5 Basketball Fundamental Ball-Handling Drills for Players to Master

Being able to handle the ball well is a fundamental skill for any player to have. But because the game has changed so much in the past decade, it has become even more important for players to work on their ball-handling skills using the rebounding net basketball to stay ahead of the curve and to better prepare themselves for the next level of play.

It is also one of the most underrated skills to develop during the off season, as it gives players the opportunity to work on their skills while they are away from their respective teams.

We asked several professional basketball players to share their best tips and tricks on how players can improve their ball handling during the off season, and they provided some great insight.

It would be wise for all players to absorb these tips, as they will provide some great strategies on how to further improve their game.

Here is what they had to say:

1. Chaos Call Out

The “chaos call-out” is a drill that is great for developing defense and passing skills. It also provides a great way to work on individual skills that have to be used when on the court. The way this drill is executed is simple.

Players will stand in a circle around the player with the ball. The player with the ball will pass the ball to a different player in the circle every time the whistle is blown. After that, the player who catches the ball should run to the end of the circle, while the player who threw the ball passes the ball to another person. The receiving player will run to the other side of the circle. This continues until a coach signals the drill to be over or an offensive player scores on a defensive player.

One of the most important aspects of the drill is communication. The offense must communicate with each other to get open and also keep their teammates open.

2. Dribble Course

The dribble course is a drill that can be done with a basketball hoop rebounder. It is a great drill for teaching controlled dribbling, improving dribbling skills, and for working on passing and catching.

To begin this drill, three lines of cones are set up across the width of the court, forming a square. The coach then distributes balls to the three lines.

Each line has a designated number of balls. Players in line number 1 have 4-5 balls, line number 2 has 3-4 balls, line number 3 has 2-3 balls. Players in line number 1 start dribbling at the first cone of the dribble course. Each player then dribbles to the next cone and then back to the starting cone. This is done for each cone in the course (The coach may choose to have the players dribble around cones in a different order).

Also, the coach may choose to have the players dribble with the left foot around the cones, then around the cones with the right foot, then the left foot again. I like to use the cone dribbling drill with our younger players. This drill helps develop the young player’s ball control skills.

The players should be encouraged to dribble quickly and stay low when performing this warm-up dribbling drill.

3. Dribble Tag

This is a great dribbling drill that the players enjoy. The coach stands on the sidelines and calls the number of a player on the field. The player whose number was called must run to the coach while a player on the field tries to steal the ball from him.

The player who successfully stole the ball tags the player as he runs back to the coach. The coach then tags another player, and the game continues.

The dribble tag is great because it helps players in these areas: dribbling, passing, ball handling, and speed. This game requires at least three players and a ball. The players are split into two teams of two each. Each team is on half of the field.

4. Parrot Drill

This drill starts as a 1 on 1 between two players. The player who has the ball must dribble (and pass) their way to the other side of the field. The other player cannot step in the middle of the field but must remain on the side of the field. The player with the ball may dribble around him to get the ball past him.

When a player gets to the other side of the field, he must get the ball to his partner.

The objective of the game is for each player to get the ball to his teammate. Each team is attempting to move the ball up field by dribbling. They can pass the ball or dribble to do so. Whenever a team makes a mistake, and the ball is stolen by the other team, the other team is allowed to dribble down and make a shot.

5. Stationary Dribbling Series

The Stationary Dribble Series is a drill where a coach is positioned in the center circle of the field with balls and cones. 2 players start in a certain position on the field, and one player tosses a ball to the coach. The coach will move the ball in any direction, and the players must dribble after the ball.

The coach can vary the movements of the ball so that the players will become conditioned and learn different techniques. The ball is tossed to the coach at various heights and angles. This drill can also be used to teach different types of passes.

Conclusion:

In order to be successful as a basketball coach, you must be able to communicate with your players. Motivating them while they are on the court is the key to having a successful team. Each of these drills can be used to improve your player’s individual skills and overall team play. Try them out with a basketball rebounder and see which ones will become your favorites. Remember, prepare your team before each practice and make sure that they take the time to warm up before any game.