How to Teach Dribbling in Basketball

Effective dribbling is one of the most important elements to teach in basketball. Players must be able to dribble to be successful. Dribbling is one of the offensive triple threats that every player must learn.

Effective dribbling is one of the most important elements to teach in basketball. Players must be able to dribble to be successful. Dribbling is one of the offensive triple threats that every player must learn. Basketball players should learn effective dribbling in order to:

1. Create Space
2. Avoid Pressure
3. Escape Defenders
4. Beat Defenders
5. Control the pace of the game
6. Change direction or point of attack
7. Move the ball on offense
8. Drive to the basket

Young basketball players learning to dribble should learn that they should have a purpose with every dribble. As players dribbling techniques increase, the player’s confidence also increases. Here are the principals to teaching good dribbling techniques:

1. Body posture – Player’s knees should be bent, butt down, back straight, and bent at the waist.
2. Head up - Players must have their head up to be able to see the court.
3. Finger Tips – Players must control the ball with their finger tips. The last inch of fingers should be used to push the ball back to the floor. Make sure the player doesn’t use the slapping motion or that they don’t use their palm to dribble the basketball.
4. Both Hands – Players should be comfortable dribbling with both hands.
5. Protect the Ball – Teach the player to protect the ball with their body. Players must learn to shield the defender by positioning their body between the ball and the defender.

Teach the basics of dribbling and challenge players to work on dribbling at home as well. Dribbling can be done virtually anywhere, so give the players some dribbling ideas that they can do 15-20 minutes a day.

 

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