Dribble a Basketball Between the Legs

Dribbling is a fundamental skill in the game of basketball. While dribbling between the legs may look like just a flashy trick, the move can actually help you keep the ball out of your defender's grasp. Practice the steps below to master the between the legs dribble and impress the crowd on game day.

Steps

Developing the Basics: Learning to Handle the Ball

  1. Push the basketball down with the pads of your fingers, not your palm. The finger pads allow you to better control the direction that the ball bounces.
  2. Use enough force that the ball bounces just high enough for you to control it. This "sweet spot" is generally about the height of your knees.
  3. Keep your head up and gaze straight ahead while dribbling the ball. Looking down actually impairs your balance and prevents you from surveying the court.
  4. Stand on the balls of your feet rather than standing flat-footed. This allows you to move quickly and make sharp angles with your footwork.

Building the Foundation: Learning the Cross-Over Dribble

  1. Dribble the ball in your dominant hand, keeping your knees bent and the bounce low.
  2. Turn your dominant hand so that your thumb points slightly upward toward the sky.
  3. Push the side of the ball so that it bounces in a V-shape in front of your body, enabling you to receive it with the opposite hand.
  4. Practice the cross-over dribble until you feel comfortable transferring the ball between your hands. This V-shape cross-over dribble is the foundation of the between the legs dribble.

Completing the Move: Learning the Between the Legs Dribble

  1. Stand with ball in your dominant hand and your opposite leg a generous step in front of your other foot at a 45 degree angle to the rest of your body. Make sure your legs are bent and are far enough apart for the ball to pass through.
  2. Push the side of the ball that corresponds to your dominant hand on the next upward bounce and direct it through your legs.
    • Make sure to push the ball at an appropriate angle and with enough force that it passes through your legs without hitting your body.
    • Keep your fingers spread wide to maintain good control of the ball.
  3. Be ready to receive the ball with your opposite hand after it has passed through your legs.
  4. Switch your leg position by doing a hop step if you want to practice in a stationary position. Quickly jump and switch your leg positioning so that the leg opposite the hand with the ball is in front.
    • If you are using the between the legs move to pass or change directions on an opponent, you'll simply want to step forward in the desired direction rather than using a hop step.
    • Use your agility for this motion as it needs to be speedy and smooth in order to position yourself in time to receive the ball.
  5. Repeat steps 1 through 3 with the opposite leg in front. Practice this move repetitively to become comfortable with transitioning the ball and your stance at the same time.



Tips

  • If you plan to use this move competitively, use it only to change directions and to trip up your opponent, not to show off.
  • Always keep your head up while dribbling.
  • Keep your knees bent and dribble the ball around the height of your knees at all times.
  • Practice these drills as often as possible. Practice truly does "make perfect" and if you work hard you will quickly master the art of dribbling between the legs.
  • Spread your legs open if you are a starter and as you get better slowly close your legs.

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Sources and Citations

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