Basketball · Level 2: Elementary · Sub-level 2.2
Ball-Handling
10 tests · 100 facts · updated 22 October 2026 · markdown
Stationary drills, change of pace, the crossover and other moves, protecting the ball, pressure and traps, the weak hand, when not to dribble, attacking off the dribble and drills.
Each test below is ten questions on Insporta. The list under a test is what the questions check: one fact per question, with the source it was written from. Read it before the test, or come back from a wrong answer.
Test 1Stationary ball-handlingTake a test
Pounding the ball hard builds strength and control.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · recall
The ball weaves through and around the legs in a figure 8.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · recall
Control in one spot comes before control on the move.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · recall
The ball goes from side to side in front of the body, like a V.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · recall
Looking up in drills carries over to seeing the court in games.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · recall
Two balls force both hands to work together.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · recall
Moves must be taken into motion, then game speed.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · applied
From simple control to two balls.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · applied
Still, walk, speed, then live defence.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · applied
Hard, fast dribbles in one spot.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · applied
Test 2Change of paceTake a test
Varying speed throws the defender off balance.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · recall
The defender matches one speed; a sudden burst gets past.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · recall
The ball moves inward as if crossing, then back out.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · recall
The pause makes the defender stand up, then the dribbler goes.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · recall
Keeping the dribble alive keeps all options open.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · recall
Raising the head and shoulders makes the defender think he has stopped.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · recall
Varying speed makes him harder to stay with.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · applied
Steady, slow, defender relaxes, go.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · applied
Fake the crossover, keep the same hand.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · applied
Slow down, then burst: a change of pace.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · applied
Test 3The crossoverTake a test
A low, quick cross is hard to steal.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · recall
A crossover made too close to the defender invites a steal.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · recall
Head, shoulders and a step sell the first direction.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · recall
The cross only helps if he explodes the new way.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · recall
A tight defender can reach the ball as it crosses in front.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · recall
Cross, then cross back to catch the defender leaning.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · recall
High or tight crosses are easy pickings.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · applied
Sell, cross, step, attack.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · applied
Cross and cross back, then go.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · applied
Low, quick and wide, with the shoulders selling it.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · applied
Test 4Between the legs and behind the backTake a test
Going between the legs keeps the body between ball and defender.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · recall
Behind the back protects the ball while switching hands.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · recall
A low bounce gets through quickly and is harder to reach.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · recall
Moves should get somewhere, not just look good.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · recall
On a spin the dribbler rolls off the defender.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · recall
Moves need practice before they are trusted in games.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · recall
Behind the back keeps the body in the way.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · applied
Plant, bounce through, catch, go.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · applied
In front is most exposed; behind the back is shielded by the body.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · applied
When changing hands with a defender close.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · applied
Test 5Protecting the ballTake a test
Keep the body as a shield between the ball and the defender.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · recall
Dribble with the hand away from the defender.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · recall
The non-dribbling arm makes space, without pushing.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · recall
Once the dribble is used, the player can only pass or shoot.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · recall
A low dribble spends less time in reach.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · recall
Eyes up spot passes and help.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · recall
Turning sideways puts the body in the way.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · applied
Body, far hand, arm, eyes.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · applied
Low and shielded is safest.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · applied
Keep the body between the ball and the defender.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · applied
Test 6Dribbling against pressureTake a test
Backing off a step or two buys space against pressure.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · recall
A trap puts two defenders on the ball handler.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · recall
Corners and sidelines help defenders trap.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · recall
A quick pass out of the trap leaves a numbers advantage.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · recall
Eyes up find the pass that breaks the pressure.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · recall
Moving through the space before the second defender arrives beats it.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · recall
With no dribble left in a trap, the ball is easily lost.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · applied
Retreat, see, pass.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · applied
Corners and sidelines help the trap.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · applied
Pass out before the trap closes.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · applied
Test 7The weak handTake a test
The weak hand is the one he is less comfortable with.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · recall
A one-handed player is easy to guard.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · recall
Regular, deliberate work makes it stronger.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · recall
Everyday use of the weak hand adds touch and control.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · recall
It forces players to use the weak hand under pressure.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · recall
Defenders push a one-way player to his weak side.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · applied
Left-handed finishes balance his game.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · recall
Still, moving, finishing, games.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · applied
From avoidance to match use.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · applied
Daily drills with that hand.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling · applied
Test 8When not to dribbleTake a test
The ball moves faster through the air than on the bounce.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, decision-making · recall
Too much dribbling stalls the offence.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, decision-making · recall
Picking it up with nowhere to go leaves the player stuck.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, decision-making · recall
Dribble to attack, escape or improve a passing angle.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, decision-making · recall
Too much dribbling stops the ball and the cutters.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, decision-making · recall
Dribbling to escape a defender has a purpose.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, decision-making · recall
Moving the ball early leaves time for a good shot.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, decision-making · applied
Pass ahead first; dribble if no pass.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, decision-making · applied
Attack first, then angle, idle dribbling last.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, decision-making · applied
A long pass to an open team-mate is faster than any dribble.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, decision-making · applied
Test 9Attacking off the dribbleTake a test
Attacking the lead foot makes the defender turn to recover.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, decision-making · recall
The jab makes the defender react, then the attacker goes.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, decision-making · recall
A quick, long first step gains the advantage.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, decision-making · recall
The most direct path gives the defender the least time.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, decision-making · recall
If a helper steps up, someone is open.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, decision-making · recall
A good read tells him whether to shoot, pass or drive.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, decision-making · recall
The front foot side is the hardest to recover from.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, decision-making · applied
Face, jab, first step, drive.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, decision-making · applied
Beat, see help, find the open man, pass.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, decision-making · applied
Past the defender's front foot.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, decision-making · applied
Test 10Ball-handling drillsTake a test
The tennis ball forces the eyes off the basketball.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling drills · recall
Each change of direction uses a dribble move.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling drills · recall
Fixed objects give a target for each move.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling drills · recall
Players dribble while trying to tag others, keeping the eyes up.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling drills · recall
It trains control while running the length of the court.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling drills · recall
Pressure makes the drill closer to the game.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling drills · recall
Practice with pressure carries over to games.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling drills · applied
Corner, diagonal, move, repeat.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling drills · applied
Still, then cones, then live defence.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling drills · applied
Dribbling with the eyes up.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling drills · applied
Sources
FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3 and general coaching references; original questions authored, nothing reproduced. Numbered FIBA rules belong to the Rules category.
- FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling70
- FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, decision-making20
- FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling drills10