What is a basic definition of 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 are the common types of dribbling moves
The common types of dribbling moves include the standard crossover dribble, between the legs dribble, and the behind the back dribble among others.
Crossover dribble
The standard crossover dribble consists of action that occurs when an offensive player initially dribbles the ball with one hand towards the adjacent area that is in front of them and afterwards, that same player catches the ball with the opposite hand.
Between the legs dribble
Between the legs dribble consists of action that occurs when an offensive player initially dribbles the ball with one hand towards the space that is between their legs and afterwards, that same player catches the ball with the opposite hand.
Behind the back dribble
Behind the back dribble consists of action that occurs when an offensive player initially dribbles the ball with one hand towards the adjacent area that is directly behind them and afterwards, that same player catches the ball with the opposite hand.
In and out dribble
The in and out dribble consists of action that occurs when an offensive player dribbles the ball with one hand across the frontal area of the body while executing a jab step with the opposite foot at the same time.
Hesitation dribble
The hesitation dribble consists of action that occurs when an offensive player initially dribbles the ball one or more times utilizing a certain rhythm or tempo followed by a subsequent dribble that is purposely delayed to momentarily freeze a defender in their stance.
Spin move
The spin move consists of action that occurs when an offensive player dribbles the ball while simultaneously spinning in a circular fashion away from a defender to create separation for a potential scoring opportunity or to simply alleviate defensive pressure.
Stutter step dribble
The stutter step consists of action that occurs when an offensive player dribbles the basketball while simultaneously executing a series of short and quick steps, particularly against a defender, primarily to attack the basket or take a jump shot.