Basketball Ball Handling Basics

By Dan McDavis


The only way to move the ball up the floor if you do not want to pass it, then the only option you have is to have proper ball handling ability. Proper dribbling is what will get you to where you need to get to on the floor, and it can also please the crowd which will boost your respect and popularity.

Anyone who is serious about playing the sport of basketball has to consider the fundamentals on how to dribble and handle a basketball. There is a lot of information out there that will be able to help you develop great ball handling ability.

If you can properly handle the basketball then you reduce your chances of turnovers, you will be able to get to where you need to get on the floor with the ball easier, and you will have more confidence.

Being able to dribble the ball very well will allow you to have more high percentage shots, and high percentage passes. This is made possible because you will be able to get that separation from the defender at will.

Athletes such as Austin Rivers, Jeremy Lin, Deron Williams, Lebron James, and many more are able to get this separation from their defender that is critical to your success on the basketball floor, while exciting the crowd at the same time.

If you want to turbo charge the effects of ball handling, then you should work on your speed as well as quickness. When these are combined together, you will unstoppable on the floor. You will also get fouled a lot more because of it. However, if you're new to ball handling here are some rules to proper ball handling.

Rule 1: You have two hands, which means train both of them. If you are not, then you reduce you ability to get to where you want to go on the floor by half. A defender can easily notice that you cannot use your weak hand and take advantage of it if you're not using your weak hand as much as your strong hand in during training.

Rule 2: Do not bounce the ball with your palms, but rather your finger tips. This reduces turnovers, because you will have more control over the basketball, and will be able to place it where you want. This is also fundamental, and coaches as well as trainers are looking for it.

Rule 3: Ensure that the ball goes not higher than waist level, when you're dribbling. Not only does this reduce turnovers, but it you dribble too high you will in violation of the rules. Both of which are turnovers, and empty trips down the floor. It should not take very long to get a feel for how it bounces. You will get some balls with more air, and some with less air. The key however is to put enough on it so it comes up to your waist or lower, as long as it's comfortable.

Rule 4: There are three positions that your body can be in when you're dribbling the basketball. These three positions are...

1. Control Position: This position is simply a matter of keeping your head up, your shoulders down lower than your defender, and your knees slightly bent. Not only does this reduce your chances of turning the ball over, but you will become more explosive because you will be able to target the very same muscles that are used in quick movements. Every perimeter player is in this position before they put a move such as a crossover or behind the back on a defender.

2. Speed Position: Simply put, sprinting with the basketball is the goal here. Used in a fastbreak, this position increases your speed with the ball and should be done when a defender is to far away to steal the ball from you. Some players will even push the ball way out in front of them and then sprint it down to ensure that they are getting from point A to point B as quick as possible. Your body is straight up and the ball is not as protected as much as with the other two body positions which is why it's important to be done in a fastbreak situation.

3. Power Position: This position is done by using a wide stance and can be utilized by anyone on the floor. The idea is to keep the bouncing basketball out of the defenders reach by ensuring that you're the middle man between the ball and the player guarding you.

Although the fancy moves are fun to watch, when you're starting out in basketball it's important to make sure you have these basics down first before moving onto the flashy stuff. Master these, and you will become a much better player, work on these until you're able to switch from position to position seamlessly without even thinking about it. Have fun.




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