Basketball Dribbling Techniques

Have you ever wondered what distinguishes the best basketball players of the world from the rest? The magic lies in their act of dribbling. Dribbling is a very crucial aspect of the basketball, which every player must excel, to get better and better in the game. Dribbling is one of the basic and most important things to master for any aspiring basketball player. The dribbling technique teaches a player to get a better degree of control of the ball and also enables him/her to move along with the ball. While dribbling a ball on the court, a player has to perform two things, run with the ball at a high speed and pick a good pass for his teammates. Dedicated practice and training is all that is required to master the dribbling skills. Given here are some dribbling types that will help you in defending your basketball.

 

 

While dribbling a basketball, position your hand in the shape of a cup and spread out your fingers to touch the basketball. Extend your elbow and flex your fingers and wrist to dribble the ball. As the ball bounces up, meet it with your fingers, providing the support of your wrist. Remember, a perfect dribbling is one that is controlled by the fingers and pads of your hand. Avoid using your palms for the purpose.

 

When you are guarded closely by the defenders, use low dribbling to defend yourself. Your body should be in between the ball and defender. Dribble the ball slightly away from your body at knee level or lower, making it harder for the defender to knock it. Move ahead by using step and slide movement and protect yourself and the ball with your free hand. While dribbling, keep your head and eyes up to spot your teammates and openings, if any.

 

This technique is followed when the ball is to be advanced quickly for moving towards the basket, making fast breaks or following a steal in the open court. Lean forward slightly, while keeping your body almost erect. Dribble the ball in front of your body pushing it out. To gain maximum speed, keep the ball at waist level or higher.

 

Crossover dribble helps you change direction quickly. This technique involves defending your opponent by pushing the ball to the other hand. For the purpose, dribble the ball as low as possible with your right hand. As you get close to the defender, bounce it over to your left side near the left foot. Receive the ball with your left hand and push it in front of you. Shift your weight towards your new direction and stay low. Protect the ball from the defense by lowering your right shoulder and using the trunk. Cut as close to the defender as possible. If this technique is not done carefully, you are likely to lose the ball to your defender.

 

Another technique for change of direction is the reverse dribble. Use this when you are guarded by too many defenders and are not able to use the crossover dribble. In case you are dribbling right and need to go left, stop hard for a second. Pivot on your left foot and spin in the opposite direction with your back to the defender. Keep the ball low and close to your body and switch it quickly to your left hand. Continue dribbling the ball with your left hand, after you complete the turn, keeping your head up to see the floor.

 

The idea behind this technique is to confuse the defender about your next move. While the defender is nearing you, slow down and straighten slightly to show that you have almost stopped. The defender will relax assuming that you are looking for a teammate to pass on. Explode quickly at top speed, using low dribble. Use your free hand to protect the ball.

 

This helps you to change the direction of the ball, while maintaining visual contact with the game action. In case you are dribbling with your right hand, keep the dribble low and slide the hand to the outside of the ball. Push the ball hard and quickly between your spread legs to your left hand. Your left hand should be close to your legs, to receive the ball with fingers pointing the floor. Continue the dribble with your left hand.

 

Start this technique just as you did with the reverse dribble. Instead of making a full turn, make a 90-degree turn and return back quickly to your original position. In the first 90-degree turn, keep your palm on the side of the ball and switch it to the other side of the ball, when you bring the ball back to the original position.