3 Ball Handling Drills to Take Your Handles to the Next Level

By: Dylan Tehada

Ball handling is a foundational basketball skill that translates to success at every level no matter an athlete’s position. Whether it be as a point guard bringing the ball up and calling the plays or a forward in the post looking to get space against their defender. Handling the ball confidently and effectively allows all hoopers to focus on getting to their spots and make plays for their team. According to Coach Colby Vazquez, being a strong ball handler also instills confidence in hoopers no matter what their role is.

“From personal experience, when my handle my dribbling skills feel good, I feel like I can get to any spot. If you can get to any spot, then it's just a matter of making that shot and how comfortable you feel with that,” Vazquez said. “It's very important to handle partly because it builds confidence, and it also gives [athletes] the opportunity to make plays for themselves and others.”

Just like any skill in hoops, handling the rock effectively requires practice and repetition. The beauty of practicing ball handling is that unlike other skills it doesn’t require a hoop or a court. By simply having a ball, or two for certain drills, athletes can hone their ball handling skills whenever and wherever they are. There are many effective drills out there that athletes can work on, so this week we caught up with Coach Colby, Coach Corey, and Coach Wes to get their input on what their favorite ball handling drills are.

Coach Colby’s Favorite Drill: Between-Behind Two Ball Dribbling Drills

Coach Colby’s favorite drill is the between-behind with two balls to develop coordination in both hands. According to Coach Colby, dribbling with two balls really develops hand eye coordination and allows athletes to feel confident in using both hands during live game situations. He also loves this drill because it makes dribbling feel like an “afterthought” and allows athletes to focus on other aspects of the game such as reading a defender or calling out plays for the team without fear of getting the ball stolen. While this drill may feel uncomfortable at the start, Coach Colby emphasizes staying determined and continually mastering this drill.

“The biggest key to being a good ball handler is to keep working on it because it's going to be hard and uncomfortable at first, but once you're able to see improvement every day then the sky's the limit,” Coach Colby stated.

Coach Wes’ Favorite Drill: Weighted Basketball V Dribble Drill

Coach Wes’ favorite ball handling drill is the weighted V dribble drill to develop strength and coordination. Being able to develop strength in both hands allows athletes to keep their dribble alive against pressure from the defense in game. Using a weighted ball also hones coordination skills as an athlete can incorporate two ball drills with a weighted ball as well. By young a normal ball in one hand and a weighted ball in the other and athletes will further develop their coordination and develop confidence to use either hand in game. Once the power is developed, athletes can then focus on the creativity and adaptability that is required to be a good ball handler.

“Having the ability to be creative and adaptive when handling the ball are important skills as a ball handler. Practice every move individually at a high rate of repetition and gain the confidence to do those moves without looking at the ball or your hands,” Coach Wes said.

Coach Corey’s Favorite Drill: Two Ball Tennis Ball Dribbling Drills

As Coach Colby mentioned, using two basketballs helps develop coordination in both hands and instills confidence in an athlete’s ability to get to their spot and go any direction in game. In a similar way, Coach Corey sees value in using a tennis ball as a way to develop coordination while dribbling. By simply catching a tennis ball thrown at you while dribbling or tossing the ball to yourself while dribbling, an athlete can “focus on the ‘feel’ of dribbling and also engage both sides of the brain at the same time” according to Coach Corey. Drills like these require practice and Coach Corey emphasizes consistency when it comes to working on your handle.

“To really improve, it’s important to practice consistently and push yourself to the edge of losing your dribble. Losing your dribble means you’re working hard, not that you’re bad at dribbling,” Coach Corey stated.

Developing strong ball handling and coordination skills can go a long way in elevating an athlete’s game to the next level. Taking the first step to implement some of the drills like the ones listed above and being consistent about honing your handle will not only develop the physical skill of ball handling, but also instill a confidence in your game.