Instructions for Basketball Dribbling Drills

Basketball dribbling, or ball handling, is an essential skill for basketball players at any level. Dribbling drills should span the entire range of motion, from dribbling low to the ground with individual fingers to dribbling higher than the waist. Drills should also include exercises that require the player to practice ball handling while standing still, moving side-to-side, and while running. There are several schools of thought on how basketball dribbling drills should be run, but the basic fundamental ideas generally remain consistent regardless of what skill level you are coaching.

Instructions

    • 1

      Warm-up with stationary drills in which you should dribble in front of the body only. These drills should include small arm motions and move into larger arm motions throughout the exercise. The ideal height for dribbling is below the waist, but drills must explore the full range of motion. Both crossovers and single-hand dribbling are important warm-ups.

    • 2

      Dribble the ball around the body. To increase ball control, practice dribbling around one leg at a time and progressing to figure-eights. Begin to minimize the number of dribbles it takes to complete the figure-eight as you become more advanced. In addition to figure-eights, practice crossover dribbling behind the back to improve coordination.

    • 3

      Make short (no longer than half of a basketball court) movements forward, backward, and side-to-side while dribbling. Do this with both hands independently and crossing over. As you become more comfortable, add a defender so that you may practice protecting the ball.

    • 4

      Run the length of the court at full speed while dribbling the ball. According to Best Basketball Drills, move as quickly as you can while still remaining in control of the ball. Push the ball out in front of you as you run. As you become more advanced, minimize the number of dribbles it takes you to move down the court.

    • 5

      Modify the full speed dribbling drill to include changes of direction, fakes and crossovers. Defenders can be added at various points on the court to increase the challenge of the drill.