Ball handling

Controlled dribble

Keep the ball beside you while your eyes stay up.

Players
1 player
Equipment
1 ball
Use in practice
One player dribbling at their side; a short vertical arrow marks the bounce.

Set up

Stand in a comfortable, balanced stance with room for the ball on either side.

Run the drill

  1. Dribble beside your hip with one hand. Keep the bounce low enough to control without reaching.
  2. Look at a fixed point ahead of you. If the ball gets away, collect it and reset your stance.
  3. Change hands and repeat at the same controlled pace.

Make it easier

Start with a higher, slower bounce while you learn where the ball returns.

Add a challenge

Alternate a lower and a higher bounce without looking down.