Ball-handling drill

How to do a behind-the-back dribble

The behind-the-back dribble changes hands while keeping your whole body between the ball and the defender. It is a smooth way to change direction without slowing down.

What is the behind-the-back dribble?

You wrap the ball around your back with one hand and bounce it to the other side, where the opposite hand picks it up. The ball never passes in front of you, so it stays protected.

The key is the wrap. Your dribbling hand rides the ball around your hip instead of just slapping it backward. That wrap is what lets you keep moving forward while switching hands.

When to use it in a game

Use it on the move when a defender cuts off your path and is reaching toward your front side. Going behind the back keeps the ball away from their hands and lets you keep your speed.

It is also useful in transition when a defender is on your hip. Avoid it when you are standing still and closely guarded; it takes a beat longer than a crossover and can be read.

How to do it, step by step

1. Dribble in your right hand with your knees bent and the ball at your hip.
2. Let the ball come back slightly behind your right hip.
3. Wrap your hand around the outside of the ball so your palm faces your back.
4. Push the ball across behind your back toward the outside of your left foot.
5. Catch it with your left hand, rotate your hips the new way, and keep dribbling.
6. Repeat to the other side.

Common mistakes

• Slapping instead of wrapping. A flat slap sends the ball off your heel. Ride the ball around your hip.
• Bouncing it too close. If it lands right behind you, it hits your feet. Aim outside your opposite foot.
• Leaning forward. Bending at the waist pushes the ball into your legs. Stay upright with bent knees.
• Only on the strong side. Most players rush the weak-hand wrap. Do equal reps. See weak-hand dribbling.

Three progressions

1. Stationary wraps. Back-and-forth behind the back in place, slowly, for 30 seconds.
2. Walking behind the back. Walk forward and go behind every second or third step.
3. Cross into behind. Crossover, then behind the back, then go. This builds the combo you will use in games.

5-minute behind-the-back dribble workout

How Handles AI coaches it

When Coach Ace calls a behind-the-back, Handles AI tracks the move with your iPhone’s front camera and grades the rep. Reps are mixed with other calls, which is closer to game reaction than drilling one move on repeat.

Behind-the-back reps contribute to your Coordination and Creativity ratings. Try it in Combo Lab once the single move is clean.

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