How to Execute a Dribble Handoff in Basketball

The Dribble Handoff can be an effective weapon in your offensive scheme. It is especially effective against aggressive defensive teams that are overplaying the passing lanes. The Dribble Handoff serves as both a pass and screen. Here is how to execute this technique.

Instructions

    • 1

      The two players that will execute the dribble handoff should communicate with each other. This communication could be in the form of calling a play, making eye contact or perhaps just the process of one dribbling at the other signals that a handoff is to occur.

    • 2

      The player with the ball dribbles toward his/her teammate and the person who is guarding them.

    • 3

      As the dribbler is approaching the teammate, he/she should dribble directly at the teammate's defender.

    • 4

      The player that will be receiving the handoff should set up the screen by taking the defender away and then cut hard towards the dribbler.

    • 5

      The dribbler should come to a jump stop approximately 3 feet away from their teammate's defender. On the jump stop, he/she should protect the basketball.

    • 6

      The receiver should cut quickly towards the outside shoulder of his/her teammate.

    • 7

      As the receiver approaches, the teammate should put the ball on his/her outside hip being sure that it is protected from the defenders.

    • 8

      The receiver should grab the handoff from his/her teammate's hip and move quickly to the basket or another place on the court to continue the play.