The most fundamental skill of the game is dribbling a ball. While some players are better at dribbling than others, every basketball player is able to use the dribble as a way to enhance his or her skills. The dribble is used by big players to set up their post moves on the low block. Point guards bring up the ball and set up pick-and-roll to open up shots for their teammates. Wing players use the Dribble to improve their shooting/passing angles or drive to the basket. How to dribble a ball in Basketball?
A basketball hoop and a teammate are not necessary. You do not need a fancy gym with hardwood floors or a fancy basketball court.
You will learn how to dribble a ball and I’ll also show you some drills that you can use to practice.
How to dribble a ball in basketball – Dribbling Technique
It’s not difficult to master if you look at someone who dribbles the ball well. Dribbling is a simple skill that anyone can master. With the right technique and thousands (or more) of hours of practice, it is possible to learn how to dribble.
What are the best techniques to use?
1. Stay Low
A low center of gravity is a great way to dribble in many ways. Being in a stable place to run and dribble allows you to withstand physical defenders while still able to keep the ball. This helps us with the second step of our technique: to keep your ball as low as possible.
2. Fingertips, Not Palm
While dribbling, the ball should never touch your palm or heel. You can have more control of the ball by using your fingertips instead of your palm. Your technique will look more like you’re slapping at a ball, rather than bouncing it.
3. Dribble Ball Low
The general rule of thumb when dribbling the ball is not to raise it above your waistline. Your body and the ball are lower than your waist, making it more difficult for defenders to steal it from you.
4. Bounce The Ball Hard
Once you’ve mastered the art of dribbling the ball, you will want to ensure that you hit the ground hard with the ball. Your arm should extend, and your wrist should snap inward. While your fingertips push down on the ground, your dribbling motion will be as follows: your elbow should open, your wrist should straighten, and your wrist should move forward. You can make the ball bounce harder, which will ensure the best motion.
5. Keep your head up
This step is difficult to master. It is difficult to dribble with your eyes on the ball and not up at the ball, especially in a game. Once you can both dribble and look around the court, it becomes much easier to be offensively effective. You might be able to jump if your defender doesn’t guard you well. If you aren’t paying attention while you dribble, there may be situations you don’t know about.
How to Dip a Basketball in 8 Steps
Spread and Relax Your Fingers
Relax your fingers and ensure that they are evenly distributed on the basketball.
Unless they are taught otherwise, young children tend to stick their fingers together.
Spreading your fingers increases the surface area of the ball and gives you more control.
Another problem is that players make their fingers and hands too stiff.
This results in players “slapping” at the ball.
It is important that players feel at ease with their fingers and hands.
You can control by using your fingertips
Some trainers and coaches tell their players that the ball should not touch their palm while they are dribbling.
I disagree.
This causes a group of 5-year-olds to make a claw shape with one hand, bounce the ball with the top of both their fingers, then wonder why they can’t dribble.
You should touch your hands with the basketball.
It’s the fingertips that control the basketball.
Keep your body low
When they have the ball, all players must bend their knees and stay low to the ground.
There are many reasons why this is so, but the most important reason is…
Explosiveness is achieved by being low to the ground.
If your defender attempts to steal the ball, you can immediately explode past your opponent to attack the rim.
Instead of being more upright, you would first need to fall before you could attack.
Pound the basketball on the floor
When dribbling, players must push the basketball to the ground with all their might.
This is done by extending your elbow and snapping your wrist at the bottom.
You have more control the longer you keep the ball in your hands.
A player who bounces the ball with minimal force can tap away from the ball by a defender due to the extra time the ball isn’t in his hands.
Protect the basketball from the opponent
When dribbling, players must ensure that they protect the basketball.
This can be done in a variety of ways:
1. Raise your non-dribbling hand for protection
This is also known as an “arm bar”.
An armbar will stop a defender from closing down space. It will also discourage defenders from reaching in to steal the ball.
However, it is important to not rush.
2. Protect the ball with your body
Protection can also be provided by turning your back or shoulder towards the on-ball defender.
It will be difficult for defenders to reach the dribbler’s entire body and tap the ball away without causing injury.
Keep your eyes open to see the floor
It’s normal for players to gaze down at the basketball when they first learn how to dribble it.
Players must be encouraged to see the floor and raise their eyes as they get better.
This will enable them to read their opponents and make the correct passing decisions in-game situations.
Learn how to use both hands to dribble
Did you ever coach a player that can only attack the rim with their dominant hand?
They are very easy to stop.
A defender must simply overplay their dominant hand. The offensive player will have to pass it to another teammate or attempt to drive the ball and lose it.
This is why both hands must be used to dribble.
This will immediately increase a player’s chances of winning.
Dribble With a Purpose
Lindsay Gaze, a former Australian basketball coach, and one of my all-time favorite dribbling quotes come from her…
“You dribble for points, not to explore.”
In today’s game, mindless dribbling is becoming more common.
Without any reason, players are often dumping the ball on the ground as soon as they get it. They often waste the ball.
Conclusion
It can take hours to learn how to dribble well. The best players know the importance of dribbling, and they work hard at it.
