# Ball-Handling · Basketball Level 2: Elementary

Basketball · Level 2: Elementary · Insporta Book (https://book.insporta.app/basketball/level-2/ball-handling/)

Ball-Handling in Basketball (Level 2: Elementary) on Insporta: 100 sourced facts behind 10 tests. Covers: stationary ball-handling; change of pace; and more.

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.

## Test 1: Stationary ball-handling

- The ball stays between the feet as the hands switch. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- The ball weaves through and around the legs in a figure 8. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- Control in one spot comes before control on the move. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- The ball goes from side to side in front of the body, like a V. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- Looking up in drills carries over to seeing the court in games. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- Two balls force both hands to work together. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- Moves must be taken into motion, then game speed. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- From simple control to two balls. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- Still, walk, speed, then live defence. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- Hard, fast dribbles in one spot. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)

## Test 2: Change of pace

- Varying speed throws the defender off balance. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- The defender matches one speed; a sudden burst gets past. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- The ball moves inward as if crossing, then back out. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- The pause makes the defender stand up, then the dribbler goes. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- Keeping the dribble alive keeps all options open. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- Raising the head and shoulders makes the defender think he has stopped. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- Varying speed makes him harder to stay with. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- Steady, slow, defender relaxes, go. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- Fake the crossover, keep the same hand. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- He slows down at C, then speeds up at D. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)

## Test 3: The crossover

- His crossover on Michael Jordan in 1997 is still shown today. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- A crossover made too close to the defender invites a steal. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- Head, shoulders and a step sell the first direction. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- The cross only helps if he explodes the new way. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- A tight defender can reach the ball as it crosses in front. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- Cross, then cross back to catch the defender leaning. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- High or tight crosses are easy pickings. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- Sell, cross, step, attack. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- Cross and cross back, then go. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- Low, quick and wide, with the shoulders selling it. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)

## Test 4: Between the legs and behind the back

- Going between the legs keeps the body between ball and defender. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- The burst after the pause beats him. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- A low bounce gets through quickly and is harder to reach. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- Moves should get somewhere, not just look good. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- On a spin the dribbler rolls off the defender. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- Moves need practice before they are trusted in games. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- Behind the back keeps the body in the way. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- Plant, bounce through, catch, go. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- In front is most exposed; behind the back is shielded by the body. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- When changing hands with a defender close. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)

## Test 5: Protecting the ball

- While it is alive he can still drive or pass. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- Dribble with the hand away from the defender. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- The non-dribbling arm makes space, without pushing. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- Once the dribble is used, the player can only pass or shoot. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- A low dribble spends less time in reach. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- Eyes up spot passes and help. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- Turning sideways puts the body in the way. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- Body, far hand, arm, eyes. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- Low and shielded is safest. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- Keep the body between the ball and the defender. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)

## Test 6: Dribbling against pressure

- Backing off a step or two buys space against pressure. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- A trap puts two defenders on the ball handler. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- Corners and sidelines help defenders trap. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- A quick low dribble can get through a loose trap. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- Eyes up find the pass that breaks the pressure. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- Moving through the space before the second defender arrives beats it. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- With no dribble left in a trap, the ball is easily lost. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- Retreat, see, pass. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- Corners and sidelines help the trap. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- Number 3 is alone near the free-throw line, in the middle. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)

## Test 7: The weak hand

- The weak hand is the one he is less comfortable with. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- A one-handed player is easy to guard. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- Skills grow with regular repetition. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- Everyday use of the weak hand adds touch and control. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- It forces players to use the weak hand under pressure. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- Defenders push a one-way player to his weak side. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- Left-handed finishes balance his game. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- Still, moving, finishing, games. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- From avoidance to match use. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)
- Daily drills with that hand. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling)

## Test 8: When not to dribble

- The ball moves faster through the air than on the bounce. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, decision-making)
- Too much dribbling stalls the offence. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, decision-making)
- Picking it up with nowhere to go leaves the player stuck. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, decision-making)
- Dribble to attack, escape or improve a passing angle. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, decision-making)
- Too much dribbling stops the ball and the cutters. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, decision-making)
- Dribbling to escape a defender has a purpose. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, decision-making)
- Moving the ball early leaves time for a good shot. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, decision-making)
- Pass ahead first; dribble if no pass. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, decision-making)
- Attack first, then angle, idle dribbling last. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, decision-making)
- A pass beats the defence up the floor. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, decision-making)

## Test 9: Attacking off the dribble

- The lead foot crosses over to change direction. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, decision-making)
- The jab makes the defender react, then the attacker goes. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, decision-making)
- A quick, long first step gains the advantage. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, decision-making)
- The most direct path gives the defender the least time. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, decision-making)
- If a helper steps up, someone is open. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, decision-making)
- A good read tells him whether to shoot, pass or drive. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, decision-making)
- The front foot side is the hardest to recover from. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, decision-making)
- Face, jab, first step, drive. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, decision-making)
- Beat, see help, find the open man, pass. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, decision-making)
- Past the defender's front foot. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, decision-making)

## Test 10: Ball-handling drills

- A normal ball then feels light and quick. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling drills)
- Each change of direction uses a dribble move. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling drills)
- Fixed objects give a target for each move. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling drills)
- Players dribble while trying to tag others, keeping the eyes up. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling drills)
- It trains control while running the length of the court. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling drills)
- Pressure makes the drill closer to the game. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling drills)
- Practice with pressure carries over to games. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling drills)
- Corner, diagonal, move, repeat. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling drills)
- Still, then cones, then live defence. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling drills)
- B keeps his eyes up while he dribbles. (Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, ball-handling drills)

Sources: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3 and general coaching references; original questions authored, nothing reproduced. Numbered FIBA rules belong to the Rules category.

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