Basketball Dribbling: The Basics
Basketball dribbling is one of only two ways players have to move the ball around in basketball; the other is passing. There are several different ways to dribble the ball during a basketball game:
Basketball Dribbling: The Low Dribble
To dribble low, you do just that - dribble the ball as close to the ground as possible. The low dribble requires you to extend your hand while dribbling, thereby restricting the space available to an opponent to steal the ball from you.
Basketball Dribbling: The Speed Dribble
Speed dribbling requires good control of both your body and the ball. Basketball players generally use the speed dribble when they are in open court, because they are not surrounded by guards and focused on protecting the ball. This is a good time to use a speed dribble and try to move further up the court.
Basketball Dribbling: Change-Of-Pace Dribble
This dribbling technique is intended to trick your opponent into thinking you are stopping to pass the ball to a teammate. It's done by slowing down your dribbling just until you get the appropriate reaction from your opponent. Then turn on the speed and your opponent will be left wondering what just happened.
Basketball Dribbling: The Crossover Dribble
Players usually use the crossover dribble to deflect the player who is guarding them. To do this type of dribble, dribble with one hand, pushing the ball forward at the same time. Then burst right through your opponent, hopefully making some serious strides down the court. The problem with this technique is that it leaves the ball open for steals, so it's wise to keep the ball as low as possible.
Basketball Dribbling: The Reverse Dribble
The reverse dribble comes in handy when you are being really closely guarded. The only problem is that when you use a reverse dribble, you lose sight of the ball and open yourself up to having it stolen from behind.
Basketball Dribbling: The Half-Reverse Dribble
This type of dribble is almost the same as the reverse dribble except that with the half- reverse dribble you make a 90-degree turn when returning to your original position. You have to move super quick when using this technique to keep your opponent from stealing the ball.
Basketball Dribbling: The Hockey Dribble
The hockey dribble uses a combination of head-shoulder fake and an abrupt speed change. You might use this dribble to deflect the close guard defender.
With this information, you are now more informed about some of the techniques and methods of effective, defensive basketball dribbling.
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