Handles AI
Guide
How to dribble faster
Dribbling faster means two things: quicker hands in tight spaces, and covering more ground in the open floor. Both can be trained.
Two kinds of speed
- Hand speed: quick dribbles and fast changes of hands. This comes from low, hard dribbles and drills like the spider.
- Floor speed: moving fast with the ball. This comes from good speed dribble technique.
Tip 1: lower the dribble
A lower dribble travels less distance, so it gets back to your hand faster. For quick moves, keep the ball below your knees.
Tip 2: push harder
A harder dribble returns faster. Pound dribbles train you to push the ball into the floor with force while staying in control.
Tip 3: push the ball ahead in the open floor
In the open floor, dribble the ball forward, not down. Push it out in front about waist height and run onto it. Fewer dribbles means more speed.
Tip 4: change pace
Being fast is relative. A hesitation slows you down for a beat so your burst looks even quicker. Slow, slow, fast is harder to guard than always fast.
Want a coach calling the moves? Handles AI grades every rep from your iPhone camera. Try 20 seconds free.
Download on theApp StoreTip 5: train your weak hand
You cannot go fast if you slow down every time the ball goes to your off hand. Even out your hands with weak-hand drills.
Tip 6: build leg strength and footwork
Your hands can only go as fast as your feet can follow. Defensive slides, short sprints and staying in a low stance while dribbling all help.
Speed drills
- 30 seconds of fast low crossovers, count clean reps.
- Spider dribble for max clean speed.
- Fewest dribbles: go 30 feet and count dribbles, then try to lower it.
- Hesitation into a two-dribble burst.
- Speed dribble into a crossover at a marker.
Mistakes that slow you down
- Dribbling straight down while running. You have to slow to catch it. Push it ahead.
- Going fast before going clean. Speed on top of sloppy form means turnovers. Get the move right, then speed it up.
- Standing tall. A high stance means a high, slow dribble. Bend your knees.
- Over-dribbling. More dribbles is not faster. Count your dribbles over a set distance and try to lower it.
- Ignoring the weak hand. The slowest part of your handle sets your speed.
Training speed with Handles AI
Handles AI’s Speed Burn mode pushes the tempo, and Coach Ace calls moves like speed dribbles and crossovers. Your Speed rating is one of the six skills in your Ball Handler Score, so you can see if you are getting quicker.
FAQ
How can I make my hands faster with the ball?
Low, hard dribbles, spider drills and fast crossovers in short sets, keeping every rep clean.
Should I dribble high or low to go fast?
In the open floor, about waist height and pushed ahead. In traffic, low and close.
Does speed matter more than control?
Control first. Speed with no control leads to turnovers. Build speed on top of clean form.