What is ambidexterity for a basketball player
Ambidexterity is the general ability of a basketball player to use either the left hand or the right hand, particularly to perform the skills of passing or dribbling the ball in addition to the action of scoring, especially around the basket.
For example, let’s say that a player has a preferred or stronger hand in terms of shooting different types of close-range shots such as layups near the basket.
However, let’s also say that the player does not have much of an issue using a non-preferred or weaker hand in reference to executing those same basketball skills.
In other words, the player is able to execute different types of shots or field goal attempts with either hand around the basket and because of that, the player possesses ambidexterity.
Furthermore, it should be noted that although ambidexterity is generally more useful in terms of offensive action, it could also be helpful when applied to certain basketball defense situations.
For example, a right handed player could potentially deflect the ball or block it with the left hand or vice-versa.
It should also be mentioned that in terms of basketball positions, ambidexterity could be a benefit to all players.
Nevertheless, it is generally more important for the point guard to strengthen the weaker hand in relation to dribbling and passing skills.
The point guard should also develop the non-preferred or weaker hand in reference to performing basic or reverse layups.
Moreover, the shooting guard and small forward could focus on becoming more ambidextrous in terms of dribbling or performing close range shots, which also includes different types of layups.
As for the power forward and center, those particular players could emphasize developing the weaker or non-preferred hand in relation to scoring around the basket in general, especially in reference to executing layups as well as low post moves.
What are types of passes that are generally effective in relation to ambidexterity
Bounce pass
A bounce pass consists of action that occurs when a player in current possession of the basketball throws it with a sufficient amount of strength and at a certain angle to the floor so that a teammate can receive it, preferably near their chest or waist area.
A bounce pass can be thrown with both hands but in relation to ambidexterity, it could also be thrown with either the left hand or the right hand as well.
Moreover, a bounce pass that is thrown with either the left hand or right hand could be very useful in certain instances than a bounce pass that is thrown with both hands.
Dribble pass
The dribble pass consists of action that occurs when a player in possession of the basketball initially dribbles it with either the left hand or right hand and then immediately throws it with that same left or right hand to an open teammate for a possible playmaking or scoring opportunity.
In relation to ambidexterity, if a player can perform the dribble pass with either hand, then it is typically much easier to get the ball to the recipient of that pass and at the same time, there would generally less time for the defense to react, particularly to deflect the ball or make an interception attempt.
Drift pass
The drift pass consists of action that occurs when a player in possession of the ball generally dribbles towards the baseline on one side of the lane and then quickly throws the ball to the opposite corner or opposite wing.
In relation to ambidexterity, if an offensive player, especially a guard, can throw the drift pass with either the left hand or the right hand, then it would typically be much more easier to create scoring opportunities for other teammates via playmaking skills.
Moreover, offensive players that are able to throw the drift pass with either hand could also increase the number of assists over time, particularly when the recipient of the drift pass is able to take open jump shots.
Hook pass
The hook pass is comprised of action that occurs when a player in possession of the basketball propels it through the air with a throwing motion that is somewhat similar to a hook, which could then lead to scoring or playmaking opportunities.
In relation to ambidexterity, if an offensive player is able to execute the hook pass with either hand, particularly once dribble penetration happens, then that could lead to scoring opportunities for other offensive players, especially near perimeter areas near the weak side of the court.
Pocket pass
The pocket pass consists of action that occurs when an offensive player in possession of the basketball throws it to a teammate, particularly between the open space of an on-ball primary defender as well as an adjacent off-ball secondary defender.
In relation to ambidexterity, if an offensive player is able to execute the pocket pass with either hand, then this simply makes it more difficult for the defense to hinder scoring/playmaking opportunities, especially in terms of pick and roll or pick and pop action.
Wrap around pass
The wrap around pass consists of action that occurs when a player in possession of the ball throws it around an opposing defender to a teammate, ultimately leading to a possible scoring opportunity or an additional playmaking option.
In relation to ambidexterity, if an offensive player is able to execute the wrap around pass with either hand, then it is usually much easier to counter against defensive pressure, especially when the possible receiver of the wrap around pass is near the basket for a scoring opportunity.
Behind the back pass
A behind the back pass consists of action that occurs when a player in current possession of the basketball throws it behind their back to an open teammate for a possible scoring or playmaking opportunity.
In relation to ambidexterity, if an offensive player is able to throw the ball behind their back with either the left hand or the right hand, then it could become much more challenging for defenders to limit scoring opportunities, particularly at the time of transition offense.
What are dribble actions that are generally effective in relation to ambidexterity
Crossover dribble
The crossover dribble consists of action that occurs when an offensive player dribbles the basketball with one hand across their body and then catches it with the opposite hand, ultimately to generate scoring or playmaking opportunities.
In relation to ambidexterity, if an offensive player is able to execute the crossover dribble from left to right as well as right to left with proficiency, then it would be much more easier to create separation from a defender, which could also lead to scoring opportunities near the basket or near perimeter areas of the court as well.
Between the legs dribble
Between the legs dribble consists of action that occurs when an offensive player dribbles the basketball with one particular hand between their legs and afterwards, that same player catches the ball with their opposite hand.
In relation to ambidexterity, if an offensive player is able to skillfully dribble the ball between their legs with either hand, then it could be much easier to reduce the potency of on-ball defense.
This could be even more potentially effective when an ambidextrous player is able to dribble the ball between their legs as a setup move and then link that action with another type of dribble move to form a combination move, ultimately to blow by a defender, which also generates separation from that defender.
Behind the back dribble
Behind the back dribble consists of action that occurs when an offensive player dribbles the basketball with one particular hand behind their back, as the name implies, and afterwards, that same player catches the ball with their opposite hand.
In relation to ambidexterity, if an offensive player is able to adeptly dribble the ball behind their back with the left or right hand, then it would be much easier to alleviate aggressive pressure of an on-ball defender.
Ambidexterity for an offensive player in that type of scenario could be very beneficial, especially when an on-ball defender attempts to crowd the offensive player’s space and/or the on-ball defender attempts to steal the ball from the offensive player.
What are types of shots that are generally effective in relation to ambidexterity
Basic layup
The basic layup consists of action that occurs when an offensive player in possession of the basketball near the rim, jumps in the air with one foot, and shoots the ball off the corner of the backboard’s inner rectangle.
In relation to ambidexterity, if an offensive player is able to perform the basic layup with either hand, then it is simply much easier to score around the basket.
This is particularly even more important when a defender could possibly block the layup attempt if an offensive player does not shoot it with the hand that is opposite that defender.
Reverse layup
The reverse layup consists of action that occurs when an offensive player in possession of the basketball near the rim, jumps in the air and shoots the ball on the opposite side of the backboard’s inner rectangle.
In relation to ambidexterity, if an offensive player is able to perform the reverse layup with the left or right hand, then it is simply easier to utilize it on either side of the court, especially when a defender could potentially block the basic type of layup.
Finger roll
A finger roll is a type of layup shot that occurs when an offensive player in possession of the basketball near the basket jumps in the air and rolls the ball over the front of the rim with an underhanded shooting motion.
In relation to ambidexterity, if an offensive player is able to perform the finger roll with either hand, then it could be simply easier to score, especially when it is not viable or necessary to execute the basic layup or the reverse layup.
Floater
A floater consists of action that occurs when an offensive player in possession of the basketball jumps in the air near the basket, and shoots the ball with a high arc over the front of the rim.
In relation to ambidexterity, if perimeter players such as the point guard, shooting guard, combo guard, small forward, or the swingman are able to perform the floater with either hand, then it could be easier to score in the lane, especially against post players with shot blocking capabilities.
What are examples of dribbling drills that could potentially improve ambidexterity
Tennis ball crossover drill
The tennis ball crossover drill mainly prevents a player from looking down at the ball while dribbling it and it is a great way to work on basketball conditioning as well as ambidexterity.
To perform this particular drill, start by holding a tennis ball in the right hand and a basketball in the left hand.
From that point, toss the tennis ball in the air and then immediately execute a crossover dribble. Next, catch the tennis ball while it is still in the air with the left hand and simultaneously, catch the basketball with the right hand.
Afterwards, toss the tennis ball in the air with the left hand and then immediately cross over the basketball with the right hand.
Following that, catch the tennis ball while it is still in the air with the right hand and at the same time, catch the basketball with the left hand.
Execute this action over and over for a specific amount of time or reps to complete the tennis ball crossover dribbling drill.
Two-ball crossover drill
The two-ball crossover drill is somewhat advanced but it could more than likely increase a player’s dribbling ambidexterity in a shorter time than dribbling exclusively with one basketball.
Also, in general, it is typically better to begin to learn the mechanics of the two-ball crossover drill without using basketballs initially.
Basically, to get a feel for the drill, visualize holding two basketballs in each hand near both sides of the body.
Next, slowly move the left hand and the right hand together at the same time while snapping the wrists to simulate a crossover dribble with both hands.
Also, as the hands move together, place the left hand on top of the right hand. Furthermore, the wrists should also converge and form an X.
From there, slowly separate the two hands until they are near the sides of the body again while still visualizing the holding of two basketballs.
Once more, slowly move the left hand and the right hand together at the same time while snapping the wrists to simulate the crossover dribble with both hands.
However, this time, place the right hand on top of the left hand while the wrists converge to form an X as before.
From that point, slowly separate the two hands until they are near the sides while still visualizing the two basketballs in each hand.
Repeat the left hand over right hand motion and vice versa until it becomes more natural. Also, snap the wrists and bring both hands near the sides while visualizing holding the two basketballs.
Once the general mechanics become easier to grasp, it is then time to perform the actual two-ball crossover drill.
To do that, start by holding a basketball in each hand. Next, execute a frontal crossover with the ball that is in the left hand. Immediately, at the same time, execute a crossover with the ball that is in the right hand.
Moreover, the left hand should be on top of the right hand and the two hands should form an X letter near the wrist areas.
Following that, as both of the basketballs bounce on the ground towards opposite sides, catch them simultaneously with both hands.
Repeat this process again with the right hand over the left hand and vice versa. This drill could be done continuously but it is most likely easier to use an alternating pattern.
To clarify, here is an example of a simple alternating two-ball dribbling pattern. Take two or three basic pound dribbles with both basketballs and then follow up with a two-ball crossover dribble.
Afterwards, take two or three basic pound dribbles again and execute the two-ball crossover. Repeat this alternating pattern over and over for a certain amount of time and/or repetitions.