For basketball players in any position, perfecting ball handling techniques is essential. A solid foundation in ball handling may significantly improve your on-court play, whether you’re a forward looking to generate opportunities or a point guard slicing through defenders. This blog post will go over several key drills that you can do to advance your game and develop better ball handling abilities.
Dribbling Two Balls at a Time
This exercise is a wonderful technique to increase hand-eye coordination and ambidexterity. Start by assuming an athletic stance and simultaneously dribbling two basketballs. Pay attention to controlling the balls and keeping the beat constant. Incorporate crossovers, between-the-legs, and behind-the-back dribbles as you advance to push yourself. This exercise will increase your ball handling skills under pressure and help you become a more versatile player.
Figure Eight Drill
A traditional ball handling practice that enhances hand dexterity and control is the figure eight drill. Two cones should be placed shoulder-width apart. Start by dribbling the ball in a figure-eight pattern around the first cone. Once you feel at relaxed, hurry up and test your ability to hold your balance while keeping your eyes up. This exercise will improve your capacity for quick direction changes and precise cuts when dribbling.
Cone Slalom Drill
The cone slalom drill is great for increasing agility and enhancing your capacity for movement in constrained situations. Cones should be arranged in a zigzag manner, with adequate space between each one to allow dribbling. Start at one end of the course, dribble as quickly as you can past the cones using crossovers, between-the-legs dribbles, and behind-the-back dribbles. Keep your speed and control under control the entire drill. Your ability to maneuver around defenders and create scoring chances will improve as a result of this practice.
Reaction Drill With Tennis Balls
Your reflexes and hand-eye coordination will be strengthened by completing this exercise. Start by dribbling a basketball with one hand while simultaneously bouncing a tennis ball against a wall with the other. Catch the tennis ball as it bounces with the hand that was dribbling the basketball, then start dribbling again right away. This exercise will make it easier for you to respond swiftly to unforeseen events on the court, such as dropped balls or defensive pressure.
Static Ball Handling Exercises
Don’t undervalue the value of stationary ball handling exercises despite the necessity of on-court drills. You can concentrate on essential abilities while developing muscle memory with these drills. One-handed stationary dribbling, switching hands, and practicing particular moves like crossovers and spin moves are a few examples. Regularly engaging in these drills will enhance your ball control and make completing movements during live gameplay second nature.
