. (video option)
Practice using the arm bar when a defender reaches in.
Practice use of the arm bar to protect the ball.
Practice using the arm bar.
Practice handling physical play as a ball handler.
Practice close outs, rip throughs, jump stops and kick outs.
Practice reading the close out - drive or shoot.
Practice dribbling in traffic and keeping your eyes up.
Practice speed dribbles, defensive slides, and conditioning.
Practice attacking the basket and defending the basket - drawing the charge.
Practice various dribble moves with high intensity.
Practice dribbling against trap pressure.
Practice various dribble moves at game speed.
Practice dribbling with the eyes up and on improving ball dexterity.
Practice dribbling through physical contact.
Practice various dribble moves quickly and in tight quarters.
Dribble warm up routine.
Practice getting square to the basket or post player off the dribble using a step back or spin move..
Practice a shoot out step and cross over step using a split and go footwork to increase first step speed.
Practice dribble control in live traffic.
Practice getting low, when driving by a defender. (video options -3)
Practice dribbling while challenging the mind.
Practice ball dexterity, fingertip control and pick and roll techniques.
Practice dribble concentration and eyes up while dribbling.
Practice ball handling skills by performing specific tasks using both hands.
Work on changing speed. (video option)
Use the power dribble position to protect the ball and relieve defensive pressure.
Practice quick reactions and change of direction moves.
Practice using the dribble to make space.
Practice a sequence of rips and steps.
Practice the glide dribble as a change of speed move. (video option)
Practicing getting close to the screener on the pick and roll.
React and dribble away from the defender.
Working on a quick first step and changing speeds.
Practice changing directions with your dribble.
Changing levels on a change of speed or direction dribble.
Build on change of speed skills by using them in a competitive setting.
Build on change of speed skills by using them in a competitive setting.