Types of Dribbling In Basketball: Skills You Must Learn

Dribbling is an essential basic of basketball that involves moving up the court in a bid to score. For this reason, knowing the types of dribbling in basketball becomes very essential to a basketball player, irrespective of their level of experience. The different types of dribbling in basketball will be discussed through this article in the quest toward perfecting skills and enhancing one's game.

1. Basic Dribble

Basic dribble: A basic dribble from which most of the basketball dribble techniques build; dribbling is to make the ball touch the floor with one hand and still have control over it. The basic thrust is to try to keep it close to the surface, possibly close to his body, difficult to invite defenders to take away from him. It would be used if a player is being guarded very close or slow movement up the court.

To do the basic dribble:

 Keep your knees slightly bent.

Use your fingertips to guide the ball and not the palm.

Keep your head up to scan the court for open teammates or defensive threats.

2. Crossover Dribble

The crossover dribble is one of the most frequently used and effective moves in basketball. It entails quickly changing the ball from one hand to the other in front of your body. Normally, this is done to change directions and get away from a defender. This move's major purpose is to floor some room and drive to the basket or get the jump shot off.

How to do a crossover dribble:

 Dribble the ball with one hand.

As you get closer to your defender, push the ball into your other hand with your body weight going in the direction of your new dribble hand.

Keep the ball low and near your body- never let it get too far away from you, so it decreases the chance of getting stolen.

3. Between the Legs Dribble

It is almost like the crossover dribble; the only thing is, one passes the ball from one hand to the other through the legs. This move is used for the most part to keep the ball away from defenders or to quickly reverse direction.

How To do the between the legs dribble:

 Dribble the ball with one hand.

Step ahead with the opposite foot and dribble the ball through your legs to your other hand.

Change of pace and continue your dribble.

This move can be used to help separate the offensive player from the defender as well as giving a bit of flair to the player's game. That's why it is the top favorite movement by showy ball handlers.

4. Behind-the-Back Dribble

Another effective type of advanced dribble includes the behind-the-back. This type of dribble involves dribbling the ball behind the back, from one hand to the next. It is effective when there is a close defensive player on the hand a player is dribbling with. Additional practice is sometimes needed for sufficient competence in this skill.

Make sure you are able to rhythm dribble with either hand, this will mess with your defender's head enough on its own.

The beauty of this move is the change of speed and/or the change of direction you make after you've made the in-and-out dribble.

The behind-the-back dribble is a game-changer if done right, but it takes exceptional timing and control to not turn it over.

 5. In and Out Dribble

The in and out dribble is a deceptive move to get around defenders. It is a quick feigning move of the ball to the other side, just as one were going to do a crossover but doesn't actually take it over with the other hand.

How to do an in and out dribble:

Bounce the ball with one hand and then move it slightly to the opposite side like you're about to do a crossover move.

Dribble your hand around the ball quickly and back to the same side without changing hands.

You can keep on dribbling around the ball in the same direction. The fake move will help to throw off the defender.

It is a move great for keeping momentum and getting the defender on their heels.

6. Spin Move Dribble

The spin move dribble is an advanced move in which a quick change of direction is made while still maintaining ball protection. Spinning of the body occurs as the ball is dribbled in a circular motion, which will eventually leave the defender in the dust.

To use the spin dribble:

Dribble the ball with one hand as you approach the defender.

Pivot on the inside foot and at the same time, spin the body.

Finish the spin and change the basketball to the opposite hand to continue the dribble.

A spin dribble can be very useful when trying to make a move to the basket or freeing yourself from a defender, but it's the accuracy and timing that will help avoid traveling or the ball ending up on the floor.

7. Hesitation Dribble

The hesitation dribble is a move that is supposed to fake out a defender for a moment by either stopping or slowing the dribble down enough so the dribbler may blow right by him. It really is a great move if used correctly in conjunction with other basketball tricks to protect the ball handler from trying to get past a defender.

To make the hesitation dribble:

 Dribble the ball with one hand as you move in any direction.

 Abruptly or for a moment, you slow down or stop dribbling to show an indication that you are completely stopping.

As they ease off, explode past them while maintaining possession of the ball.

A good, basic dribbling move that surprises the opponent can help you do this and get you the chance to score.

 8. Low Dribble

The low dribble refers to a dribbling technique where it is used defensively to avoid having the ball ripped by defenders. It involves dribbling the ball either at or below the knee height and makes it a tough option for the defender to steal.

To perform the low dribble:

 Keep low and lower your knees.

 Dribble close to the body using your fingertips.

Use your body to protect the ball from the defender and keep possession.

Low dribble becomes essential if one has to go through small spaces or is under good defensive pressure.

9. Power Dribble

The power dribble is typically executed by post players or when an individual player is near the hoop, taking one or two authoritative dribbles to gain momentum and power before going up with the shot.

To execute a power dribble:

 Secure the ball with both hands.

 Take one or two authoritative dribbles, using the body to keep defenders away from the ball.

Use the momentum to go hard for a layup or dunk.

The power dribble is a very important move so that players end at the rim with power and control.

 10. Reverse Dribble

These are just among the other names of the retreat dribble. It is what creates space by going backward from the defender. The move generally creates space away from the defender who is applying too much pressure on the ball handler, and the reverse dribble enables the player to reset the play.

This is how to do the reverse dribble:

 Dribble with one hand stepping forward.

 Pivot quickly and step back with the ball drawing away the defender.

Keep dribbling to the back side to establish space.

The reverse dribble is a key tool for maintaining control under pressure and for re-establishing the offense.

As players mature in their basketball experience, equated to the need to learn more advanced dribbling techniques. Advanced moves designed to get past defenders or create scoring opportunities while staying in control of the ball amidst pressure. In this, we look at some other kinds of dribbling in basketball that will take your game to the next level:

11. Double Crossover Dribble

This is a high variant of the standard crossover, containing two real quick back-to-back crossover moves. It works best against the quicker defenders because it will get them off-balance; then there will be an open lane straight to the basket.

To execute a double crossover dribble:

 Start with a regular crossover dribble, moving the ball from one hand to the other.

Jump into the second crossover right immediately after having done the first, so this technically implies that you are at once taking the ball back to your first hand.

 Push off and take advantage of the gained space by moving towards the goal from this point.

 It's a very tough move to master due to the requirements for great timing and speed, but it's pretty effective upon becoming familiar with it.

 12. Euro step dribble

The Euro step dribble, in this regard, is a good driving-to-the-basket move. It's a two-step process in different directions that's very commonly done when driving past defenders and, voila, finishing with a layup.

How to do a Euro step dribble:

 Dribble the ball to the basket.

 Take one step in one direction, then just quickly step in the opposite direction.

Finish the move with a layup or shot.

 The Euro step is very well designed to mystify the defenders, most especially when they expect a straight hard to the basket.

 13. Fake Spin Dribble

 The fake spin dribble is a deceptive move where you fool the defender into thinking that you are executing a spin move, but before you finish spinning, you change your direction and continue.

To execute the fake spin dribble:

 Begin the same way you would to start the normal spin dribble, on one foot spinning.

 Halfway through the spin you are going to stop and start back in the opposite direction while maintaining the dribble in the hand.

 Continue dribbling in a new direction.

The fake spin dribble is for the experienced player who can handle her body and maintain close watch on the placement and action of a defender.

Dribbling: Helping Your Child Master the Basics

Mastering the many different types of dribbling in basketball styles is one of the first steps of becoming a serious, well-rounded ball handler. Dribbling is one of the core skills of a basketball game, fun for children to use it to learn coordination, balance, and agility.

1. Basic start

When initiating kids to the sport of basketball, the basic dribble should be taught first. Let them practice dribbling with one hand, and they must learn to practice that with the ball low and close to their body. This way, practice may lead to the development of muscle memory thus augmentation of ball-control skills.

Here's a simple exercise:

 Have the player stand still in one place and dribble the ball with their dominant hand.

Once they feel comfortable, ask them to switch hands and dribble with the other hand.

2. Starts building momentum 

For younger players, incorporate dribbling practice as part of an activity. Put down some very basic markers to work with in an impromptu obstacle course and just have the kids dribble around them. It improves dribbling but also prepares them for the ability to navigate around defenders. 

Another pretty fun one is the Simon Says of dribble games:

Shout out commands like "Simon says dribble with your left hand" or "Simon says do a crossover.".

If you mention a command without the "Simon says" part preceding it, then the children are to do nothing.

The main idea is to develop in kids some skills of attentive listening, which is very important on the basketball court because they should react as quickly as possible.

 3. Learning Advanced Moves

As children become confident at basic dribbling, gradually introduce them to different  types of dribbling in basketball moves such as the crossover or between the legs dribble. Start with a slow pace and emphasize that they keep the ball low on the ground and close to their body.

Here's a step by step guide to teaching kids the crossover dribble:

 Ask them to dribble a ball with just one hand.

Encourage them to sway and push the ball in the opposite hands every time they change direction.

 Practice it first at slow speed then at speed as confidence is gained.

4. Encouraging Practicing and Patience

Dribbling can be mastered with practice, but it may take a long time, especially for young players. Encourage practicing with the kids and remind them that even the basketball geniuses started with the basic skills and that everything comes with persistence in practice.

Conclusion

It is important for basketball players of all ages to have an understanding of the different  types of dribbling in basketball games. From the simple moves to the advanced techniques, every type of dribble is purposed for some reason on the court. In kids, an early mastery of these dribbling skills would build a good, great foundation for his journey in basketball, while, in the case of more experienced players, advanced moves could serve to elevate the game. Well, be it a novice or an experienced basketball player, practicing different types of dribbling in basketball would be instrumental in making you an all-around player, productive at any court scenario.

Truly, for the person that wants to push the boundaries of his ball skills and be very flexible on the court, then learning the different types of dribbling in basketball becomes paramount. It's from the basic dribble to the most complex moves, like Behind De Black and Spin. Each type of dribbling will have its objective in the repertoire of the player. With practice and inclusion of these techniques in one's own game, it will help you resist defensive pressure, get scoring opportunities, and, in the end, make your team win more games.

FAQs

How many types of dribbling in basketball?

You can use these three types of dribble: The speed dribble, The low dribble, and The change of pace dribble. First, The speed dribble. Push the ball far ahead of you by extending your arm toward the floor. Dribble alternating between your left and right hands as you run after the ball.

What are the 3 kinds of dribbling skills you can use to handle the ball?

• Go Slow. Initially, go slow with the ball. ...

• Stay Closer. Stay closer to the ball. ...

• Adjust Dribbling. Never let others know your next move! ...

• Use Your Body. Use your whole body to protect the ball from the defender. ...

• Cone Dribbling. ...

• Low Dribble. ...

• Crossover Dribble. ...

• Hockey Dribble.

What are the 3 fundamentals of dribbling?

• Dribble the ball more toward your fingertips and not with your palms. ...

• To protect the ball when dribbling, use your off hand to defend against opposing players, or you can slightly turn your body so it is in between the ball and the defender.

• Don't dribble more than you need to.

 

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