What is dribbling in basketball?
Dribbling is a fundamental skill that occurs when an offensive player in possession of the basketball bounces it to the floor at least one time before grasping it with both hands or palming it, especially underneath one hand, which would indicate the completion of the dribbling sequence.
How is dribbling typically initiated?
Generally speaking, dribbling is typically initiated by an offensive player with one particular hand and continued until that same player is ready to pass the ball to a teammate or release the ball towards the basket by way of a layup, dunk, or jump shot.
It is also possible for an offensive player to switch the basketball from one hand to the other as long as that same player does not gather the ball with both hands or hold it with one hand during that process.
Where can a player go on the court while dribbling?
An offensive player in possession of the basketball can walk or run anywhere within the backcourt and/or frontcourt for a certain amount of time as long as that player stays within the boundary lines of the court and that player also continues to dribble without holding the ball with one or both hands.
Although, it should also be stated that once an offensive player has possession of the ball in the frontcourt, that same player cannot dribble or pass the ball into the backcourt as that would result in a backcourt violation.
Why is dribbling generally important?
Dribbling is generally important because it can be utilized to produce scoring opportunities, primarily by advancing the basketball towards the rim and/or by creating separation between the offensive player in possession of the ball and the on-ball defender.
In other words, when an offensive player dribbles with a purpose to attack the rim and/or to establish a certain amount of space between themselves and the on-ball defender, then that same player could eventually pass or shoot the ball, which could result in scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter areas of the court.
Furthermore, dribbling is most likely a better option to consider when a teammate is not open to receive the ball via a pass and/or the offensive player in possession of the ball cannot shoot it themselves, particularly by way of an open, high quality mid-range or three-point jump shot.
Put another way, an offensive player should consider dribbling the basketball instead of taking an ill-advised highly contested shot or throwing a bad pass, which would potentially lead to a turnover.
For example, let’s say that within a 5-on-5 full court scenario, an offensive point guard receives the ball in the backcourt from an adjacent offensive power forward via an inbound pass after the opposing team scores points.
Let’s also say that the three other offensive players, which would consist of the shooting guard, small forward, and center, have already sprinted into the frontcourt.
At the same time, let’s say that the opposing team implements man to man defense. In other words, each offensive player is currently being covered by a respective defensive player.
When that occurs, it would probably not be feasible for the point guard to throw a long distance air pass or bounce pass ahead to a teammate that is in the frontcourt because there is at least a moderate chance that the ball would be stolen by one of the defenders.
In addition to that, it is probably not suitable to pass the ball to the adjacent power forward because that player most likely would not be able to dribble the ball as quickly or efficiently as the point guard.
Instead, in that situation, the point guard should dribble the ball to advance it into the frontcourt and then execute the team’s basketball offense set plays or strategies.
Alternatively, the point guard could also use an on-ball screen that could be set by the power forward in the backcourt as another way to release defensive pressure and dribble into the frontcourt.
As another example, let’s say that within a half court 5-on-5 scenario, a shooting guard receives the ball near the right side wing from the point guard near the top.
Let’s also say that the current strong side consists of a small forward near the right side corner and a center near the right side low post block while a power forward fills the weak side wing area.
At the same time, let’s say that the opposing team implements man to man defense but more specifically, the defender that is guarding the center executes a low post front to prevent an easy post entry pass.
When that occurs, the shooting guard could possibly pass the ball to the small forward in the corner or initiate ball reversal to the point guard at the top.
However, those particular passing options are probably not very useful in terms of scoring points. Instead, the center could lift out of the post to execute pick and roll action by setting a side ball screen for the shooting guard.
From there, the shooting guard could possibly gain dribble penetration into the lane between the gap of the defense and then score at the rim or take a mid-range shot.
Secondarily, after rolling to the rim, the center could receive the ball from the shooting guard and then score via a layup or dunk.
Additionally, the point guard or power forward could receive the ball from the shooting guard via a kick pass or skip pass and take potential jump shots, particularly if those players’ respective defenders slide towards the lane to establish help defense.
What are the basic techniques of dribbling?
These are simple instructions in regards to the basic techniques of dribbling, which an offensive player should generally consider upon gaining possession of the basketball.
Get into athletic stance
Prior to dribbling the ball, the offensive player should initially get into an athletic stance, which consists of having feet approximately shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent, and a straightened back.
The athletic stance also helps the offensive player with the ball stay on balance to dribble effectively, particularly against potential on-ball defensive pressure.
Keep head up and eyes forward
Upon dribbling the basketball (or even prior to dribbling), the offensive player should have their head up and their eyes forward.
This helps the player to survey the entire court and see offensive teammates as well as defenders of the opposing team.
Essentially, when an offensive player is able to see the floor, especially while dribbling, that could result in scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter areas of the court.
Snap wrist
Upon dribbling the basketball, the offensive player should snap the wrist with a flexible bend as opposed to keeping the wrist flattened.
This helps to give the ball velocity and it also helps the player to keep consistent control over the ball while dribbling it.
Dribble with finger pads
While dribbling the basketball, the offensive player should use the finger pads of the hand, which also helps the player to control the ball.
Essentially, if a player attempted to dribble without using the finger pads, which would essentially consist of dribbling directly with the palm of the hand, then the ball would be much harder to control.
When that happens, the player could eventually lose the ball, which could potentially lead to a turnover.
Extend the elbow
While dribbling the basketball, the offensive player should extend the elbow as much as possible. This results in better ball control and it allows the player the opportunity to execute efficient dribbling action, especially while moving with the ball.
Dribble low
Generally speaking, a player should dribble the ball low, which essentially means below the waist area or even below the knees against on-ball defensive pressure.
Dribbling low is another way that a player can easily control the ball. In addition to that, when a player dribbles the ball low, it is much more difficult for the on-ball defender to steal the ball.
Protect the ball
If defensive pressure occurs while an offensive player is dribbling the ball, then that same offensive player should turn their body sideways at an angle to protect the ball and keep it away from the on-ball defender.
For example, let’s say that an offensive player is dribbling the basketball with their right hand near the top in the frontcourt.
Furthermore, let’s say that an on-ball defender implements pressure in an attempt to make it difficult for the player with the ball to dribble it and/or initiate the team’s offensive plays or strategies.
When that happens, the player in possession of the ball should turn sideways at an angle with their left foot leading while continuing to dribble with their right hand.
Doing that would place the offensive player in between the on-ball defender and the ball itself. In addition, the offensive player is able to protect the ball and keep it away if the on-ball defender attempts to steal it.
Moreover, the offensive player could raise their left arm with a bent elbow, place it near their left side, and use their forearm as additional protection to keep the ball away from the on-ball defender while dribbling.
However, it should be noted that an offensive player cannot use their forearm in an illegal manner to push the defender away as that would result in an offensive foul.
Additionally, in certain instances, an offensive player could utilize an escape dribble as another action to alleviate defensive pressure while protecting the ball.
As an example, let’s say that an offensive player has the ball near the right side wing while an on-ball defender applies pressure.
From there, the offensive player could step away from the on-ball defender while continuing to protect the ball with the aforementioned concepts.
The escape dribble then allows the offensive player to pass, shoot, or continue the dribble action, primarily based on the on-ball defender’s reaction.
Practice dribbling with off-hand
Players should also practice dribbling the basketball with their off-hand as opposed to only dribbling with their stronger hand. As a player gains ambidextrous dribbling skills, it becomes easier to execute multiple dribbling moves with both hands, which could then result in scoring or playmaking opportunities.
Furthermore, when a player has the ability to dribble with either hand, then the on-ball defender would have to play with a normal defensive stance as opposed to taking away the potential dribbling route of the offensive player’s stronger side.
To clarify with an example, let’s say that an offensive player in possession of the ball has above average dribbling skills with their right hand but inadequate dribbling skills with their left hand.
If that is the case, then an on-ball defender could aggressively guard as close as possible near that player’s right hand without fouling, which is sometimes referred to as shading.
This type of defensive action essentially forces the offensive player to dribble the ball with their weaker left hand.
As a result, the offensive player would be limited in terms of dribbling with speed, quickness, as well as efficiency, which would also make it more challenging to create scoring and/or playmaking opportunities.
What is the crossover dribble move?
The crossover dribble 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.
The crossover dribble helps the offensive player create space and separation by essentially misdirecting the on-ball defender towards one direction while the offensive player actually dribbles toward the opposite direction.
Also, the crossover dribble could be highly effective during transition offense or when the on-ball defender is not executing a sagging defense nor playing too aggressively.
In other words, the crossover dribble could be very useful when the on-ball defender gives the offensive player just enough space to execute the dribble move.
Nevertheless, the crossover dribble is not as effective against an extremely aggressive on-ball defender.
Essentially, the offensive player would not have enough space to perform the crossover dribble properly when a defender is too close to them.
Moreover, even if the offensive player does have just enough space to perform the crossover, it is generally better to be cautious when using it against an above average on-ball defender.
Essentially, an on-ball defender that is of a high level in terms of basketball IQ could potentially put their hand in the pathway of the crossover dribble, which is basically between the feet of the offensive player, in an attempt to knock the ball away.
If the high level on-ball defender does successfully get a hand on the ball during the crossover action, then that could result in a steal and subsequent turnover.
What is between the legs dribble move?
Between the legs dribble 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.
Somewhat similar to the crossover dribble, between the legs dribble action could be beneficial in transition or when the on-ball defender gives an adequate amount of space to execute the move.
Also, between the legs dribble could be useful as a setup move and then linked with another type of dribble to form a combination move.
For example, let’s say that an offensive player dribbles the ball between their legs a few times while remaining stationary in the same spot.
When that occurs, the on-ball defender might relax slightly in their defensive stance because the offensive player is not going anywhere with the basketball.
Immediately afterwards, the offensive player could then execute a crossover dribble and blow by the on-ball defender.
In other words, the offensive player utilized stationary between the legs dribble action to trick the on-ball defender into thinking the offensive player would not move.
However, once the on-ball defender loosens up their stance just a little bit, the offensive player then executes the crossover dribble to create separation.
It should also be noted though that between the legs dribble action, similar to the crossover, is typically not as potent against a very aggressive on-ball defender, primarily because there most likely would not be enough space to execute the move effectively.
What is behind the back dribble move?
Behind the back dribble 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.
Unlike the crossover dribble or between the legs dribble, behind the back dribble action is actually more effective against aggressive on-ball defenders as it pertains to countering certain on-ball defensive actions.
For example, let’s say that an offensive player is dribbling the ball towards the basket with their right hand. Furthermore, let’s also say that an on-ball defender attempts to aggressively cut off the offensive player’s driving lane towards the right side of the court.
When that occurs, the offensive player could counter that defensive action with a right to left behind the back dribble move. As a result, the offensive player could continue dribbling towards the basket with the left hand.
Moreover, the offensive player would also be able to create separation from the on-ball defender because as the on-ball defender initially cuts off the original pathway, their momentum would naturally carry them in that direction.
However, once the offensive player in control of the ball dribbles it behind their back in the opposite direction, the momentum of the on-ball defender would not typically be able to change quickly enough, which creates the necessary separation.
As another example of how behind the back dribble action is good against aggressive defenders, let’s say that an on-ball defender is trying to steal the ball by constantly reaching in while the offensive player dribbles it from their team’s backcourt into their team’s frontcourt.
To counter and essentially punish the pesky on-ball defender, the offensive player could execute behind the back dribble move as soon as the on-ball defender reaches for the ball.
When that occurs, the on-ball defender would automatically be out of proper defensive stance from the reach-in action and at the same time, the offensive player would create separation by dribbling in the opposite direction.
What is the hesitation dribble move?
The hesitation dribble occurs when an offensive player in possession of the basketball initially dribbles it at least one time, which is then followed up by a delayed dribble, primarily to freeze a defender in their stance.
The hesitation dribble could also be utilized to create at least a small amount of separation from a defender prior to attacking the basket or executing a pull-up jump shot.
Furthermore, the hesitation dribble is versatile in that it could be useful against aggressive defenders or non-aggressive defenders.
For example, let’s say that an offensive player is being pressured by an on-ball defender while dribbling the ball.
From there, to release the pressure, the offensive player could execute the hesitation dribble to freeze the on-ball defender in their stance.
Immediately after the defender relaxes for a split second, the offensive player could then utilize a speed dribble to blow by the defender and create separation.
As another example, let’s say that an offensive player, initially in their team’s backcourt, is dribbling towards the basket during transition offense while a transition defender above the three-point line in the offensive team’s frontcourt begins backpedaling, ultimately to protect the basket.
When that occurs, the offensive player could perform the hesitation dribble and cause the transition defender to delay or stop their backpedal action, if only for a moment.
Following that, the offensive player could then execute a speed dribble to create separation and blow by the transition defender with the objective of scoring at the rim via a layup or dunk.
What is the in and out dribble move?
The in and out dribble occurs when an offensive player dribbles the ball with one hand across the frontal area of their body while simultaneously executing a jab step with the opposite foot.
The in and out dribble could be very effective during transition offense as a defender backpedals to protect the basket.
The in and out dribble could also be useful against below average on-ball defenders who implement a poor defensive stance or against on-ball defenders who stand flat-footed.
What is the stutter step dribble move?
The stutter step dribble occurs when an offensive player dribbles the ball while simultaneously executing a series of short and quick steps, primarily to attack the basket or take a jump shot.
The stutter step dribble is best implemented against defenders that do not apply too much pressure such as backpedaling transition defenders and it could also be executed in the backcourt or frontcourt of the offensive team.
Moreover, the stutter step dribble is generally effective because the short, quick steps could temporarily confuse the on-ball defender and cause them to freeze in their defensive stance, at least for a moment.
The stutter step dribble could also be linked together with other moves to produce scoring or playmaking opportunities.
For example, an offensive player in possession of the basketball could execute an initial stutter step dribble move and follow that up with a crossover dribble to create separation from a defender.
From there, that same offensive player could then attack the rim, take a high quality jump shot, or possibly pass the ball to another teammate that is open near the basket or near one of the perimeter areas of the court, which could result in a potential assist as well.
What is the spin move?
The spin move occurs when an offensive player in possession of the basketball typically dribbles it, and afterwards, the offensive player turns their body 360 degrees, ultimately to create separation away from an adjacent on-ball defender.
The spin move could be effective against an on-ball defender who is aggressively trying to put pressure on the offensive player in possession of the ball.
Additionally, the spin move could be useful as a counter move against a defender who attempts to steal the ball by reaching in to poke the ball away from the offensive player in control of it.
For example, let’s say that an offensive player in control of the basketball within their team’s backcourt is initially dribbling it towards their team’s frontcourt.
However, let’s also say a certain defender aggressively moves toward the offensive player and then attempts to steal the ball.
When that occurs, the offensive player could counter that defensive aggression with a spin move.
As a result, the offensive player would more than likely be able to create separation from the defender and at the same time, the defender would be out of proper defensive position, which creates at least one defensive breakdown.
It is also possible for an offensive player to use a spin move to create space to take a jump shot near perimeter areas of the court or to score near the basket with a close-range shot such as a layup or dunk.
Furthermore, although the spin move is usually effective against aggressive defenders, it is generally ineffective against non-aggressive defenders that are not attempting to put immediate defensive pressure on the player in possession of the ball.
For example, let’s say that a transition defender is backpedaling to protect the basket during transition offense, and at the same time, an offensive player with control of the ball is initially dribbling into their team’s frontcourt to attack the rim.
As that happens, if the offensive player attempts a spin move against the retreating defender, it most likely will not be beneficial as the defender would still be in proper defensive position following the spin move.
Put another way, if the offensive player were to execute a spin move against the backpedaling defender, then that would not create a significant amount of separation, if any separation at all.
Half spin variation
The half spin is a variation of the full spin move and it consists of action that happens when an offensive player in control of the basketball dribbles it, which is then followed by a 180 degree turn of the body, ultimately to create separation from a nearby on-ball defender.
The half spin could be useful against an on-ball defender who anticipates the full spin move and attempts to cut it off by jumping in that direction.
Moreover, the half spin could also be utilized simply as a hesitation dribble to freeze a defender in their stance, at least momentarily.
In addition to that, similar to the full spin, the half spin is typically not as effective against defenders who are not putting much pressure on the offensive player in possession of the ball.