The dribble is a very important fundamental of basketball. While dribbling between the legs may only seem flashy, this movement can, in fact, help you keep the ball away from the defender. Practice in the following steps to master the dribble between the legs and impress the audience during matches.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Developing the Basics: Learning Ball Control
Step 1. Push the ball with your fingertips, not your palms
The fingertips allow you to better control the direction of the ball bounce.
Step 2. Use enough force to bounce the ball high enough to control it
This "right point" is generally at knee height.
Step 3. Keep your head up and look straight ahead as you dribble
Looking down interferes with your balance and prevents you from looking at the field.
Step 4. Stand on your toes and not with your feet flat on the ground
This will allow you to move quickly and make quick changes of direction.
Part 2 of 3: The Fundamentals: Learning Cross Dribbling
Step 1. Dribble with your dominant hand, keeping your knees bent and bouncing the ball low
Step 2. Rotate your dominant hand so your thumb points slightly towards the ceiling
Step 3. Push the side of the ball so that it bounces in a V in front of your body, then catch it with the opposite hand
Step 4. Practice cross dribbling until you can smoothly pass the ball from hand to hand
This cross V-shaped dribble is the basis of the under-leg dribble.
Part 3 of 3: Completing the Movement: Learning Under-the-Leg Dribbling
Step 1. Stand with the ball in your dominant hand and the opposite leg in a generous step in front of the other foot at a 45 ° angle to the rest of your body
Make sure your legs are bent and that they are far enough apart to allow room for the ball.
Step 2. Push the right side of the ball (if you are right-handed), on the next bounce upwards, to pass it under your legs
- Make sure you push the ball at the right angle and with enough force to get it between your legs without hitting your body.
- Keep your fingers wide to maintain good ball control.
Step 3. Prepare to catch the ball with the opposite hand after it passes between your legs
Step 4. Change the position of the legs by jumping if you want to practice standing
Quickly jump and change the position of the legs, bringing the opposite leg forward to the hand with the ball.
- If you are using the under-the-leg dribble to overtake an opponent or change direction, simply step forward in the desired direction instead of jumping.
- Perform the movement with agility, as it will need to be quick and smooth to be successful.
Step 5. Repeat steps 1 through 3 with the opposite leg in front
Practice this movement repeatedly to familiarize yourself with ball passing and body positioning.
Advice
- If you want to use this move in games, use it to change direction and fool the defender, not to show off.
- Always keep your head up when dribbling.
- Practice as often as possible. Practice really makes perfect and if you try your hardest you will quickly master the art of dribbling between the legs.
- Bend your knees and always dribble without letting the ball exceed knee height.
