Ballhandling
Fundamentals
Ball handling skills can be developed at a young age. Use a ball that is the right size for the player. Young players find some of these drill a challenge, so make it fun and encourage them to keep trying! As players get older they can do a variety of drills and can switch to a "big ball" to help get better.
No matter what the age, sound fundamentals should be followed: Don't watch the ball, use the fingertips, keep head up, use both hands and practice. Most of these drills can be done by individually either at practice or at home.
Beginner Drills: Use a smaller ball and take it slow at first. Have the player get two or three drills down pat then add some more.
- Body circles. Pass the ball around the waist, legs and head
- Around one leg. Pass the ball around one leg then switch legs.
- Rocker dribble. Stand in good basketball position and dribble the ball in the right hand, pushing and pulling the ball remaining in a stationary position. Switch hands.
- Down and back. Drill down the floor in the right and back in the left. Keep the head up.
- Tipping. Pass the ball back and forth just using the fingertips. Should be done quickly.
- Pounding the ball. Slap the ball back and forth getting the feel of the ball.
Intermediate Drills: Again use the right ball size for the player. Use the beginning drills as a good warm-up.
- Figure 8 without the dribble. Pass the ball around the legs in a figure 8 motion.
- Figure 8 dribble. Dribble the ball around the legs in a figure 8. Keep that head up!
- Spider Dribble. Dribble ball between legs using alternating hands. This one can be tough at first but the players get the hang of it.
- V bounce. Bounce the ball between the legs and catch it behind you.
- Behind the back dribble. Move down the court with the right hand dribble, then go behind the back and switch to the left hand. Come back starting with the left and going to the right. This is much harder for most players. Use this sparingly.
- Crab walk. Pass the ball between the legs while moving up the floor.
Advanced Drills: Players that are skilled at the basics of dibbling can always improve. As a coach, you need to assess each player's ability to handle the ball.
- Crossover. Dribble up to an opponent or chair, use a front crossover to switch hands. Protect the ball.
- Doc Rivers dribble. Dribble up to an opponent, use a hesitation dribble (without palming) and accelerate past the opponent.
- Figure 8 taps. Same as regular but let the ball drop to floor and switch direction.
- Zigzag drills. Players go down the floor using a variety of dribbles, moving side to side.