Video Credits: The athlete in this video is the awesome Jennifer Stevenson. Follow Jennifer on TikTok: @_jennifer.s
Coaching Objective
Skill Level: Intermediate, Skill Development: Ball handling and Control. This is an excellent drill to use as a warm up and help you develop your ball handling skills. Improving your handles by using a V Dribble and a Cross Through will help you control the ball better, advance towards the hoop and create distance between you and your defender. You are mastering this drill when you can do it at speed, look up and control the ball. Handles is a form of exercise which stimulates your body to release ‘feel good’ hormones, or endorphins. These natural mood lifters will keep stress at bay and improve your mindfulness.
Drill Instruction
- Start with your feet wider than shoulder length apart and keeping low.
- Hold the ball in your right hand.
- Complete a V Dribble – With your right hand, cross the ball across your body from your right side to your left side – knee to knee. Then cross the ball from your left side to your right side – knee to knee. This is completed in the form of a V shape. When crossing the ball across your body keep your hand on the outside of the ball.
- With your right hand cross the ball through your legs and control the ball with your left hand.
- Complete a V Dribble with your left hand – knee to knee.
- With your left hand cross the ball through your legs and control the ball with your right hand.
- Repeat steps 3,4,5,6.
Coaching Message
- On the V Dribble, place your hand on the outside of the ball.
- On the V Dribble, try and cross the ball across your body – knee to knee.
- Keep your head up looking in front (don’t ball watch).
- CHALLENGE YOURSELF: try and dribble as fast as you can while keeping control of the ball.
- CHALLENGE YOURSELF: Beat your Score! Keep count on how many right and left cross through you can do in 30, 45 or 60 seconds.
- Feel like you have the basketball on a string and Be Awesome!
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