How to Improve at Dribbling a Basketball

It is important for any basketball player to be able to dribble the ball when the have to. If a player cannot dribble the ball, their team will pay the price, maybe at the worst possible time. There are simple drills that only require a basketball to work on that will help anyone improve at dribbling a basketball.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Get used to the feel of the ball. A good dribbler must be able to control the ball at all times. In order to do that, they must know how the ball feels in their hands and how to control the ball by making contact with any part of it. To get the feel of the ball practice simple catching drills such as holding the ball in front of your chest, dropping it and catching it before it hits the ground. Anther catching drill is to hold the ball between your legs with one arm coming in between your legs from the front and one from the back. Toss the ball upwards and catch the ball after switching your arms from front to back and vice versa.
2. Dribble the ball in place. Once you get the feel for the ball there are several drills that will help you control it while dribbling. First, dribble in a circle around your right leg with your right hand and then dribble in a circle around your left foot with your left hand. Another drill is to dribble in a figure eight motion around the outside of one leg, between your legs and then around the outside of the other leg. You can also improve at dribbling a basketball by bouncing the ball at waist height, drop down and dribbling it as low as possible and then bring it back up to waist height. Repeat this drill using the opposite hand.
3. Practice dribbling in motion. It is much easier to dribble standing still than when you are moving. The next step in how to improve at dribbling a basketball is to get used to dribble while in motion. Get used to dribbling at high speeds and while changing directions.
4. Put it all in together in scrimmages and games. The next step is to do it when it counts. Dribbling through traffic in a game situation is the most difficult thing a ball handler can do. You'll know you've mastered dribbling when you are able to safely dribble the ball under control around defenders.

Tips & Warnings

• Conduct these drills continuously no matter how well you can perform them. By continuously practicing these drills over and over you will constantly improve at dribbling a basketball.
• When working on these drills, keep your head up. Do not look at the ball while you dribble. Also, dribble at a speed where you can control the ball. Dribbling too fast and losing control of the ball will not help you improve at dribbling a basketball. Push yourself while controlling the ball.