The Ultimate Guide To Dribbling A Basketball Like A Pro Baller
So why should you learn how to dribble a basketball better? Well, one of the first things that stands out on the court is when a player can dribble the basketball really well.
They’re the player that’s dribbling circles around their opponent – not necessarily any fancy dribbling but they’re taking care of the ball and not turning it over with poor ball handling skills.
Yes, if they’re going between their legs and behind their back they may start getting the crowd’s approval and applause, but ultimately it’s the appreciation of the skill and art of handling the rock.
Stephen Curry is the perfect example of a player who can use his basketball dribbling skills to get him an open shot regardless of what the defense throws at him.
In this article you are first going to learn the basics of dribbling a basketball.
Once you master the fundamentals we will show you how to progress your handles to pro level.
We will also show you the drills that you can do to improve your dribbling skills fast!
UPDATE: Did you know Steph Curry just released his own online basketball training program. We purchased a copy and did a massive review that shows you exactly what is included inside the program. Read our Steph Curry Masterclass review to learn more.
People are not naturally born with great skills when it comes to dribbling the basketball.
However, with motivation and commitment you can learn how to dribble a basketball better and become great ball handler!
Becoming an excellent ball handler doesn’t happen overnight – it will take serious practice – but if you’re willing to work hard then you will see the results.
Don't worry. We’re going to show you everything you need to know in order to improve your ball handling game. So let's get started!
To ensure we made this the best basketball dribbling training guide online we collated shared knowledge from some of the worlds most experienced basketball dribbling coaches in the world.
6 Steps To Dribbling A Basketball The Correct Way For Beginners
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First things first, you have to know how to dribble the basketball the correct way.
If you’ve been dribbling any other way, stop doing it your way and do it the right way.
Here are a few fundamental tips that will ensure you are dribbling a basketball the correct way:
1. Start And Remain In A Low Stance
When you start dribbling, you want to be low so that you can dribble the basketball low as well.
The lower you are the more difficult it makes it for your defender to steal the ball from you.
Make sure you’re bending your knees – this gives you mobility while you dribble.
2. Use Your Fingertips For Better "Feel"
As you dribble, you want to use your fingertips and NOT your palm.
You want your hands to have control over the ball as it bounces and your fingertips make sure that happens.
Spread your fingers out across the basketball’s surface as you dribble so you have a wide and balanced contact area.
To become a better dribbler of the basketball you must develop excellent muscular endurance of the muscles in the forearms, wrist and fingers. The best way to develop this endurance is to put more time in dribbling the basketball.
Note: It also may be worthwhile checking out the PowerHandz dribbling gloves, as they have been designed to boost ball handling specific muscular endurance and control.
3. Bounce the Ball Firmly Against The Ground
With your dominate hand, push the ball down so that it bounces off the ground.
You want to bounce it firmly, but not so hard that you can’t control it.
As the ball hit the grounds and comes back up to your hand, you want to push it back down with your fingertips in a controlled motion.
Aim for high repetitions in order to build motor patterning and promote muscular endurance development.
Note: A great product that can help you improve your fingers, wrists and forearm strength in a basketball dribbling specific manner is the SKLZ Control Basketball.
This innovative device reacts the same as a regulation size ball while challenging your dribbling nureo-muscular structures and function.
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4. Keep Your Hand On Top Of The Ball
Each time the ball bounces up to you, it’s important to keep control of it.
The palm of your hand should be directly over the ball so that as your dribbling the ball bounces right into your fingertips.
5. Dribble The Basketball Low To The Ground
This should be easy if you’re already in that low stance.
Stay in your low position, bend your knees, and dribble the ball low to the ground to keep it protected.
Once you get this down with your dominate hand, start using your weaker hand. A top baller has to be able to dribble with either hand!
Remember: To beat the D, keep the ball below the knee!
6. Keep Your Eyes Up While Dribbling
If you are just starting to learn how to dribble a basketball better then you will probably find this challenge quite difficult.
Dribbling without looking at the ball requires a basic level of muscle memory that can only be obtained through hours of fundamental dribbling practice.
However, once you feel comfortable dribbling a basketball while looking at it you must move on and challenge your dribbling skills without the use of a visual aid.
The best ball handles use their peripheral vision to observe and analyse the court in order to see the opportunity to make a play.
At a pro level their is no time to look at the ball.
The best way to learn how to dribble a basketball without looking is to simply start off by dribbling with your eyes shut.
3 Fundamental Dribbling Movements Every Basketball Player Must Master
As you’re working on your handles it is good to get a couple staple moves into your arsenal.
Every baller needs to know how to do these and to do them well.
Now that you are dribbling the basketball the right way, it’s time to learn how to start to move with the ball and become a true offensive weapon.
1. How To Do A Crossover Dribble
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To perform a crossover dribble as you’re dribbling the basketball, take a step with the foot that is on the same side as the basketball, push off that foot as if you’re going to go in that direction, and then push the basketball across the front of your body to the other side.
Your basketball will essentially make the shape of a ‘v’ when you execute your crossover.
2. How To Dribble A Basketball Between The Legs
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As you’re dribble the basketball in your dominate hand and step with your opposite foot.
As you step, push the basketball towards the ground in the space you’ve created between your feet.
While this is happening, be ready to catch the ball in the same dribbling motion with your opposite hand.
3. How To Dribble A Basketball Behind Your Back
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As you’re dribbling the basketball, take a step with the foot that is on the same side as the basketball.
As you do this, push the ball behind your back so that it hits the ground midway towards the opposite side of your body.
When the ball is coming off the ground, you should be ready to begin dribbling with your opposite hand in the same motion. It’s essentially a crossover, but behind your back.
How To Dribble A Basketball Like A Pro
Now that you’ve got the beginner moves down it’s time to take the next step. You have to put it all together like a pro.
The best way to dribble a basketball like a pro is to study the pros.
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Steph Curry is a great player to study. He executes all of the fundamental aspects of dribbling perfectly. Best yet, Steph uses his dribbling skills to create open shots for himself and teammates.
Steph Curry recently created an online training course where he shares all of his dribbling, shooting and scoring tips. He provides you with all the drills that he uses to sharpen his dribbling skills.
In Steph's masterclass he breaks down game film sessions so viewers can learn how to see the game from his perspective. Learning from the greatest shooter of all-time is priceless. if you want a way to get an advantage over your competition than this course is for you.
If you want to take your game to the next level I highly recommend checking out the Steph Curry Masterclass today.
How to Train To Dribble a Basketball Better Today!
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again if you want to know how to dribble a basketball better it just takes PRACTICE.
If you want to be better at dribbling you have to put in the time and energy to becoming BETTER.
Being an expert dribbler only comes with constantly having the basketball in your hands. How do you do this? You dribble everywhere and get creative with your dribbling workouts.
Here are a few great drills that will help you learn how to dribble a basketball better and faster.
1. Two Ball Dribbling Drills
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If you think dribbling with one ball can be tough, try adding a second ball.
At first this will feel really weird and every move will be difficult. Over time and practice, it will start to become second nature and your confidence in handling the rock will increase.
These drills will make you focus on the details of everything you do – dribbling at the same time (coordination), with the same amount of force (rhythm), and using both hands (strengthens weaker hand).
2. Tennis Ball Drills
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By using tennis ball while you’re practicing your dribbling skills it forces you to not watch yourself dribble.
Your eyes have to be on the tennis ball or looking for the tennis ball. It works on your reaction time and your ability to adjust in a matter of seconds.
These drills will make your focus on everything other than your dribble which will increase your court vision and taking care of the basketball.
3. Cone Drills
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As a staple drill, having about six cones allows you to set up different scenarios to perfect your dribbling skills.
Cones can allow you to practice in a lot of different ways while giving you maximum repetition. The key to cone drills is staying discipline and having great speed and energy each time.
To me, cone drills are the most universal drill you can do when it comes to skill level – meaning you can use them as a beginner and as a pro.
They are also a great way to practice your dribbling finishing with shooting the basketball – so it adds an all around way to improve.
They are also a great way to practice your dribbling finishing with shooting the basketball – so it adds an all around way to improve.
4. Defense Drills
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If you have a partner with you in the gym then work together one your dribbling skills.
There’s no better way to become a better ball handler and increase your confidence then going against defense.
Start out with soft defense meaning the defense doesn’t try to steal the ball - they are just there to provide a defensive presence.
After a couple of times, pick up the pace and have the defense try and steal it from you. It will be similar to one on one, but your goal will be to not turn the ball over.
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Final Thoughts On Becoming A Better Ball Handler
All the best basketball players put in the time to get better and if you want to be considered one of the best you have to do the same.
Make sure you’re reaching your full potential by learning how to dribble the correct way and then taking it to the next level with different moves and drills.
Now that you know what to do it’s up to you to make it happen.
Don't forget to check out our roundup of the best online basketball training programs if you would like a "done for you" basketball dribbling program to follow.
Get to work!
