Guide

How to dribble a basketball (beginner’s guide)

Dribbling is bouncing the ball with one hand while you move. It looks simple, but a few basics make the difference between a dribble that works and one that gets stolen.

The basics of a good dribble

1. Use your fingertips. Spread your fingers and control the ball with your fingertips and finger pads, not your palm.
2. Push, do not slap. Push the ball down with your wrist and forearm. Let it come back up into your hand.
3. Stay low. Bend your knees and keep the ball at or below your waist. A lower dribble is easier to control.
4. Keep it to the side. Dribble slightly in front of and to the side of your foot so your body protects the ball.
5. Look up. Try to see in front of you, not at the ball.

Your stance

Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart, knees bent, back straight and chest up. Your non-dribbling arm stays up in front to protect the ball. This is called an athletic stance, and it is how you will dribble in games.

Rules every beginner should know

• Double dribble: you cannot dribble with two hands at once, or stop dribbling and start again.
• Carrying or palming: your hand cannot go under the ball and hold it while dribbling.
• Traveling: you cannot move your feet without dribbling.

Your first drills

1. Pound dribble

Dribble hard in one spot with one hand for 30 seconds, then switch. Keep it at knee height. See the pound dribble.

2. Walking dribble

Walk forward while dribbling, then walk back. Switch hands each length.

3. Crossover

Bounce the ball from one hand to the other in front of you, low. See the crossover.

4. Figure 8 without dribbling

Pass the ball around and through your legs. It builds feel for the ball. See the figure 8 dribble.

A 10-minute starter routine

• 2 minutes: pound dribbles, both hands.
• 2 minutes: walking dribbles, both hands.
• 2 minutes: crossovers in place.
• 2 minutes: no-dribble figure 8.
• 2 minutes: dribble while looking at a spot on the wall.

Do this most days for two weeks and you will feel the difference.

Common beginner mistakes

• Watching the ball the whole time.
• Standing straight up.
• Slapping the ball with a flat hand.
• Only using your strong hand.

Next steps

Once you can dribble with both hands without looking, start learning game moves. The ball-handling improvement guide has a plan. For young players, see ball-handling drills for kids.

Handles AI can help beginners stay consistent: Coach Ace calls simple moves out loud and grades each rep, so you know if it was clean.

FAQ

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