Ballhandling Drill: Two Up, Two Back

Drill Purpose (All Ages)

This drill will improve dribbling and ballhandling skills. It can be done alone or with multiple players in practice.


Instructions

Set a chair or cone about 21 feet from the basket. Take 2 hard dribbles at the chair.

When reaching the chair, take 2 backup dribbles.

Use a change of direction dribble (cross over, inside out, etc). Push ahead into 1 dribble lay-up or pull-up jumpshot.

Development Tips for Guards

• The 2 up dribbles should be hard, attacking dribbles. The player should understand that anytime he can get the defense going backwards he has a big advantage.
• Be sure the backup dribbles are protected dribbles. Do not expose the ball to the defense.
• The push dribble should be an explosion in a straight line to the basket. Whatever the outcome of the move, it should be accomplished in 1 dribble.

Points of Emphasis

• Keep your head up.
• Stay low and keep your knees bent when making your change of direction move. (This improves quickness because standing upright will only slow you down when you're ready to explode past the defender.)
• Use your finger pads when dribbling (not your palms).
• Work on lengthening the dribble. Work to get your opportunities with 1 dribble. You don't beat defenses with your dribble. You beat people with your feet; you SEPARATE from your defense with the dribble.
• Practice outside your comfort zone. Experiment; go faster than you are used to, use your imagination. When working on new skills, don't be concerned with losing the ball. Just pick it up and do it again.