Dribble – Explore all Aspects of Basketball Dribbling
Dribbling is a basic basketball skill and a very important part of basketball offense as well.In dribbling,a player makes a ball bounce up and down,repeatedly by using his fingertips.It seems to be a complexed skill but with great amout of training and practice, a learner can get command over it.
Back Ground
Dribbling was not the part of the original game plan designed by Naismith(the inventor).In 1910,players were allowed to move with the ball,but they were restricted to shoot the ball after dribbling.In 1916,an adjustment was made in the rule and players were permitted to shoot after dribbling.
Basic Technique
- Keep the hand on the top of the ball,spread fingers over it.
- Push the ball down to the surface with fingertips.
- Bring the ball up and down repeatedly while moving forward.
Main Objectives behind Dribbling
Dribbling is used to achieve following objectives:
- To keep the ball in Possession.
- To drive the ball up the court.
- To move the ball out of a congested area.
- To get open for a shot usually close to the basket.
- To create passing lanes,for a better pass to a teammate.
- To slow down the pace at the end of a game.
Tips and Tricks of Dribbing
A learner can improve his dribbling skills if he followes these tips and tricks related to dribbling:
- Dribble in a relaxed and balanced position.
- Keep your body in a slant position and bend your knees to maintain balance.
- Dribble on the side of the body to reduce the chances of stealing the ball.
- Use fingertips(never palms)to control the ball and push the ball hard off the ground.
- Bounce the ball by absorbing the force of arms and wrists.
- Keep your head up and eyes off the ball,it will open the vision in front of you and makes it easier for you to assess the situation.
- In dribbling,only one hand is used at a time,but a ball can be switched from one hand to another.
- Dribble with the hand farthest to the opponent and use non dribble hand for protecting the ball.
- Bring variations in speed to deceive opponent.
- Change your direction sharply and quickly.
- Make changes in the height of bounce,the bounce at knees ensures more control on the ball and the bounce at waist level makes the advancement up the court faster.
Mental Status
Dribbling is not merely a physical act,certain mental attributes are also involved in it such as:
- Focused,attentive and clear mind
- Great hand-eye coordination
- Mental agility to anticipate opponents reaction
Variations in Dribbling
Having know-how about the basic technique is not enough,you need variations in dribbling to exploit a certain situation and to bring out better results.These are some variations in dribbling:
Low/Control Dribble
The variation is used,when a player is closely guarded.The player keeps the ball at low height near to the floor and moves forward.
High/Speed Dribble
When player is not heavily guarded and the court is open,then speed dribble is used to drive the ball quickly up the court.Ball is kept at waist level to generate maximum speed.
Change of Pace Dribble
To deceive an opponent,change of pace dribble is applied.This move makes opponent a little relaxed as he thinks that dribbler is slowing down his speed,suddenly he maximizes his speed and gets himself pass through the defender.
Cross Over Dribble
A player starts dribbling with one hand,keeping the ball at knee level.As he comes close to the defender,he rapidly switches the ball from one hand to another,quickly changes his direction and creates an open lane.
Spin/Reverse Dribble
When a player is guarded too closely,he uses spin dribble to keep the ball away from defender,he makes the ball close to the body,switches it from one hand to another and turn backwards,away from the defender.
In and Out Dribble
This move make a defender confused as he thinks that a cross over dribble is going to happened,but instead of picking the ball with other hand, the player rests his hand on the top of the ball and bring it back quickly.
Back Up/Pull Back Dribble
Player keeps the ball at low height while bouncing,then slides back and drags the ball backwards to avoid the attack of defender.
Between the Legs Dribble
Player takes the ball in one hand,bounces it through the legs and transfers it to other hand but ensures that the ball does not make a contact with legs.
CAUTION
Once you stops dribbling,you can not dribble again until another player dribbles the ball.If you starts dribbling again after a stoppage,then it is a violation known as “Double Dribble”.
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