Teaching Your Kids the Fundamentals of Handling the Ball

 Your players have to be able to handle the ball in pressure situations.  The last thing you want are players that easily get flustered and turn the ball over.  Coaching basketball players how to properly dribble and protect the ball is no small matter.

Coaching basketball players how to dribble requires patience and attention to detail.  It is your job as a coach to make sure your players dribble with a purpose.  You need to teach your players the value of every dribble.     

Fundamentals of Ball Handling

The number one rule when it comes to dribbling is to keep your head up.  This rule must be grinded into your players head. 

Instruct your players to dribble with their fingertips and have them push down by simply flicking their wrist.  Be sure your players feel comfortable dribbling with both hands.  Have them keep one hand behind their back to force the action.

When coaching basketball players how to dribble, it is very important that your players don’t pick up their dribble until they know what their doing with the ball.  Your players should only pick up their dribble when their ready to pass or shoot.

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Different Types of Dribbles

There are about a gazillion different types of dribbles out there.  So, to save you time, the important ones will be discussed below.

·        The Low Dribble

Ø      Focus on keeping the ball low to the ground and under control.

Ø      Your player should use their off hand to shield the ball from the defender.

Ø      Works great when your player is closely guarded.

·        The Speed Dribble

Ø      Your player needs to push the ball out in front at about waist height trying to maintain top speed.

Ø      Basically, the faster your player runs, the further out they need to push the ball.

Ø      Works great for fast break opportunities.

·        The Change-Of-Pace Dribble

Ø      When your player is being guarded tightly, have them slow down and almost come to a complete stop. 

Ø      Once the defender loosens up, your player should explode past him while using their off hand to protect the ball.

·        The Crossover Dribble

Ø      Your player must keep the ball low as their dribbling.

Ø      If your player is dribbling with their right hand, as they get close to the defender, have them bounce it over to their left side near their foot.

Ø      Your player needs to keep their left hand perpendicular to the floor to stop the ball and then push the ball out.

Ø      It is important that they stay low while shifting their body weight by pushing off with the inside of their right foot.

Ø      Then they should lower their right shoulder and use their trunk to protect the ball from the defense.

Ø      To execute while dribbling with the left hand, simply reverse the order.

·        The Between-The-Legs Dribble

Ø      If your player is dribbling with their right hand, start off by having them dribble low to the ground.

Ø      On their last dribble before the changeover, they should place their right hand laterally on the outside of the ball and push the ball hard between their legs.

Ø      Their left hand should be close to their legs to receive the ball with their fingers spread out and pointed towards to the ground.

Ø      This is a quick way to switch hands when your players are closely guarded.

·        The Hockey Dribble

Ø      Your player should stay low while keeping the ball on their side.

Ø      When your player gets close to their defender, they should perform “stutter” steps and make head-and-shoulder fakes at the same time.

Ø      If their dribbling with their right hand, the fakes should be made with their left foot and left shoulder.

Ø      Works great for faking out their defender.

·        The Behind-The-Back Dribble

Ø      As your player approaches their defender while dribbling with their right hand, have them slide their palm over and then outside on the ball.

Ø      They should swing the ball behind and across their lower back, pushing the ball to their left side.

Ø      Make sure that their first bounce on the left side isn’t made way out in front.

Ball Handling & Dribble Drills

Dribbling like many other skills in basketball are only developed after many hours of practicing. As with all offensive basketball moves, your players dribbling skills will only improve through hard work, and determination.

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When coaching basketball, it is essential to have a wide array of drills in your arsenal.  Successful basketball coaching requires that you implement the right drills into your practices.  Incorporating fundamental basketball drills into your practices will greatly improve your players overall game.

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