Expert: Mark Berrier - 2/26/2004

Question
Hello!I want to know what should I do for my left hand dribble?Thanks!

Answer
Hello Ivan!

I'm guessing here that you are right handed and have a harder time dribbling with the left?

Dribbling is like shooting. It's done with feel. Fingertips rather than palms. When you dribble, try and keep the palm off the ball and use more of the calluses and fatty outside part of your hand along with thge fingertips. Try it.

You need to utilize the left hand. You cannot get better with it if you don't use it or practice with it. Here are some drills:

1)Dribble stationary.
2)Dribble walking.
3)Dribble jogging. Push the ball out in front of you. Then run and catch it. If you try and dribble on the side of your body, you'll out run the ball and lose control.
4)Run and dribble.

Then, try and do these things without looking at the ball. Keep your head up and use a peripheral vision. You can look ahead about fifteen feet. See the floor and out of the corner of your eyes see the ball. It's easier to control than you think.

Then after doing these drills, do a crossover dribble, then a weave and cut, then a between the legs, and behind the back.

If you want to play basketball, you have to practice. If you want to be a better ball handler, you have to practice. Do this and take at least 30 minutes a day and dedicate towards dribbling. You'll see an improvement. But you have to practice. This won't happen overnight. But marked improvement will occur over time. I hope this helps.

Good luck.

Mark Berrier