How to Improve Basketball Handling With Ball Slaps

Ball Handling is an essential skill for every basketball player. This article focuses on a drill that can improve your ball handling: "Ball Slaps." These improve tactile feel for the basketball. When doing a ball handling drill series, Ball Slaps should be the first drill you perform, as it "wakes up" your hands.

Things You'll Need

  • Basketball
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Instructions

    • 1

      Hold the ball firmly at your chest with both hands.

    • 2

      Remove your left hand from the ball while balancing the ball securely in your right hand.

    • 3

      Open your left hand and be sure your fingers and thumb are bent.

    • 4

      Extend your left hand about 18 inches to the side of the ball.

    • 5

      Quickly return your left hand to the ball and slap the ball. Be sure that your fingers and thumbs are making contact with the ball--you should not be slapping with your palms.

    • 6

      Balance the ball with your left hand and repeat the process with a right hand slap.

    • 7

      Continue this process for 15 to 30 seconds.