How to Dribble a Basketball Like a Pro (Plus Advanced Moves)

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A basketball coach shares dribbling tips to improve your game
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When you see an NBA player juke a defender out with a lightning-fast, between-the-legs, behind-the-back dribble, you’re watching the skill of someone with many years of practice. But even the pros had to start somewhere! So, how did they learn to dribble and do all those fancy moves? We talked to basketball coach Ryan Tremblay to bring you the best advice on how to dribble a basketball. You’ll become a better ball handler in no time with these basics and pro tips!

How do you dribble a basketball?

To properly dribble a basketball, hold the ball with your fingertips. Then, in a low stance, bounce the ball off the ground firmly. Keep your hand on top of the ball and continue pushing it down every time it makes contact with your fingertips.

Section 1 of 3:

Learning Dribbling Basics

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  1. Tremblay advises that before you dribble, get in a low, defensive stance. [1] Spread your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend your knees and drop your hips back slightly (as if you were sitting in a chair). Keep your head up and shoulders square.
    • This position helps protect the ball while also giving you plenty of mobility.
    • Avoid a tall, vertical posture. In this stance, the ball travels from your upper body to the ground and back again as it bounces, leaving it wide open for a defender to steal.
    • Avoid bending at the waist (as if you were bending over to pick something up). Besides being bad for your back, this stance is fairly unbalanced, meaning it's easier to accidentally stumble forward.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Dribble a Basketball
    Having good control over the ball when dribbling is key, but you don’t want to use too much arm strength. For the best results, avoid slapping the ball with your palm. Instead, handle the ball with the tips of your fingers. Spread your fingers out across the surface of the ball for a wider, more balanced contact area. [2]
    • Indiana Pacers’ player Paul George recommends against palm-to-ball contact, as it “slows down the whole dribbling process.” [3]
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Dribble a Basketball
    Handling the ball with your fingertips, take it in your dominant hand and bounce it off the ground. Bounce the ball firmly, but not so hard that you use serious arm strength. Your dribble should be quick, yet steady and controlled. Each time the ball returns to your hand, without grabbing it or catching it in any way, make contact with your fingertips and push it back down with a controlled motion of the wrist and forearm—again, you shouldn't be tiring your arm out from dribbling. [4]
    • Aim the ball to hit the floor at a spot slightly to the side and ahead of the foot on the same side of your body as your dribbling hand.
    • Avoid bouncing the ball too lightly, as this can make it easier for a defender to steal the ball. Be firm without using too much force.
    • When practicing dribbling for the first time, it's OK to keep your eyes on the ball until you get the hang of things. However, the more you can look up, the better.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Dribble a Basketball
    When you dribble, it’s important to keep the motion of the ball under control. You never want the ball to get away from you, as this can give the other team possession of the ball for free. Keep the palm of your hand directly over the ball as you move so that the ball (on its “up” bounce) will bounce right into your fingertips. [5]
    • Another reason to focus on keeping your hand over the ball while dribbling is that momentarily “catching” the ball on its underside results in a penalty called a carrying violation. To avoid this, keep your palm over the ball and facing the floor as you dribble. [6]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Dribble a Basketball
    The shorter and quicker the ball bounces, the harder it is for your opponent to steal. One surefire way to make your ball’s bounces shorter is to bounce it closer to the ground. Keep your knees bent, drop your dominant hand down to the side of your leg, and dribble with low, quick motions, instructs Tremblay. [7]
    • If you have to bend to the side to dribble in a low stance, you’re dribbling too low.
    • In your low stance, the highest point of your bounce should be up to your hip.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Dribble a Basketball
    When you first start dribbling and the process isn’t intuitive yet, it's hard not to look at the ball as you dribble. However, it’s very important to practice looking up. During a game, you’ll have to look for your teammates, keep an eye on your defender, and be aware of where the basket is, all while dribbling. So, keep your head and gaze up. [8]
    • The more you practice, the more natural dribbling will become! Soon, it’ll feel like second nature, and you’ll be able to trust the ball without looking at it.

    Looking for more ways to improve your game? Check out our article on dribbling and basketball drills !

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Section 2 of 3:

Dribbling the Ball Around the Court

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Dribble a Basketball
    How you dribble the ball changes based on the players and conditions around you. If you’re in open court (such as moving the ball up the court after the opposing team has scored a point), you can dribble the ball in front of you. However, when you’re near defenders, it’s better to bounce the ball at your side while assuming a low, defensive stance. This way, the defender has to reach across your body to get the ball.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Dribble a Basketball
    When one or more defenders are covering you (players on the opposing team are following and trying to steal the ball from you), defend the ball with your body. Never dribble your ball on the same side of your body as the defender is on. Rather, position yourself so your body is between the defender and the ball. This makes it difficult for the defender(s) to steal the ball. [9]
    • For more protection, use the hand that isn't dribbling as an arm bar. Raise your non-dribbling arm and make a fist, presenting the side of your forearm to your opponent.
    • Be careful when using arm bars. Avoid pushing the defender, striking the defender with your fist, or driving through the defender using your arm as a wedge. Instead, use an arm bar defensively (like you might hold a shield) to keep space between yourself and the defensive player. [10]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Dribble a Basketball
    Don’t stop dribbling unless you know what to do with the ball . Once you stop, you can’t dribble again. As the official NBA rules state, “A player may not dribble a second time after he has voluntarily ended his first dribble.” [11]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Dribble a Basketball
    Know when to pass the ball . Dribbling isn’t always the best way to move the ball around the court. Often, it’s better to pass, as it can be much faster and can be used to misdirect the opposing team. If dribbling to the hoop means going through multiple defenders, it’s usually a good idea to pass the ball to a teammate who has a better chance of making a shot. [12]
    • As a general rule, make a move that’ll get your team closer to making a basket, whether that’s passing the ball to a teammate under the hoop or driving into the key yourself.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Dribble a Basketball
    There are basic rules that dictate how you dribble in basketball. A careless dribbling violation can result in a penalty, halting your team’s offensive momentum and giving the defending team the ball for free. Avoid committing any of the following violations: [13]
    • Traveling : Moving with the ball without dribbling. Traveling includes:
      • Taking an extra step, skipping, hopping, or shuffling your feet.
      • Carrying the ball while you walk or run.
      • Moving or changing your pivot foot (set foot) when stationary.
    • Double dribble : This penalty refers to two separate violations:
      • Dribbling with both hands simultaneously.
      • Dribbling, stopping your dribble (catching or holding the ball), and then starting to dribble again.
    • Carrying : Catching the ball with one hand and then continuing to dribble (without stopping the dribbling motion). In a carry, your hand makes contact with the bottom of the ball, then flips the ball over in the act of dribbling.
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Section 3 of 3:

Advanced Ball Handling Techniques

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Dribble a Basketball
    The “triple threat” is a highly versatile stance taken by offensive players after they receive the ball and before they start dribbling. From the triple threat position, the player can pass, shoot, or start to dribble. As Tremblay explains, the stance allows the player to protect the ball with their hands and body while they decide which option to take. [14]
    • To do the triple threat, bring the ball close to your body once it’s passed to you. Grasp the ball with both hands. Keep a low stance as you move the ball across your stomach. Hold your elbows out at a 90-degree angle.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Dribble a Basketball
    A “ crossover ” is a dribbling technique used to destabilize and misdirect a defender. The player dribbles the ball in front of their body, transferring it between hands in a “V” shape. With this technique, the player can get the defender to move toward the ball while it’s in one hand, then quickly cross the ball over to the other hand. [15]
    • To do a crossover, stay low and bounce the ball in a “V” shape in front of you. Bring the ball from one hand to the other, with the “point” of the “V” in front of your legs.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Dribble a Basketball
    Dribbling behind the back is a classic way to “juke” or mislead a defender. A player can dribble straight toward the hoop and then redirect the ball behind their back to swerve around the opposing team. [16]
    • To dribble behind your back, follow the same “V” shape dribbling pattern as a crossover, just behind your back. Place your hands on either side of your hips, and bounce the ball between them. [17]
    • Keep in mind that dribbling behind your back takes practice! It’s okay if you don’t nail the move on your first try.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Dribble a Basketball
    Another classic ball-handling move is to dribble between your legs . A player can bounce the ball between either leg while assessing the court or a defender to keep the ball more protected. The leg acts as a barrier between the offender and defender, and switching the ball between hands gives the offender an opportunity for misdirection. [18]
    • To dribble between your legs, follow the same “V” bounce pattern as the crossover, just under your legs. Stand with your feet hip-width apart with one foot slightly in front. Cross the ball under your hips between your legs.
    • Know that this dribbling technique takes practice. The more you practice, the better you’ll become!
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Why does it feel like I'm not getting better at dribbling?
    Ryan Tremblay
    Basketball Coach
    Ryan Tremblay is a Basketball Coach and the Owner of National Sports ID and STACK Basketball. With over 30 years of experience, Ryan specializes in basketball coaching, social media marketing, and website design. Ryan created the National Sports ID as a platform to verify the age/grade of youth athletes and STACK Basketball to inspire young athletes to grow into mature individuals and basketball players. Ryan was a First Team All-Decade basketball player in Bergen County and finished in the top 20 all-time leading scorers in the county’s history with 1,730 points. He went on to Caldwell University on a basketball scholarship where he was part of three championship teams. Ryan was a two-time All-Metropolitan, All-State, and All-Conference point guard and the all-time three-point leader in the school’s history, landing him in the Caldwell University Athletic Hall of Fame.
    Ryan Tremblay
    Basketball Coach
    Expert Answer
    Make sure that you're putting in plenty of practice time. Dribbling isn't something you do once in a while—it's something you have to practice all the time.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    How can I learn to dribble a basketball between my legs?
    Ryan Tremblay
    Basketball Coach
    Ryan Tremblay is a Basketball Coach and the Owner of National Sports ID and STACK Basketball. With over 30 years of experience, Ryan specializes in basketball coaching, social media marketing, and website design. Ryan created the National Sports ID as a platform to verify the age/grade of youth athletes and STACK Basketball to inspire young athletes to grow into mature individuals and basketball players. Ryan was a First Team All-Decade basketball player in Bergen County and finished in the top 20 all-time leading scorers in the county’s history with 1,730 points. He went on to Caldwell University on a basketball scholarship where he was part of three championship teams. Ryan was a two-time All-Metropolitan, All-State, and All-Conference point guard and the all-time three-point leader in the school’s history, landing him in the Caldwell University Athletic Hall of Fame.
    Ryan Tremblay
    Basketball Coach
    Expert Answer
    Just like with anything else, you've got to practice a lot. Try doing it 50 times from left to right, then 50 times from right to left, and just keep coming up with different combinations and doing it over and over again. I think the best way to do it is to have sets—maybe do 5 sets of 10 or 5 sets of 20 over and over, and try to do that for 30 minutes to an hour, just focused on going through the legs. That's the type of work that it takes.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    What exercises will help me get better at dribbling?
    Ryan Tremblay
    Basketball Coach
    Ryan Tremblay is a Basketball Coach and the Owner of National Sports ID and STACK Basketball. With over 30 years of experience, Ryan specializes in basketball coaching, social media marketing, and website design. Ryan created the National Sports ID as a platform to verify the age/grade of youth athletes and STACK Basketball to inspire young athletes to grow into mature individuals and basketball players. Ryan was a First Team All-Decade basketball player in Bergen County and finished in the top 20 all-time leading scorers in the county’s history with 1,730 points. He went on to Caldwell University on a basketball scholarship where he was part of three championship teams. Ryan was a two-time All-Metropolitan, All-State, and All-Conference point guard and the all-time three-point leader in the school’s history, landing him in the Caldwell University Athletic Hall of Fame.
    Ryan Tremblay
    Basketball Coach
    Expert Answer
    The biggest thing is just to do it over and over—practice makes perfect. Dribbling is all about the rhythm that's involved. Also, dribbling two balls while you're standing in one spot is a great way to build up both hands at the same time.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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      • Start slow. Begin with stationary drills and work your way up to full-court running drills.
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      • Set up an obstacle course with cones or trash cans to practice dribbling and running with the ball.
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      • Squeeze a stress ball or tennis ball when you aren't on the court to improve hand strength.
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      References

      1. ↑ Ryan Tremblay. Basketball Coach. Expert Interview. 9 March 2021.
      2. ↑ https://jr.nba.com/how-to-dribble-a-basketball/
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/HmlJjskzjuo?t=48
      4. ↑ https://www.basketballforcoaches.com/how-to-dribble-a-basketball/
      5. ↑ https://www.basketballforcoaches.com/how-to-dribble-a-basketball/
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/HmlJjskzjuo?t=13
      7. ↑ Ryan Tremblay. Basketball Coach. Expert Interview. 9 March 2021.
      8. ↑ https://www.basketballforcoaches.com/how-to-dribble-a-basketball/
      9. ↑ https://www.basketballforcoaches.com/how-to-dribble-a-basketball/
      1. ↑ https://jr.nba.com/how-to-dribble-a-basketball/
      2. ↑ https://official.nba.com/rule-no-10-violations-and-penalties/
      3. ↑ https://www.usab.com/news/2014/01/basketball-101-fundamentals-of-passing
      4. ↑ https://official.nba.com/rule-no-10-violations-and-penalties/
      5. ↑ Ryan Tremblay. Basketball Coach. Expert Interview. 9 March 2021.
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/M3yD-gwjoRE?t=24
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLNchDzdNJ4
      8. ↑ https://hoopsking.com/blogs/default-blog/basketball-behind-the-back-dribble-dribbling-training-drills-tips
      9. ↑ https://youtu.be/hkfQXij2kp4?t=280

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To dribble a basketball, hold the ball so that your fingertips are the only part of your hand that’s touching the ball, place your legs about shoulder-width apart, and bend your knees slightly. Bounce the ball off the ground firmly and use your fingertips to catch it as it bounces up before pushing it to the ground again. To dribble as you walk, step so that one of your feet always hits the ground with the ball. Keep the ball 3 inches away from the side of your body and low to the ground while you move. For more tips, including dribbling drills, read on!

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