Basics Of Ball Handling For Basketball

Let's say you get the ball passed to you from a teammate in a game, and you want to move while keeping the ball and not violating the rules. How do you do that? By proper basketball handling ability. Not only do spectators love to see amazing ball handling, but you will become a much better player if you have amazing handles. Especially if you're a guard.

In fact, this fundamental is so basic that you should be working on this first before moving on to anything else. Because if you can't move the ball, then you can't play. These are workbooks, video information on YouTube, as well as DVDs and camps that will assist you on your journey to become a great ball handler. One important thing to note here is that it does not matter what position that you play on the basketball court.

If you can properly handle the basketball then you reduce your chances of turnovers, you will be able to get to where you need to get on the floor with the ball easier, and you will have more confidence.

Being able to dribble the ball very well will allow you to have more high percentage shots, and high percentage passes. This is made possible because you will be able to get that separation from the defender at will.

Apart from bringing the ball up the floor and getting where you need to be on the floor, creating space from your defender is a benefit of solid ball handling. Players such as Tony Parker, Russell Westbrook, D Wade, and many more are able to create the space necessary to have a high percentage shot at the rim all on their own.

It's a fact that you will be almost impossible to guard if you throw in explosiveness with the correct ball handling. Here is a list of the common rules when it comes to handling a basketball.

Pointer 1: When you're practicing your ball handling, it's very important to work on both of your hand instead of just your strong hand. You literally cut your potential in half if you can only go to your strong hand. This does not take very long for a smart defender to discover, which will expose your lack of training in front of everybody. The reason is because you will have the ball stolen from you a lot and you will not be able to go to your weak hand when it's obvious that you will have to at the time of possession. For example, a defender forcing you to use your weak hand by cutting off the strong hand driving lane.

Rule 2: Do not bounce the ball with your palms, but rather your finger tips. This reduces turnovers, because you will have more control over the basketball, and will be able to place it where you want. This is also fundamental, and coaches as well as trainers are looking for it.

Rule 3: Ensure that the ball goes not higher than waist level, when you're dribbling. Not only does this reduce turnovers, but it you dribble too high you will in violation of the rules. Both of which are turnovers, and empty trips down the floor. It should not take very long to get a feel for how it bounces. You will get some balls with more air, and some with less air. The key however is to put enough on it so it comes up to your waist or lower, as long as it's comfortable.

Rule 4: There are three positions that your body can be in when you're dribbling the basketball. These three positions are...

1. Control Stance: This stance is mainly done by players that play on the perimeter, and it involves keeping your knees bent, head up, and shoulders down lower than the player guarding you. This limits the chances of the ball being stolen because it shortens the return trip of the basketball, and it will also target the muscles that are involved in quick movements. This is really helpful to already be in this position, when you need to get past someone after you've just put a move on him.

2. Speed Position: Simply put, sprinting with the basketball is the goal here. Used in a fastbreak, this position increases your speed with the ball and should be done when a defender is to far away to steal the ball from you. Some players will even push the ball way out in front of them and then sprint it down to ensure that they are getting from point A to point B as quick as possible. Your body is straight up and the ball is not as protected as much as with the other two body positions which is why it's important to be done in a fastbreak situation.

3. Power Position: This position is done by using a wide stance and can be utilized by anyone on the floor. The idea is to keep the bouncing basketball out of the defenders reach by ensuring that you're the middle man between the ball and the player guarding you.

Although the fancy moves are fun to watch, when you're starting out in basketball it's important to make sure you have these basics down first before moving onto the flashy stuff. Master these, and you will become a much better player, work on these until you're able to switch from position to position seamlessly without even thinking about it. Have fun.