Learning to play basketball is a lot of hard work. One of the most basic things a player has to learn is dribbling. Dribbling is the act of bouncing the ball continuously with one hand in a repetitive motion which ends when the continuity is disturbed or when the player touches the ball with both hands simultaneously. The ball must be continuously redirected to the floor so that the dribble isn't ended. It can also end when the ball is allowed to rest on the hands of the player and when the ball is allowed to be moved parallel or fractionally to the court using one hand.



The following measures are observed to ensure that dribbling is done properly in basketball.

The use of finger pads. The padded part of the fingers is used by the player to control the basketball. Using the palms to dribble the ball should be avoided. Spread the fingers across the ball when dribbling. The fingers should be spread for better control of the basketball. The forefinger should be in the same direction as the direction the player's body is facing. Hand always on top. When dribbling, the player should ensure that the hand is on top of the basketball to prevent the player from committing a violation, which is carrying the ball. Hand leaves the basketball first before the pivot foot leaves the floor. If the foot leaves the floor before the basketball leaves the hand, a violation may be called, which is traveling.

Both hands should be able to dribble. Practice is needed in order for the player to dribble with either the right or the left hand.

Shield with the other hand. While dribbling with the active hand, the free hand should be used to keep the defender from getting contact with the ball. The body should also be used as a shield.

Keep eyes open and head up. This way, the player is able to see the whole court and take an appropriate action so the player is more effective with the basketball.

Quick stop. When the player wants to end the dribble, it should be done quickly to avoid any violations. Keep it low. The body of the player together with the ball is kept low so that the defender won't be able to get hold of the ball easily.

Avoid wasting a dribble. This is done by dribbling once or twice and then ending the dribble. This will lead the player in a difficult situation.

Always have a purpose and know the intention. The player should know what action to take next after dribbling. Avoid dribbling with double teams. Dribbling should be avoided if there are two defenders trying to take the ball at the same time. The ball could easily go to their possession if this is done. Avoid the corners. Dribbling at the corners of the court would be of advantage to the defenders because the player dribbling the ball can be trapped by the defenders at the corner of the court.

Keep it alive. Dribbling should be done in a full of life manner before the player decides to pass or shoot. This technique makes it difficult for the defender to steal the ball but caution should be observed.

Practice makes perfect. The player should do dribbling drills on his own so the dribbling skills learned during practice can be incorporated in the team play.

Proper stance. The player stands erect. When dribbling with the right hand, the left food should be parallel and in front of the right with the knees slightly bent. Leave it to the hand and wrist. The hand and wrist should be used when dribbling. The arm should be near the upper body and kept close to it. Let the waist be the basis of the height. The ball should be dribbled not higher than the waist, in front and side of the foot that is on the rear. Learning how to handle the ball is crucial in playing basketball.

Dribbling is one of the ways the player can use to control the game while the ball is in possession. It is definitely one of the skills needed in ball handling. A lot of dribbling practice will pay off if the player has the ball in possession and it is up to this player to ensure that the ball remains in the possession of the team before the player shoots, makes the basket and scores. Learn the dribbling basics first and get the game going.