How to Improve Basketball Dribbling Skills

Both hands cannot touch the ball at the same time during a dribble.

Dribbling is the most basic basketball skill, but that doesn't make it easy. Players dribble the ball when they bounce it. The skill allows them to move the ball from one end of the court to another. Improving your dribbling skills not only allows you to get from one end of the court to another, but also allows you to focus less on the ball and more on complex moves or the position of defender. Practicing a few drills every day, each for about 15 minutes, will help you improve your dribbling skills and become better on the court.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Cones
• A partner

1. Dribble the ball at three different heights, moving from one to the other without stopping. Start by standing completely up, move into a crouch about halfway toward the floor then move farther down until you're dribbling about 4 inches from the floor. Perform in reverse. Switch hands and repeat.

2. Combine Step 1 with a "V dribble." Dribble the ball from one hand to the other, in the shape of a "V," between each dribble. Be careful not to touch the ball with both hands simultaneously.

3. Incorporate a "V dribble" while walking back and forth down the court. Look ahead at all times. Practice until you are able to walk the entire length of the court, from basket to basket, twice without looking at the ball or dropping the dribble.

4. Place cones or other obstacles 5 feet apart, using at least five obstacles. Dribble between the obstacles, weaving between them. Begin with a walk and increase your speed until you accomplish a fast jog. Steadily move the obstacles closer together until they are 2 feet apart.

5. Ask a partner to play the part of defender. Start at one end of the court and dribble to the other end while your partner defends. Keep your eyes ahead of you or on the defender. Practice staying low and protecting the ball. Try to get across the court without losing the ball or dropping the dribble.