Basics Of Ball Handling

Dribbling also called ball handling is the only way to move the basketball while maintaining possession of the basketball. If you can dribble the basketball well, then you will be able to place yourself anywhere on the floor most of the time regardless of what the defense is doing when combined with the right moves.

In fact, this fundamental is so basic that you should be working on this first before moving on to anything else. Because if you can't move the ball, then you can't play. These are workbooks, video information on YouTube, as well as DVDs and camps that will assist you on your journey to become a great ball handler. One important thing to note here is that it does not matter what position that you play on the basketball court.

Proper handling of the basketball, reduces your chances of turning the ball over to the opposing team. Which allows your you and your team to get at least one attempt at the basket on the current possession. There is nothing worse than empty trips down the floor.

When it comes to creating space all by yourself, then ball handling is what you will need to rely on to get that important separation, which increases your chances of making the shot because you decrease your chances of having your shot contested by the defender.

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.

It's a fact that you will be almost impossible to guard if you throw in explosiveness with the correct ball handling. 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: When you have the basketball in your possession, there are only three positions that your body can be in. Any other position is not fundamental basketball, these positions are the following.

1. Control Stance: This stance is mainly done by players that play on the perimeter, and it involves keeping your knees bent, head up, and shoulders down lower than the player guarding you. This limits the chances of the ball being stolen because it shortens the return trip of the basketball, and it will also target the muscles that are involved in quick movements. This is really helpful to already be in this position, when you need to get past someone after you've just put a move on him.

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 Dribble: The goal of this one is to offer maximum protection of the basketball while keeping your dribble. This involves keeping your head up, your stance very wide, and the ball on the outside of your body. This ensures that the defender cannot deflect the basketball in most cases, and is important for all players. Perimeter players do this stance with their shoulder closest to their defender pointed towards his chest, and players that play in the paint have their back in the defenders chest. Regardless of the situation, the goal is to see the rest of the floor, protect the ball, and keep your dribble.

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. More importantly however, have fun!