Hints on How to Improve Basketball Skills Using Dribbling Techniques

If you have been a basketball player for some time now, you've probably realized how ball handling is very important in the game. Shooting and other skills only come second to your dribbling skills. That's why learning how to improve basketball skills come down to basketball dribbling techniques and great ball handling.

Face it: you can't get an easy shot if you can't advance the ball to your favourite spot on the court. That's why learning basketball dribbling techniques can help how to improve basketball skills by teaching you how easy it is to dribble your defenders off their feet and blow by them like they were standing pillars.

So to start you off, let's go over some of the basic basketball dribbling techniques each aspiring player should know, practice, and master. This will start your way towards achieving how to improve basketball skills.

1.) Crossover Dribble

Okay, you've probably seen this move played best by Allen Iverson with his ankle-breaking crossover moves. When he does it, he leaves his opponents behind or on the ground wondering what just happened.

Agility is a need to get optimal results for this basketball dribbling technique. To perform a crossover dribble, approach the enemy to get to a distance of at least 3 feet. The moment the foot of the dribbling side touches the floor, push off strongly towards the direction of the other foot while bouncing the ball in a quick and low manner towards the other hand. Keep in mind the crossover will be quicker when you bounce the ball lower. Move away from the opponent and towards the basket after you have blown by him with the crossover dribble.

This basketball dribbling technique is advantageous since you can always have a vision of the game action which is a must have if you want to learn how to improve basketball skills. However, the dribble exposes the ball to the enemy making it vulnerable for a steal.

2.) Reverse Dribble (Spin)

This works great if the opponent is within close proximities, unlike the crossover dribble where you have at least 3 feet to work with.

The advantage and disadvantage of the reverse dribble is opposite to that of the crossover dribble. It's great since your body will be between the opponent and the ball, making it safer from a steal. However, you lose sight of the basket and the rest of the game action.

Let's say you are making this move with your right hand. You can perform the reverse dribble by making sure your left foot is right in front of the opponent's right foot. Next, you need to pivot on your left as you rub against your defender's right arm then burst to the basket or take the shot. Doing this, the ball should be on your right hand and available for a dribble, which you can choose to take or not to. You can do the opposite if you wish to use your left hand.

These basketball dribbling techniques are the basics to the different moves you can practice and learn how to improve basketball skills. Remember, a good fundamental is the key to mastering the sport. Once you've mastered these techniques, move on to more advanced skills.