Improving ball-handling skills is crucial for any basketball player. Here are some of the best ball-handling drills that can help you be shifty and keep the defense off balance.
Stationary Dribbling – Practice dribbling the ball with both hands while standing in place. Focus on keeping your eyes up and your dribble low.
Figure 8 Dribbling – Dribble the ball in a figure-eight pattern around your legs, alternating hands with each pass.
Two-Ball Dribbling – Dribble two basketballs simultaneously, one in each hand, while moving around the court. Focus on maintaining control and keeping your dribble low.
Spider Dribbling – Dribble the ball in a circular motion around your body, alternating hands with each pass. Start slowly and gradually increase your speed.
Cone Dribbling – Set up cones or other obstacles on the court and dribble around them, alternating hands and changing directions.
Crossover Dribbling – Practice crossing the ball over from one hand to the other while dribbling. Start slowly and increase your speed as you become more comfortable.
One-Handed Dribbling – Practice dribbling with only one hand, focusing on control and speed. Switch hands frequently.
Remember to focus on your weak hand as much as your strong hand and practice consistently to see improvement in your ball-handling skills.
If you are an experienced basketball player looking to take your ball-handling skills to the next level, here are some advanced drills to try:
Behind-the-Back Crossovers – Practice crossing the ball over behind your back, alternating hands, and changing directions. This drill requires excellent hand-eye coordination and quick reflexes.
Between-the-Legs Crossovers – Practice crossing the ball over between your legs, alternating hands and changing directions. This drill requires excellent footwork and balance.
In-and-Out Dribbles – Dribble the ball toward a defender and perform a quick in-and-out move to change direction and create space. This drill requires excellent timing and deception.
Killer Crossover – Dribble towards a defender and perform a quick crossover move to create space and get past them. This drill requires excellent speed and agility.
Spin Move – Dribble towards a defender and perform a quick spin move to get past them. This drill requires excellent footwork and balance.
Double-Crossover – Perform two quick crossover moves in succession to get past a defender. This drill requires excellent hand-eye coordination and quick reflexes.
Toss-and-Catch – Toss the ball up in the air and catch it while dribbling with your opposite hand. This drill requires excellent hand-eye coordination and ambidexterity.
Low Dribbling – Practice dribbling the ball as low to the ground as possible without losing control. This drill helps improve ball control and hand-eye coordination.
Blind Dribbling – Close your eyes and practice dribbling the ball without looking. This drill helps improve your feel for the ball and overall ball control.
Tennis Ball Dribbling – Dribble two basketballs while simultaneously bouncing a tennis ball with your free hand. This drill helps improve hand-eye coordination and ambidexterity.
Wall Toss Dribbling – Toss the ball against a wall and catch it while dribbling with your opposite hand. This drill helps improve reaction time and ambidexterity.
4-Point Dribbling – Dribble the ball around four cones set up in a square formation, alternating hands and changing directions. This drill helps improve footwork and ball control.
Boxer Dribbling – Practice weaving in and out of imaginary defenders while dribbling the ball. This drill helps improve footwork and agility.
Continuous Crossover – Perform as many crossover moves as possible in a row without losing control of the ball. This drill helps improve ball control and quick reflexes.
Remember to challenge yourself and push your limits with these advanced ball handling drills. Consistent practice and dedication will lead to mastery of these skills
