Basketball Dribbling Drills

Dribbling a basketball is NOT the same as handling a basketball...because dribbling simply means that a player can bounce the ball up and down and do a few moves.

Handling a basketball, on the other hand, means that a player can protect the ball and make effective moves that helps his team get a desired result...whether getting to the lane, finding the open man, or scoring a basket.

Basketball dribbling drills, therefore, can be broken down into the following two categories:

1) Dribbling drills that help improve actual control of the ball and the ability to do certain moves.

2) Ball handling drills that teach how to handle real game situations, such as traps, pressure defense, using screens, etc...

Our favorites types of drills, by far, are combination drills that teach a multitude of skills at the same time. Basketball isn't a sport that demands an isolated skill...its a sport that requires bringing together many different skills each and every minute.

Below is an example of a drill that teach basic dribbling moves, and it challenges players to dribble fast and quick.

This drill is called 40 seconds because the player has to complete the drill 4 times in 40 seconds.  The player starts right above the top of the 3-point line.

Player starts by taking four speed dribbles forward towards the basket, dribbling with his right hand. Then the player takes 3 steps back doing a backup dribble and performs a crossover dribble bringing the ball to their left hand. At this point they take 3 dribbles forward and perform a behind the back dribble, changing direction, and heading towards the corner. Before getting to the corner, the player does a hesitation dribble. After reaching the corner, they perform a through the legs dribble changing direction and moving along the baseline towards the hoop. Once reaching the hoop, the player performs a push pull dribble and continues to the other side of the baseline, where they do a reverse pivot and/or jump stop  dribble to proceed

The player begins by dribbling with their right hand straight toward the basket about four dribbles forward. They then do a PULL BACK dribble three steps, square to the hoop and perform a CROSSOVER dribble.  With their left hand on a 45 degree angle they take two or three dribbles forward, then a BEHIND THE BACK dribble and change direction heading towards the corner, before they reach the corner they perform a HESITATION dribble.  When they reach the corner they do a THROUGH THE LEGS dribble changing direction and heading across the baseline.  When the dribbler gets under the hoop they do a PUSH PULL dribble move.  Upon reaching the other sideline they do a REVERSE PIVOT dribble and head back toward the starting spot...

At the starting point, the player begins the whole sequence over, but this time starting with their left hand. Basically, the sequence has to be done twice with the right hand and twice with the left hand, all in 40 seconds.

The time limit is there to help the players learn how to dribble quickly, move fast, and perform under pressure. This is an excellent basketball dribbling drill that teaches skills and speed.

See more team basketball dribbling drills...

See more individual basketball dribbling tips...