How to Improve Basketball Handling With Twister

Ball Handling is an essential skill for every basketball player. This article focuses on a drill that can improve your ball handling: "Twister." This drill provides great training for ball awareness and control. It is called "Twister" because your arms simulate a twister when doing the drill.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Basketball

1. Spread your legs so your feet are positioned just beyond shoulder width.

2. Bend at the knees while keeping your back straight.

3. Position the ball between your legs at knee level.

4. Hold the ball with your right hand in front of your knees and your left hand behind your knees.

5. Quickly switch hand positions (by moving your right hand behind your knees and left hand in front of your knees) without letting the ball hit the ground.

6. Switch your hands back to their original position without letting the ball hit the ground.

7. Repeat this process for 30 seconds.

Tips & Warnings

• For beginners, it is OK if the ball hits the ground--just catch it as it bounces up.
• Once you are comfortable with the exercises, increase your speed to maximize your growth as a ball handler.
• Keep your head up while doing the exercises--trust your feel for the ball and don't depend on looking at the ball, as you cannot look at the ball while playing in a game.