How to Improve Basketball Handling With Figure 8 Dribble

Ball Handling is an essential skill for every basketball player. Here is an article that can improve your "handles." This drill will improve finger tip control and dribble hand transition. It is called "Figure 8 Dribbling" because the ball makes a Figure 8 path between your legs as you are dribbling.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Basketball
• Hard Surface

1. Spread your legs a little wider than shoulder width.

2. Get in an athletic position by bending your knees while keeping your back straight.

3. Begin dribbling the ball with your left hand in front of your left foot.

4. Reduce the height of the dribble so it is no higher than your knee.

5. Place your right hand behind your right knee.

6. Begin by dribbling the ball with your left hand towards your right hand. As you are doing this, your right hand should be moving towards the center point between your knees.

7. When the ball reaches the center point between your knees, transfer the dribble to your right hand.

8. While dribbling with your right hand, move it around the back of your right knee and position it in front of your right foot. You have now completed half of the Figure 8.

9. Duplicate Steps 5 through 8, except you are now going from your right hand to your left hand. Once the ball returns to the front of your left foot, you have completed a full Figure 8 Dribble.

10. Continue this process in a continuous manner for 30 seconds.

11. Reverse the Figure 8 pattern by making the hand transfer from the back of the legs to the front of the legs. Continue this process for an additional 30 seconds.

Tips & Warnings

• Once you get comfortable with the drill, reduce your dribble height and increase your speed—it is OK to lose your dribble or lose the ball—pushing yourself is the best way to improve—unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow as a basketball player.
• Be sure to remain bent at the knees in an athletic position.
• Keep your head up just like in a game—build your trust in your "handles."