Ball-handling drill

How to do the figure 8 dribble

The figure 8 dribble weaves the ball around and through your legs in an 8 pattern. It trains hand switches, low control and coordination in a tiny space.

Level: Beginner to intermediateFocus: Coordination, ControlSpace: 3 x 3 ft

What is the figure 8 dribble?

In a figure 8, you stand with your feet wide and dribble the ball around one leg and through the middle, then around the other leg and through again. The path traces an 8 on the floor.

There is also a no-dribble version where you pass the ball hand to hand around your legs. That version is a great warm-up for younger players and beginners.

When to use it in a game

You will not run a figure 8 in a game, but the skills it builds, low hand switches and control near your feet, show up in between-the-legs moves and quick crossovers.

Use it in warm-ups or as part of a stationary session alongside the spider dribble.

How to do it, step by step

Stand with your feet wider than shoulder-width and bend your knees.
Start with the ball in your right hand in front of your right leg.
Dribble it around the outside of your right leg toward the back.
Push it through the middle from back to front, into your left hand.
Dribble it around the outside of your left leg to the back, then through the middle.
Keep going, then reverse direction.

Common mistakes

Dribbles too high. Keep them low, near ankle height, for tight control.
Stance too narrow. A narrow stance makes the middle pass hard. Widen your feet.
Rushing the switch. Make each pass through the middle clean before speeding up.

Three progressions

No-dribble figure 8. Pass the ball hand to hand around your legs, 30 seconds each direction.
Dribble figure 8. Full pattern with low dribbles, both directions.
Figure 8 for speed. Count clean laps in 30 seconds and try to beat it next time.

5-minute figure 8 dribble workout

0:00–1:00No-dribble figure 8, both directions.

1:00–2:00Dribble figure 8, forward direction.

2:00–3:00Dribble figure 8, reverse direction.

3:00–4:00Figure 8 for speed: count clean laps.

4:00–5:00Figure 8 into a between-the-legs and go.

How Handles AI coaches it

Coach Ace does not call figure 8 as a move. It is a great warm-up before a Handles AI session, especially before workouts with between-the-legs calls.

Your Coordination rating in the app reflects how cleanly you handle moves like between the legs and behind the back, which the figure 8 helps prepare.

Prop up your iPhone and let Coach Ace call the reps. Your first 20-second session is free.

Download on theApp Store

FAQ

Is the figure 8 dribble good for kids?

Yes. Start with the no-dribble version, then add dribbles. See drills for kids.

Which direction should I go?

Both. Do equal time in each direction.

How fast should I go?

Start slow. Speed comes once the pattern is clean.

Keep training

DrillSpider DribbleThe spider dribble trains fast hands and touch. Learn the rhythm, hand pattern, common mistakes, three progressions and a 5-minute drill.DrillBetween the LegsHow to dribble between the legs with control: footwork, hand position, common mistakes, three progressions and a 5-minute drill.DrillStationary Dribbling DrillsStationary dribbling drills you can do anywhere: pounds, crosses, between the legs, behind the back. With a 5-minute routine and common mistakes.GuideBall-handling drills for kidsFun ball-handling drills for kids and beginners: games, simple moves, tips for parents and coaches, and a 10-minute routine.