The key to great handles is unsurprising- time spent dribbling. Kyrie, Steph, Harden, all spend hours each day practising this fundamental skill.

As a coach, it’s good to have plenty of drills in your drill library:

1. To make an otherwise repetitive exercise (pounding a ball) fun for your players, especially your kids
2. Teach and develop certain skills for games. These are some of the best dribbling drills available in the practice planner and we’ve arranged them according to:
   Teaching Dribbling to Kids (U9’s)
   Games Based Drills (U12’s and U14’s)
   Team Drills (U 14’s and U 16’s)
   Solo Drills (all age groups)

Teaching Dribbling to Kids

Dribble, Jump stop and Pivot RH, LH

Why it’s Great
Pivoting after picking up the dribble is a fundamental yet often neglected part of dribbling the ball. Young players who aren’t taught this often travel or can’t use footwork effectively to get separation when they become older. Bob Bigelow, youth sports coach and former NBA player, loves this drill and teaches it at all age groups, with this being the first progression.
Setup
Players line up along the baseline, spread out, each with a ball.
Instructions
On the coach’s whistle, players take two dribbles forward with the right hand and pick the ball up with a jump stop. Then, they pivot to the left, back, right and front again in a full circle, all on the left foot. Reach the end and repeat with the left hand.
Coaching Points
– Make sure players have their knees bent when pivoting – this helps them keep their balance and control
– After picking the ball up with a jump stop, players should hold it at chest height, elbows out protecting the ball.

Wall Finger Tip Drill

Why It’s Great
This drill is the equivalent of doing weights- except that all you’re working against is gravity! By dribbling against a wall, your kids will be working on their strength so that dribbling on the court will seem much easier.
Setup
Players face a wall with a basketball.
Instructions
Players find a spot on the wall just above their head to try to hit consistently. Bounce the ball against the wall, trying to keep the ball in place. Run for time and swap hands.
Coaching Points
– Once players have mastered accuracy, the key is to master speed. Try and limit holding the ball in hand- as soon as it touches the fingers, dribble again.
– The distance from the wall determines the drill’s difficulty. New players should stand up to 3 feet from a wall. More familiar players can stand right against it.

Shot Fake and Pivot Drill

Why It’s Great
A great shot fake should be considered a dribble move- after all it gets the defender out of position in preparation for a drive to the rim. Another drill to be taught at a young age as it can be effective at all age levels.
Setup
Players stand in lines, each with a ball, facing the coach.
Instructions
Players protect the ball, holding it at the waist. At the coach’s call, they move their dominant foot forward into a shooting stance, and shot fake. Protect the ball again and repeat.
Coaching Points
– As coach Bigelow explains in the video, the shot fake can’t be too high- the point is to get the defender, not you, off balance. Keeping the ball low also allows it to be put to the ground quicker for a drive.
– Emphasizing the use of the body to protect the ball is also an important part of this drill. Your players will need to learn to quickly move between protecting the ball, shot faking, and dribbling

Dribble perimeter

Why It’s Great
Dribbling and stopping whilst under control is something even high school players can have trouble with. This is a fundamental skill that needs to be taught early.
Setup
Players line up along the perimeter, each with a ball.
Instructions
Players face the same direction and begin dribbling at 1/3 of max speed. At the first whistle, pick the ball up and pivot to face the center court in an offensive stance. At the next whistle, pivot in the other direction and dribble with the opposite hand.
Coaching Points
– Remind your players to always be dribbling with their outer hand, whether it’s the left or right
– More experienced teams can speed up and slow down at the coach’s command . The key however is to always pick that ball up or put it down quickly after the whistle.

Walking Figure 8’s

Why It’s Great
Walking figure 8’s serves as a great warm up for dribbling drills. If your players can execute this drill at speed and without errors, they’ll be sure to perform between the legs crossovers with ease.
Setup
Players line up along the baseline, each with balls.
Instructions
Players stand low, and lunge forward. Pass the ball in front of and under the front leg. Step forward and repeat. Do the drill until the half court line and come back.
Coaching Points
– The introduction to this drill would be the stationary figure 8. To make the drill more difficult, dribble the ball low, at ankle height, instead of passing it with the hands
– Players need to treat this like a dribbling drill and keep their heads up- this drill will teach them to “get a feel” for coordinating their upper and lower bodies.]

NOTE: Bob Bigelow spoke to us about the 3 most important factors of coaching youth basketball.  If you liked these drills, this article might tell you “why” they’re so great.

Games Based Drills

Steal the Ball with Basketball Decision Training (BDT)

Why It’s Great
Steal the Ball is already a great drill as it teaches the player how to dribble against pressure. Steal the ball with BDT adds an extra player and makes the drill even more game like by adding pass decisions.
Setup
Designate a small area, e.g the center circle for your players to play in. Players pair up, one with a ball. A third player or coach stands on the perimeter.
Instructions
The player with the ball must dribble and protect the ball against the defender. When the player on the perimeter puts their hands up, the player with the ball must pass to them. Run for time and swap roles.
Coaching Points
– To make the drill more difficult, have your players make a dribble move, e.g a crossover, every 3 dribbles
– Allow your defenders to get very handsy, even foul with reach ins, as this will improve your player’s ball security in games and teach them that they won’t always get the call.

Dribble tag

Why It’s Great
Who doesn’t love a fun dribbling warmup that’ll get your players engaged and active? Dribble tag is a great way to teach ball protection and awareness.
Setup
Each player has a ball and stands inside the 3 points line.
Instructions
One player is designated “it”. On your whistle, players who are it run around and try and tag other players. End when everyone is tagged.
Coaching Points
– To make the game more realistic for older players, have the “it” players steal opposing player’s balls before they are out.
– Practice dribbling with the off hand by forcing your players to only dribble with that hand.

Contact dribbling

Why It’s Great
Fouls often aren’t called and your players need to learn how to play through contact. This drill teaches just that.
Setup
Players start with one ball, facing a coach.
Instructions
Players pound the ball with one hand, in front of them. A coach faces them and taps them on their arm, simulating a reach in foul. Repeat with both hands.
Coaching Points
– Advanced players should dribble with two balls, one in each hand
– Unlike other drills, players shouldn’t protect the ball with their body- the aim is to simulate the reach in foul, and to continue dribbling through that initial contact.

Team Drills

Cone Weaving

Why It’s Great
In our last interview with coach Nick George, former GB International, he talked about how he loves to integrate basketball drills with conditioning. This drill is one such example.
Setup
Place 5 cones in a line, roughly 3 feet apart. Adjacent to this line, place 5 hurdles in a row, each 3 feet apart. Players line up behind the cones with balls
Instructions
Players weave in and out of the cones, using various crossover dribbles to change direction. At the hurdles, they pick the ball up and jump over each hurdle. Run as part of a circuit.
Coaching Points
– The jump of the hurdle isn’t about speed, but height. Try and jump as high as you can over each.
– Variations of weaving between the cones include: dribbling the ball at knee height, using the off hand only, crossing the ball over a certain number of times before moving forward, etc

Full court off hand

Why It’s Great
Off hand work is a great way to start practice- at least that’s what Coach Collins, 3X WI state championship winning coach thinks. If it’s developed the players he’s sent to college and the NBA, it should work for your players too.
Setup
Players line up along the baseline, each with balls.
Instructions
Players dribble from baseline to baseline, using only their offhand, in a series of progressions: 1. V dribbles 2. In and out 3. Hesitations 4. Between the legs 5. Behind the back. Work on this progression everyday in practice.
Coaching Points
– Young teams should only do 4 and 5 to half court, as crossing over with one hand is quite difficult
– Once the progression is mastered, players need to begin doing this drill at full speed. Until then however, stress to them to take their time and keep their heads up.

Zig zag drill

Why It’s Great
This is the classic zig zag drill that you’ll see in every coaching camp. You guys love it, and we just had to include it. The next drill, 2 on 2 game, is a great variation of this.
Setup
Players line up along the baseline and pair up, one player with a ball. Place cones at diagonals on the imaginary half court dividing line, and each sideline.
Instructions
Players take turns dribbling in zig zags to the other end of the court. At the other end, swap roles.
Coaching Points
– Young players should not try and steal the ball. Focus on a low defensive slide. Older players can play more aggressive defense, and you can turn it into a 1 on 1 game at the end.
– Players shouldn’t just crossover- use spin moves, behind the back, hesitations, like a real game.

1 vs 2 Press Break Drill

Why It’s Great
Players get pressed all the time in youth level and the only way to teach them how to handle the pressure is to practice. This drill will teach your players to look up, use their body to protect the ball, and use changes of speed to beat the defense.
Setup
Players stand in groups of 3 along the baseline, one with a ball.
Instructions
Players zig zag their way to half court. The defense must try and trap the dribble along the baseline. The dribbler must try and avoid getting trapped with changes in speed and direction.
Coaching Points
– Initially, players should just do this drill at half speed, and the defenders allow the dribbler to get to where they want to on the court. This will help them get used to being guarded closely
– Players on defense need to focus on trapping at 90 degree angles with their hips, not fouling by keeping the hands in the air, and guiding the dribbler to the baseline.

Baseline shuffle and crossover

Why It’s Great
Protecting the ball is a lost art of dribbling. Drills like these teach players the technique of dribbling the ball under pressure.
Setup
Players line up along the baseline with basketballs.
Instructions
Players face the end of the court side on, using their bodies to shield the ball. At your whistle, dribble and shuffle forward. At your next whistle, they will dribble and shuffle backwards. Repeat to the end of the court.
Coaching Points
– The movement forward should be quick, the movement back slower. Keep the ball under control at all times.
– Advanced teams should use assistant coaches, or another player, to harass the dribbler.

Team dribble weapon drill

Why It’s Great
This dribbling drill combines practicing d dribble moves with developing them against defenders- a must have for any high school team.
Setup
Players line up along the baseline, with balls. 3 assistant coaches (or players) stand at the top of each perimeter as well as the center circle.
Instructions
The first player dribbles to the first coach, performs a dribble move and beats him. Repeat with the next coach. At the last coach, they play a 1 on 1 ending in a layup. When the shot goes up, the next player goes.
Coaching Points
– The first and second coaches should just guard the player for a few steps then get back in position for the next incoming player
– Remind your players that the hesitation, not change of direction, is the most effective move in these open court scenarios. Make sure they use it often.

Solo Drills

Side dribbles bounce

Why It’s Great
This drill is the first of coach Oliver’s side dribbles series. The idea behind it is that players practice a low defensive stance and also are forced to look forwards.
Setup
Players stand in front of a coach, each with balls.
Instructions
Players slide sideways. With each slide, they dribble once, hard and up to chest height. At the end, crossover and repeat with the other hand.
Coaching Points
– Players should keep their heads up, focused on the opposite rim
– When players are familiar, add in an element of games based training by having the coach call out changes in direction.

Side dribbles push pulls

Why It’s Great
Adding lateral movement to an otherwise stationary drill practices the defensive stance and greater ball control.
Setup
Players stand in front of a coach, each with balls.
Instructions
Players slide sideways. With one dribble, they push the ball inwards, and with the next, outwards. At the end, crossover and repeat with the other hands.
Coaching Points
– Aim to cover as much distance possibly with each slide. Also aim to dribble the ball inside then outside the body with alternating dribbles.
– Dribble to a steady rhythm

Wall dribbles

Why It’s Great
Using a wall and your player’s own hands as a distraction helps keep their eyes off the ball and gets them to develop a feel for dribbling. A great drill for young players.
Setup
Players stand in front of a wall, each with balls.
Instructions
Players dribble the ball, all whilst keeping a hand on the wall. Go through these variations: 1. Dribbling ball at ankle height, hand in place 2. Dribbling ball whilst crossing over every 2 dribbles, swapping hands 3. Dribbling ball whilst crossing over behind the back every 2 dribbles, swapping hands.
Coaching Points
– Keep the ball low whilst dribbling, and around the hip, like protecting it in a game
– Keep the shoulders back and head up at the hand.

Inside Out Crossover Jump Shot

Why It’s Great
NBA skills coach Don Kelbick is big on spending much of his practice working on one or two moves. His drills combine shooting and dribbling and are drilled over and over again to become automatic.
Setup
Players stand at half court with a basketball. Place a cone at the top of the perimeter.
Instructions
Players dribble full speed to the cone and perform an inside out. They then crossover to the other hand, take one dribble, and pull up and shoot.
Coaching Points
– The key to mastering this is repetition from the same spot- set your players a number of makes per 10 minutes and challenge them to beat their scores
– Players that aren’t typically point guards should do the same drill from the wing- take game shots!

NOTE: Don Kelbick has a whole bunch of rules of developing individual training plans- check them out here!

Triple Crossovers

Why It’s Great
Coach Ryan Holliday of Next Level Basketball loves progressions- packaged sets of drills to develop ball handling that can be run in a 20 minute session per day. This drill is part of his killer crossover series that will see players improve their ball handling, particularly in the pick and roll.
Setup
Players stand in front of a coach, each with balls.
Instructions
Players bounce the ball low, at ankle height three times. They then crossover. Repeat whilst stationary for 1 minute.
Coaching Points
– This drill will help your players get the ball through traffic- but only if they keep the ball low for the triple tap.
– Players shouldn’t just bend their back to get low, bend the knees first.

Baby Steps Crossovers

Why It’s Great
This is another drill in the Next Level killer crossover series that will increase the speed of your crossovers.
Setup
Players line up in a line, each with a ball
Instructions
Players walk forward, dribbling the ball at knee height, crossing it over from hand to hand with each dribble.
Coaching Points
– Keep the dribble low and the crossovers fast- one with each step forward.
– Try and find a steady rhythm to help you dribble the ball quicker and under control.

NOTE: Coach Holliday is a master at designing individual practice plans.  Learn how to apply these ideas here.

2 Ball Behind the Back

Why It’s Great
Using 2 balls is another great way to improve both hands at once. Coach Holliday has again designed a great progression- this drill is just a fraction of it.
Setup
Players stand in lines, each with 2 balls.
Instructions
Players zig zag. When they change direction, dribble one ball behind the back, and one in front, to swap hands. Repeat until half court.
Coaching Points
– Advanced players can alternate between dribbling both balls at once, to dribbling balls alternately
– The secret with this drill is to crossover strong. Bring the hand pushing the ball across the body, otherwise you’ll never be able to control the ball.

Figure 8 No Dribble Into Pick Up Shot

Why It’s Great
Teaching dribble moves is great- but unless they ultimately translate into a shot of some form, they’re useless. This move helps your players with their ball pick up skills off the dribble.
Setup
Players stand in the midrange area (or 3 point line) with a ball.
Instructions
A player stands in an athletic stance and completes 4 or 2 figure 8’s between the legs. Hop into a jump shot. Aim to make 20 shots.
Coaching Points
– If players are missing the jump shot, make sure they align the ball into their shot pocket (area at chest height where they can bring the ball up directly into a shot)
– Another common mistake is not looking at the basket- the eyes need to preferably be aligned at the hoop throughout the drill, or at least before the ball is brought up to shoot.

If you’re using these drills, leave a comment and let me know how it’s worked out for you!

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