Dribbling/Ball Handling

Every basketball player, no matter your position, should be able to dribble and handle the basketball to some degree. Before I get into tips on dribbling and ball handling lets first discuss the difference between the two. Dribbling is performing a cross over, between the legs, behind the back, in and out, hesitation, or any other dribble move you can think of. One form of ball handling is what you do with those dribble moves. Speed dribbling down the court and then changing direction with a cross over dribble is ball handling.


4 Reasons to Dribble

• To take ball to basket
• To improve passing angle
• To balance the floor and maintain proper spacing
• To escape trouble (trapping situations, etc)

Proper Stance

• Drop your hips to get in low stance - Don't bend at the waist. This may cause you to lean over your toes and get you off balance.
• Back straight with head up
• Dribble ball at knee level or no higher than mid thigh

Dribbling/Ball Handling Tips

• Use a hard pound dribble - quicker the dribble the more the ball is in your hands. This allows for quicker shots and/or passes.
• Be strong with the ball - This is especially true when you are trying to beat someone off the dribble. Basketball is a contact sport and you must be able to play through contact.
• Dribble with your head up - Use the 4 reasons listed above to dribble the basketball. Dribbling for no reason or purpose can kill the flow of the offense and frustrate teammates.

This is a small sample of the many topics covered in the Guard Play Skill Development Booklet. The pdf file includes 7 components with information on individual offense, defense, skill developement, skill development nuggets, drills, sample workouts, and final thoughts by Coach TJ. CLICK HERE to visit the shop page to purchase the Nothing But Net Basketball Guard Play Skill Development Booklet or to download the free sample.

Guard Play Skill Development Booklet

Coach TJ has written a 78 page Guard Play Skill Development Booklet that is available for purchase on the Nothing But Net Basketball website. This pdf file has tons of information and tips on skill development, individual offense, defense, drills, and sample workouts. This is the perfect read for all perimeter players. For more information on the Guard Play Skill Development Booklet contact Coach TJ at tj@nothingbutnetbball.com. For a free download sample of the booklet please visit our new product page at http://nothingbutnetbball.com/Shop.aspx.