How to Improve Basketball Handling With Scissors Dribble

Contributor

By Kerry Winans
eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating:

(3 Ratings)

Ball Handling is an essential skill for every basketball player. Here is an article that can improve your "handles." The "Scissors Dribble" will help to increase ball control and transition from hand to hand. If done at high speeds, it is also a great conditioning drill.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Basketball
Hard Surface

Step 1

Start with your knees bent and feet shoulder width apart.
Step 2

Place your left foot 12 to 18 inches in front of your body. There should now be enough space between your left and right foot for a ball to pass through.
Step 3

Begin dribbling the ball with your right hand.
Step 4

Dribble the ball between your legs and over to your left hand.
Step 5

As the ball passes between your legs, shift your left foot back and your right foot forward. Your right foot should now be 12 to 18 inches ahead of your left. Your legs are making a scissors action.
Step 6

Dribble the ball between your legs and over to your right hand.
Step 7

As the ball passes between your legs, shift your left foot back and your right foot forward. Your right foot should now be 12 to 18 inches ahead of your left.
Step 8

Continue this process for 30 seconds, shifting your feet with every bounce.

Tips & Warnings

For beginners, it is OK to take a couple of dribbles before passing the ball through your legs. Soon, you will develop the skills and rhythm to be dribbling between your legs with each dribble.
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."