Dribbling, passing, and shooting are the three key skills you need to learn if you want to play basketball. However, we’ve seen most players focus mainly on shooting because yes, we get it, shooting the ball from a far place or having the perfect shooting form is pretty cool.
But there’s one thing that players should never forget when wanting to improve their skills in basketball, and that’s dribbling.
Dribbling is essential, especially in moving the ball forward into the opponent’s side of the court. If you’re planning to join a basketball training camp, you must find one that’s able to cultivate all the skills that are needed to win the game, including dribbling.
As a basketball training camp in Lorton, Virginia, we give you four important tips beginners need to take note of when learning how to dribble:
Pound the ball and dribble hard
The reason why you have to pound the ball hard is so that the ball bounces quickly to your hand, so your opponent can’t steal it. The quicker it is in your possession, the harder it will be for your opponent to grab a hold of it.
Make sure to practice this while you’re in a standing position, as well as when you’re moving. You should also practice dribbling from side to side so that you can get the hang of proper ball control.
Use your fingerpads in keeping the ball and your fingertips to control it
If you’re trying to dribble the ball and control it while you move, you mustn’t use your palms. When you do, the force of your palm might not push the ball the way you want it to. And eventually, you’re going to lose the ball to your opponent.
Do not bounce the ball too high
Even if you pound the ball and dribble hard, you still have to keep it at a height that’s not too high so that you can control it easily. When the ball is too high, it means it will be away from your hand too long, and your opponent may be given a chance to grab it from you.
Our tip is that when you’re in traffic or closely guarded, keep the ball at knee-height so that you can control and protect it better. In an open court, however, dribble the ball at waist level so that you can move better.
Make sure to use your body and non-dribbling arm to shield the ball from defenders
Dribbling isn’t simply keeping the ball in play, but it’s also about keeping the ball in your possession. To do that, you must learn how to use your body to protect the ball from your opponents. As mentioned before, you must dribble lower for easy control of the ball as you move towards your opponent’s side.
Want to improve your skills in basketball? Join our basketball training summer camp in Lorton, Virginia. Shots Up Basketball offers skills training programs, such as passing, footwork, shooting, ball handling, and yes – even finishing.
So talk to our staff now to know more about the training programs we offer.
