Ball-handling drill

How to do a speed dribble

The speed dribble is how you cover ground with the ball. You push it out in front and run onto it, taking as few dribbles as possible.

Level: BeginnerFocus: Speed, ControlSpace: Driveway or full court

What is the speed dribble?

A speed dribble pushes the ball forward and out ahead of you at about waist height, so you can run at near full speed. Unlike a control dribble, which stays low and close, the speed dribble is higher and farther in front.

The goal is fewer, longer dribbles. Every extra dribble slows you down, so you push the ball far enough that you have to sprint to catch it.

When to use it in a game

Use it in transition, after a steal or rebound, and any time there is open floor in front of you. When a defender closes in, drop back into a low control dribble or a hesitation.

It is also the base of many drives. Getting to full speed in two or three dribbles is a huge advantage, as explained in how to dribble faster.

How to do it, step by step

Start with the ball in one hand and your body leaning slightly forward.
Push the ball out in front, about an arm’s length ahead, at waist height.
Run onto it, letting it bounce back up into your hand as you stride.
Use your fingertips to push forward on each dribble, not down.
Keep your eyes up to see the floor ahead.
Gather into a control dribble as you approach a defender or the paint.

Common mistakes

Dribbling straight down. A straight-down dribble forces you to slow. Push the ball forward.
Too many dribbles. If you are taking a dribble every step, push farther.
Looking at the ball. At speed you need to see the defense. Keep your head up.
Never switching hands. Practice speed dribbles with both hands so you can attack either side.

Three progressions

Fewest dribbles. Go baseline to baseline (or a 20 to 30 foot line) and count dribbles. Try to lower the count.
Speed to control. Sprint with a speed dribble, then drop into three low control dribbles. Repeat.
Speed plus move. Speed dribble into a crossover or hesitation at a cone.

5-minute speed dribble workout

If you do not have a long space, do this in short lanes and focus on the push and the transition into control dribbles.

0:00–1:00Easy jog with speed dribbles, right hand.

1:00–2:00Easy jog with speed dribbles, left hand.

2:00–3:00Fewest-dribbles challenge, both hands.

3:00–4:00Speed to control, alternating hands.

4:00–5:00Speed plus move at a marker, then walk back.

How Handles AI coaches it

Speed dribble is one of the moves Coach Ace calls, and Speed Burn mode is where you push the tempo. Handles AI tracks you with the front camera, so set up the phone where your body stays in frame. Speed work in place focuses on hand speed and rhythm rather than sprinting.

Speed reps feed your Speed rating, one of the six skills behind your Ball Handler Score.

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

Download on theApp Store

FAQ

How high should a speed dribble be?

Around waist height. Higher than a control dribble, so you can run without bending over.

How far in front should I push the ball?

Far enough that you have to run to it, but not so far that a defender can step in.

Can I practice speed dribbling in a small space?

You can work on the hand action and quick dribbles in place, then use longer spaces when you have them.

Keep training

DrillHesitationHow to use a hesitation dribble to freeze a defender: posture, timing, change of pace, common mistakes and a 5-minute drill.DrillPound DribbleThe pound dribble builds hand strength and control. Learn proper form, mistakes to avoid, three progressions and a 5-minute pound workout.GuideHow to dribble fasterHow to dribble faster: hand speed, speed dribble form, lower dribbles, change of pace and drills that make you quicker with the ball.GuideBall-handling drills for guardsBall-handling drills for point and shooting guards: pressure, combos, change of pace, reads, weak hand and a 20-minute guard workout.