How to Dribble a Basketball Better

Learning how to dribble a basketball better can be very simple if you focus on the right aspects of dribbling and have the discipline to know the best way to dribble a basketball better is to practice. The saying "perfect practice makes perfect" is a great quote to live by because if you're not practicing the right way then you won't get the results you're looking for".

There are simple tips that can help you to dribble the basketball better starting today. Looking down at the ball when you dribble is a habit you have to eliminate in order to dribble a basketball better, even if you only look down once in awhile it is still crippling your dribbling potential. Once you can dribble with your head up you will have the ability to dribble the ball much more effectively and you can dictate your next move based on the defense because you will be focusing on the defense rather than the ball. I've seen many players that can dribble the ball very well but still suffer from looking at the ball and I notice how much better they could be if they were able to look up at all times while dribbling. Many times when you have your head down it can telegraph your moves, which makes it easier for a defender to steal the ball. If you have to try dribbling with your eyes closed to develop muscle memory and eliminate the habit of having to look at the ball while dribbling.

If you want to dribble the basketball better you have to make sure you always dribble the ball low and hard but don't dribble the ball so hard that you can't control it because that would defeat the purpose. There are two reasons why you should dribble the ball hard and low because first of all it can intimidate defenders and have them thinking twice about stealing a ball that is being pounded hard and low, and if a defender decides to try and steal the ball it won't be an easy task and may put them in a situation where you can drive to the basket or cross the ball over. Even if you aren't good at dribbling a basketball, it will still be difficult for someone to steal the ball from you if you dribble low and hard. Start implementing this the next time you dribble the ball and you will see how effective it can be.

When practicing, be sure to include stationary, with speed and movement dribbling in your training. Stationary dribbling would be like dribbling the ball standing still whether you're doing a regular dribble, a crossover dribble, or a between-the-leg dribble. And speed and movement dribbling would be dribbling a basketball up and down the court as fast as you can. Being able to dribble effectively while stationary and on the move can improve your game dramatically. Once you implement all these tips and strategies you will dribble the basketball better and improve your overall skill level as a basketball player. For example, keeping your head up will lead to you finding your open teammates for an assist and also help you to know when to drive, shoot, or pass.

Always remember "perfect practice makes perfect" and don't abandon these tips when dribbling the basketball. If you want to dribble the basketball better starting today, implement these tips the next time you dribble the ball and you will see instant and gradual improvement.