What is behind the back dribble in basketball
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.
Also, behind the back dribble is an indirectly-related type of crossover dribble and one of several dribble moves that could be utilized to create scoring or playmaking opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter areas of the court.
Additionally, behind the back dribble is typically used by perimeter-oriented basketball positions such as the point guard, shooting guard, or small forward.
However, it is also feasible for post-oriented players such as the power forward or center to perform behind the back dribble if those players understand the basic fundamentals of dribbling and as a result, have the knowledge to perform that action, similar to the perimeter players.
Furthermore, behind the back dribble action is usually most effective when it is used as a counter move to certain on-ball defensive actions.
Basically, if an on-ball defender attempts to cut off an offensive player’s driving lane towards one direction or if an on-ball defender reaches in to try to steal the ball while it is being dribbled, then the offensive player could possibly react with behind the back dribble action.
Moreover, behind the back dribble could also be beneficial to perform at certain times such as when an offensive player would like to dribble the ball while being adjacent to a deep corner and/or near a baseline.
What are examples of behind the back dribble opportunities
These are examples that showcase opportunities when an offensive player in possession of the basketball could consider using behind the back dribble, primarily as a counter to specific actions of the on-ball defender.
From there, the offensive player with the ball could then score points for themselves or make plays for other teammates.
Example 1
For this example, an offensive player is dribbling the ball with the right hand near the right side wing while being covered by an on-ball defender at the same time.
Next, the offensive player executes a right to left hand standard crossover dribble followed by a left-handed drive towards the lane area. However, when that occurs, the on-ball defender cuts off that driving lane and stays in front of the ball.
At that time, while the defender’s momentum is shifting them towards the lane, that is when the offensive player could execute a left to right hand behind the back dribble.
Afterwards, the offensive player most likely would be able to perform a right hand dribble drive to the basket on the baseline side before the defender fully recovers to contain the ball.
Following the dribble penetration, the offensive player could score at the rim via a layup, floater, or dunk.
Alternatively, the offensive player might have an option to throw a drift pass or kick pass to another teammate for another opportunity to score points via a jump shot or by way of slashing to the rim as well.
Example 2
For this example, an offensive player is dribbling the ball initially with the left hand near the top while being covered with moderate on-ball defense.
Following that, the offensive player uses a left to right between the legs dribble in an attempt to drive towards the basket with the right hand.
However, the defender cuts off the driving lane towards that direction so the offensive player quickly counters with a right to left behind the back dribble.
As a result, there would most likely be a decent amount of separation between the offensive player and the on-ball defender, which would occur due to the initial momentum of the defender attempting to stay in front of the ball.
From there, the offensive player could potentially take a mid-range or three-point jump shot before the defender is able to fully recover to contest the shot with a hand in the offensive player’s face.
Example 3
For this example, an offensive player is dribbling the basketball with the left hand into the frontcourt while attempting to run the team’s basketball offense.
However, at that moment, an on-ball defender aggressively reaches in to steal the ball. When that occurs, the offensive player could execute a left to right behind the back dribble as a counter.
As a result, the defender would most likely be at a disadvantage in terms of defensive stance and position. From there, the offensive player could have a chance to attack the basket, take an open jump shot, or pass the ball to an open teammate.
Example 4
In this example, an offensive player receives the ball near the right side corner but has not dribbled it just yet. At the same time, an on-ball defender implements a large amount of defensive pressure.
Also, due to that pressure, it is not practical for the offensive player to take a high quality jump shot or execute dribble moves such as the standard crossover, between the legs dribble, or spin move.
Furthermore, the offensive player cannot effectively alleviate the defensive pressure with the escape dribble because there is not enough space to dribble in a reverse direction to break away from the on-ball defender.
Fortunately, in this instance, the right side low post area is empty so it is possible to attack the basket for a scoring or playmaking opportunity.
The offensive player could accomplish this by initially using a swift jab step with the right foot towards the adjacent baseline.
Afterwards, if the on-ball defender shifts their body towards that direction, then the offensive player could then use a right to left behind the back dribble.
From there, the offensive player could drive to the basket, particularly with the left hand, and score via a layup or dunk. Alternatively, the offensive player could possibly pass the ball to other teammates, who could then potentially score points as well.
What are examples of behind the back dribbling drills
These are examples of basketball drills that could possibly help players practice and develop behind the back dribble action.
These drills are primarily designed for beginners such as youth basketball players but they can also be used by more advanced players as well.
Additionally, these drills are essentially for individuals who would practice by themselves. However, the drills could also be implemented into team practices as well.
Furthermore, when executing the drills in general, players should try to keep their head up and eyes forward as much as possible. In other words, players should try to avoid looking down at the basketball whenever possible.
Progression Warm-Up
This is a basic progression warm-up drill that could be potentially useful as a learning tool for behind the back dribble action.
To execute the drill, sit in a chair or on a park bench with feet about shoulder width apart and back straightened.
Next, dribble the ball under the legs with the right hand and catch it with the left hand. Also, try not to look down as much as possible.
After that, dribble the ball again under the legs, but this time with the left hand, and catch it with the right hand.
Continue this right to left and left to right dribble action for a specified number of repetitions or for a certain amount of time.
This progression drill could be helpful because even though the player is not necessarily dribbling behind their back, that same player is still dribbling the ball behind their feet.
In other words, the offensive player is able to increase the dribbling skills in terms of hand placement behind a portion of their own body. Theoretically, this could make it more easier to actually dribble behind the back afterwards.
Stationary warm-up
This is a simple warm-up basketball drill that is designed to help with hand-eye coordination, wrist action, and finger pad control.
To begin, execute an athletic stance with feet about shoulder width apart, knees bent, back straight, and eyes forward while holding the basketball.
Next, dribble the ball to the ground with the right hand, particularly in the area that is directly behind the center of the body. Afterwards, catch the ball with the left hand.
It should also be noted that the dribbling pathway of the ball should form an imaginary V after the ball bounces from one hand to the other hand.
It should also be stated that the ball should not sit directly on top of the palm as that would indicate the end of the dribble. Therefore, a violation would happen if the ball were to be dribbled again.
Continue this stationary warm-up drill with a left to right and right to left dribbling pattern for a certain number of time or repetitions.
Baseline to half court
This drill emphasizes dribbling behind the back while moving from a baseline to the half court line.
Start near one baseline and dribble the ball with the left hand behind the back. Catch the ball with the right hand while taking a step towards the half court line.
Next, dribble with the right hand behind the back and catch it with the left hand while stepping towards the half court line.
Repeat this process of dribbling behind the back while moving towards the half court line.
Baseline to baseline
This is a variation of the previous drill. This time, however, the offensive player would start near one baseline and dribble the ball behind the back while moving towards the opposite baseline.
Additionally, as the player continues to get better at the drill, they can try to reach the other baseline in a certain amount of time while moving and dribbling as quickly as possible.
Tennis ball
The tennis ball behind the back drill primarily focuses on hand-eye coordination because a player has to look at the tennis ball while dribbling the basketball.
To perform the drill, begin 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 with the right hand and then immediately dribble the ball behind the back with the left hand.
Next, catch the basketball with the right hand and at the same time, catch the tennis ball with the left hand.
Afterwards, toss the tennis ball in the air with the left hand and then immediately dribble the ball behind the back 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 behind the back dribbling drill.