How to Improve Off-Hand Dribbling and Layups

Improving off-hand dribbling and layup skills will greatly improve your basketball game. Players who only go to one side become predictable and easier to defend. Using your off-hand during practice and play will help improve your ability; there also are several drills that can help you hone these skills in isolation.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 Basketballs
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Instructions

  1. Two-Hand Dribbling

    • 1

      Stand at the baseline, facing half-court. Bounce two basketballs in unison, one in each hand. Keep your eyes up.

    • 2

      Run to half-court and back, continuing to dribble both balls at the same time. Go only as fast as you can while maintaining your dribble.

    • 3

      Alternate dribbles between your left and right hands, continuing to dribble both at once.

    • 4

      Run to half-court again, continuing to dribble alternately with both hands.

    • 5

      Repeat the drill as needed.

    Mikan Drill

    • 6

      Stand on one side of the basket just inside of the block and facing the baseline.

    • 7

      Jump and lay-in the ball using the backboard. Use the hand corresponding to the side of the hoop you are on. If you are standing to the right, shoot with your right hand; if you are standing to the left, shoot with your left hand.

    • 8

      Once you land, jump again to the other side of the basket and grab the ball as it falls through the net. Rebound the ball as high as possible in the air and keep it above your head.

    • 9

      Continue to shoot back and forth with each hand.

    "V" Dribble

    • 10

      Stand and dribble the ball from one hand to the other, forming a "V" with the ball's motion.

    • 11

      Crouch in an athletic stance and continue to "V" dribble the ball from hand to hand. Keep the ball low to the ground and dribble quickly.

    • 12

      Dribble the ball from hand to hand behind your back in the "V" motion.