Chapter - 23

Dribbling

When to dribble | Dribbling technique | Dribbling hints | Drills

The fundamental technique of dribbling is easily learned by most players although some players develop a greater degree of proficiency than others. However, many players fail to learn the most important part of the dribbling fundamental—when to dribble. Though the exceptional dribbler is a crowd pleaser, he can be a detriment to his team if he misuses the dribble.

The dribble may be used on the following occasions:

1. To advance the ball downcourt into offensive position.

2. To advance the ball against a full-court pressing defense.

3. To drive for the basket.

4. To move away from the congested area under the defensive basket after taking a defensive rebound.

5. To advance the ball in the middle lane of the front-court phase of the fast-break.

6. To freeze the ball.

7. To set up offensive plays.

There may be other situations in which the dribble may be used satisfactorily. The general rule to follow is: Do not dribble when it is more advantageous to pass.

Dribbling Technique

The dribbling hand must be on top of the ball with the fingers spread. The palms should not touch the ball. The dribble will be made with the fingers and thumb. The ball is pushed to the floor with a flick of the wrist and slight downward motion of the forearm.

The height of the dribble and position of the body will depend on the dribbling situation. If the dribbler is advancing the ball uncontested downcourt to set up the offense or if he is in the clear driving for the basket where speed is more important than ball-protection, the body should be in an upright position and the ball should bounce approximately waist high. If the dribbler is being challenged by the defense as on a short drive for the basket or when dribbling to freeze the ball as some teams do, the body should be in a crouched position, knees bent, and the ball should be dribbled about knee high. This is important to adequately protect the ball in these tightly guarded situations. If the dribbler is uncontested, he may dribble out in front of his body. If the dribbler is being guarded, he must dribble to the side of his body away from the defensive player so that his body can give added protection to the ball.

Dribbling Hints

1. Players should be thoroughly schooled on the value of the dribble, when to use it, and cautioned about overuse.

2. If a pass is more advantageous to the team, do not dribble.

3. Do not look at the ball when dribbling. The use of "blinders" is an excellent aid in teaching this phase of the dribble.

4. Learn to dribble equally well with both hands.

5. Learn a quick change of direction dribble.

6. Do not develop the habit of taking a dribble immediately upon receiving a pass. Save the dribble as a threat to the defense.

7. Do not bat the ball. It should be pushed to the floor.

8. Do not attempt to dribble between two defensive players.

Drills

DRIBBLING DRILL 1. Dribble Relay. Chairs are placed at intervals along the court. Players are divided into two teams. Each member of each team must dribble in and out the chairs, changing hands, make a lay-up, and return. Team finishing first is the winner.

DRIBBLING DRILL 2. Dribble tag. One player is designated as "it." Other players may be in any area of the half-court. "It" must attempt to dribble and "tag" another player. Any player tagged becomes "it."

DRIBBLING DRILL 3. Defensive players are stationed as shown. As the dribbler dribbles in and out of the defensive players, the defensive players slap at the ball. After getting by the defensive players, the dribbler shoots a lay-up, dribbles to the side and makes a baseball or hook pass to the next player in line.

Are You Ready To Move Onto The Next Lesson? Click Here...