How To Dribble A Basketball: 15 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Skip to ContentQuizzes

• PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
• QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games Arts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and GardenRelationship Quizzes Cars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and StyleSports and Fitness Computers and ElectronicsHealthPets and AnimalsTravel Education & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and ReligionWork World Family LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationshipsYouth
• LOG IN

  Log in

  Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. Facebook Google wikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
• RANDOM

• Home
• Random
• Browse Articles
• TrendingNew
• Quizzes & Games
• All QuizzesHot
• Love Quizzes
• Personality Quizzes
• Fun Games
• Dating Simulator
• Learn Something New
• Forums
• Courses
• Happiness Hub
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow

• Log in / Sign up

Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow

• Categories
• Sports and Fitness
• Team Sports
• Basketball

How to Dribble a Basketball Like a Pro (Plus Advanced Moves) Download Article A basketball coach shares dribbling tips to improve your game Co-authored by Ryan Tremblay and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: November 10, 2025 Fact Checked

Download Article

• Learning Dribbling Basics
|
• Dribbling the Ball Around the Court
|
• Advanced Ball Handling Techniques
|
• Video
|
• Expert Q&A
|
• Tips

|Show more |Show less ARTICLE VIDEO X

This article was co-authored by Ryan Tremblay and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano. Ryan Tremblay is a Basketball Coach and the Owner of National Sports ID and STACK Basketball. With over 30 years of experience, Ryan specializes in basketball coaching, social media marketing, and website design. Ryan created the National Sports ID as a platform to verify the age/grade of youth athletes and STACK Basketball to inspire young athletes to grow into mature individuals and basketball players. Ryan was a First Team All-Decade basketball player in Bergen County and finished in the top 20 all-time leading scorers in the county’s history with 1,730 points. He went on to Caldwell University on a basketball scholarship where he was part of three championship teams. Ryan was a two-time All-Metropolitan, All-State, and All-Conference point guard and the all-time three-point leader in the school’s history, landing him in the Caldwell University Athletic Hall of Fame. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 837,837 times.

When you see an NBA player juke a defender out with a lightning-fast, between-the-legs, behind-the-back dribble, you’re watching the skill of someone with many years of practice. But even the pros had to start somewhere! So, how did they learn to dribble and do all those fancy moves? We talked to basketball coach Ryan Tremblay to bring you the best advice on how to dribble a basketball. You’ll become a better ball handler in no time with these basics and pro tips!

How do you dribble a basketball?

To properly dribble a basketball, hold the ball with your fingertips. Then, in a low stance, bounce the ball off the ground firmly. Keep your hand on top of the ball and continue pushing it down every time it makes contact with your fingertips.

Steps

Section 1 of 3:

Learning Dribbling Basics

Download Article

1. 1 Get in a low stance. Tremblay advises that before you dribble, get in a low, defensive stance.[1] Spread your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend your knees and drop your hips back slightly (as if you were sitting in a chair). Keep your head up and shoulders square.
   • This position helps protect the ball while also giving you plenty of mobility.
   • Avoid a tall, vertical posture. In this stance, the ball travels from your upper body to the ground and back again as it bounces, leaving it wide open for a defender to steal.
   • Avoid bending at the waist (as if you were bending over to pick something up). Besides being bad for your back, this stance is fairly unbalanced, meaning it's easier to accidentally stumble forward.
2. 2 Touch the ball with your fingertips, not your palm. Having good control over the ball when dribbling is key, but you don’t want to use too much arm strength. For the best results, avoid slapping the ball with your palm. Instead, handle the ball with the tips of your fingers. Spread your fingers out across the surface of the ball for a wider, more balanced contact area.[2]
   • Indiana Pacers’ player Paul George recommends against palm-to-ball contact, as it “slows down the whole dribbling process.”[3]
   Advertisement
3. 3 Bounce the ball off the ground. Handling the ball with your fingertips, take it in your dominant hand and bounce it off the ground. Bounce the ball firmly, but not so hard that you use serious arm strength. Your dribble should be quick, yet steady and controlled. Each time the ball returns to your hand, without grabbing it or catching it in any way, make contact with your fingertips and push it back down with a controlled motion of the wrist and forearm—again, you shouldn't be tiring your arm out from dribbling.[4]
   • Aim the ball to hit the floor at a spot slightly to the side and ahead of the foot on the same side of your body as your dribbling hand.
   • Avoid bouncing the ball too lightly, as this can make it easier for a defender to steal the ball. Be firm without using too much force.
   • When practicing dribbling for the first time, it's OK to keep your eyes on the ball until you get the hang of things. However, the more you can look up, the better.
4. 4 Keep your hand on top of the ball. When you dribble, it’s important to keep the motion of the ball under control. You never want the ball to get away from you, as this can give the other team possession of the ball for free. Keep the palm of your hand directly over the ball as you move so that the ball (on its “up” bounce) will bounce right into your fingertips.[5]
   • Another reason to focus on keeping your hand over the ball while dribbling is that momentarily “catching” the ball on its underside results in a penalty called a carrying violation. To avoid this, keep your palm over the ball and facing the floor as you dribble.[6]
5. 5 Keep the ball low. The shorter and quicker the ball bounces, the harder it is for your opponent to steal. One surefire way to make your ball’s bounces shorter is to bounce it closer to the ground. Keep your knees bent, drop your dominant hand down to the side of your leg, and dribble with low, quick motions, instructs Tremblay.[7]
   • If you have to bend to the side to dribble in a low stance, you’re dribbling too low.
   • In your low stance, the highest point of your bounce should be up to your hip.
6. 6 Keep your head up. When you first start dribbling and the process isn’t intuitive yet, it's hard not to look at the ball as you dribble. However, it’s very important to practice looking up. During a game, you’ll have to look for your teammates, keep an eye on your defender, and be aware of where the basket is, all while dribbling. So, keep your head and gaze up.[8]
   • The more you practice, the more natural dribbling will become! Soon, it’ll feel like second nature, and you’ll be able to trust the ball without looking at it.

   Looking for more ways to improve your game? Check out our article on dribbling and basketball drills!

Advertisement

Section 2 of 3:

Dribbling the Ball Around the Court

Download Article

1. 1 Dribble to the side when you’re near defenders. How you dribble the ball changes based on the players and conditions around you. If you’re in open court (such as moving the ball up the court after the opposing team has scored a point), you can dribble the ball in front of you. However, when you’re near defenders, it’s better to bounce the ball at your side while assuming a low, defensive stance. This way, the defender has to reach across your body to get the ball.
2. 2 Keep your body between defenders and the ball. When one or more defenders are covering you (players on the opposing team are following and trying to steal the ball from you), defend the ball with your body. Never dribble your ball on the same side of your body as the defender is on. Rather, position yourself so your body is between the defender and the ball. This makes it difficult for the defender(s) to steal the ball.[9]
   • For more protection, use the hand that isn't dribbling as an arm bar. Raise your non-dribbling arm and make a fist, presenting the side of your forearm to your opponent.
   • Be careful when using arm bars. Avoid pushing the defender, striking the defender with your fist, or driving through the defender using your arm as a wedge. Instead, use an arm bar defensively (like you might hold a shield) to keep space between yourself and the defensive player.[10]
3. 3 Avoid stopping with the ball. Don’t stop dribbling unless you know what to do with the ball. Once you stop, you can’t dribble again. As the official NBA rules state, “A player may not dribble a second time after he has voluntarily ended his first dribble.”[11]
   • If you stop dribbling, pass or shoot the ball.
4. 4 Know when to pass the ball. Dribbling isn’t always the best way to move the ball around the court. Often, it’s better to pass, as it can be much faster and can be used to misdirect the opposing team. If dribbling to the hoop means going through multiple defenders, it’s usually a good idea to pass the ball to a teammate who has a better chance of making a shot.[12]
   • As a general rule, make a move that’ll get your team closer to making a basket, whether that’s passing the ball to a teammate under the hoop or driving into the key yourself.
5. 5 Avoid traveling, double dribbling, and carrying. There are basic rules that dictate how you dribble in basketball. A careless dribbling violation can result in a penalty, halting your team’s offensive momentum and giving the defending team the ball for free. Avoid committing any of the following violations:[13]
   • Traveling: Moving with the ball without dribbling. Traveling includes:
     • Taking an extra step, skipping, hopping, or shuffling your feet.
     • Carrying the ball while you walk or run.
     • Moving or changing your pivot foot (set foot) when stationary.
   • Double dribble: This penalty refers to two separate violations:
     • Dribbling with both hands simultaneously.
     • Dribbling, stopping your dribble (catching or holding the ball), and then starting to dribble again.
   • Carrying: Catching the ball with one hand and then continuing to dribble (without stopping the dribbling motion). In a carry, your hand makes contact with the bottom of the ball, then flips the ball over in the act of dribbling.
Advertisement

Section 3 of 3:

Advanced Ball Handling Techniques

Download Article

1. 1 The triple threat stance The “triple threat” is a highly versatile stance taken by offensive players after they receive the ball and before they start dribbling. From the triple threat position, the player can pass, shoot, or start to dribble. As Tremblay explains, the stance allows the player to protect the ball with their hands and body while they decide which option to take.[14]
   • To do the triple threat, bring the ball close to your body once it’s passed to you. Grasp the ball with both hands. Keep a low stance as you move the ball across your stomach. Hold your elbows out at a 90-degree angle.
2. 2 A crossover A “crossover” is a dribbling technique used to destabilize and misdirect a defender. The player dribbles the ball in front of their body, transferring it between hands in a “V” shape. With this technique, the player can get the defender to move toward the ball while it’s in one hand, then quickly cross the ball over to the other hand.[15]
   • To do a crossover, stay low and bounce the ball in a “V” shape in front of you. Bring the ball from one hand to the other, with the “point” of the “V” in front of your legs.
3. 3 Dribbling behind the back Dribbling behind the back is a classic way to “juke” or mislead a defender. A player can dribble straight toward the hoop and then redirect the ball behind their back to swerve around the opposing team.[16]
   • To dribble behind your back, follow the same “V” shape dribbling pattern as a crossover, just behind your back. Place your hands on either side of your hips, and bounce the ball between them.[17]
   • Keep in mind that dribbling behind your back takes practice! It’s okay if you don’t nail the move on your first try.
4. 4 Dribbling between your legs Another classic ball-handling move is to dribble between your legs. A player can bounce the ball between either leg while assessing the court or a defender to keep the ball more protected. The leg acts as a barrier between the offender and defender, and switching the ball between hands gives the offender an opportunity for misdirection.[18]
   • To dribble between your legs, follow the same “V” bounce pattern as the crossover, just under your legs. Stand with your feet hip-width apart with one foot slightly in front. Cross the ball under your hips between your legs.
   • Know that this dribbling technique takes practice. The more you practice, the better you’ll become!
Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question

• Question Why does it feel like I'm not getting better at dribbling? Ryan Tremblay Basketball Coach Ryan Tremblay is a Basketball Coach and the Owner of National Sports ID and STACK Basketball. With over 30 years of experience, Ryan specializes in basketball coaching, social media marketing, and website design. Ryan created the National Sports ID as a platform to verify the age/grade of youth athletes and STACK Basketball to inspire young athletes to grow into mature individuals and basketball players. Ryan was a First Team All-Decade basketball player in Bergen County and finished in the top 20 all-time leading scorers in the county’s history with 1,730 points. He went on to Caldwell University on a basketball scholarship where he was part of three championship teams. Ryan was a two-time All-Metropolitan, All-State, and All-Conference point guard and the all-time three-point leader in the school’s history, landing him in the Caldwell University Athletic Hall of Fame. Ryan Tremblay Basketball Coach Expert Answer Make sure that you're putting in plenty of practice time. Dribbling isn't something you do once in a while—it's something you have to practice all the time. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 16 Helpful 55
• Question How can I learn to dribble a basketball between my legs? Ryan Tremblay Basketball Coach Ryan Tremblay is a Basketball Coach and the Owner of National Sports ID and STACK Basketball. With over 30 years of experience, Ryan specializes in basketball coaching, social media marketing, and website design. Ryan created the National Sports ID as a platform to verify the age/grade of youth athletes and STACK Basketball to inspire young athletes to grow into mature individuals and basketball players. Ryan was a First Team All-Decade basketball player in Bergen County and finished in the top 20 all-time leading scorers in the county’s history with 1,730 points. He went on to Caldwell University on a basketball scholarship where he was part of three championship teams. Ryan was a two-time All-Metropolitan, All-State, and All-Conference point guard and the all-time three-point leader in the school’s history, landing him in the Caldwell University Athletic Hall of Fame. Ryan Tremblay Basketball Coach Expert Answer Just like with anything else, you've got to practice a lot. Try doing it 50 times from left to right, then 50 times from right to left, and just keep coming up with different combinations and doing it over and over again. I think the best way to do it is to have sets—maybe do 5 sets of 10 or 5 sets of 20 over and over, and try to do that for 30 minutes to an hour, just focused on going through the legs. That's the type of work that it takes. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 16 Helpful 39
• Question What exercises will help me get better at dribbling? Ryan Tremblay Basketball Coach Ryan Tremblay is a Basketball Coach and the Owner of National Sports ID and STACK Basketball. With over 30 years of experience, Ryan specializes in basketball coaching, social media marketing, and website design. Ryan created the National Sports ID as a platform to verify the age/grade of youth athletes and STACK Basketball to inspire young athletes to grow into mature individuals and basketball players. Ryan was a First Team All-Decade basketball player in Bergen County and finished in the top 20 all-time leading scorers in the county’s history with 1,730 points. He went on to Caldwell University on a basketball scholarship where he was part of three championship teams. Ryan was a two-time All-Metropolitan, All-State, and All-Conference point guard and the all-time three-point leader in the school’s history, landing him in the Caldwell University Athletic Hall of Fame. Ryan Tremblay Basketball Coach Expert Answer The biggest thing is just to do it over and over—practice makes perfect. Dribbling is all about the rhythm that's involved. Also, dribbling two balls while you're standing in one spot is a great way to build up both hands at the same time. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 11 Helpful 35

See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Read Video Transcript

Reader Videos

Submit a Video Tip!

Share a quick video tip and help bring articles to life with your friendly advice. Your insights could make a real difference and help millions of people!

Submit a Video Coming Soon!

Tips

• Start slow. Begin with stationary drills and work your way up to full-court running drills. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• Set up an obstacle course with cones or trash cans to practice dribbling and running with the ball. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
• Squeeze a stress ball or tennis ball when you aren't on the court to improve hand strength. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

You Might Also Like

How toDribble a Basketball Between the Legs How toPlay Defense in Basketball How to Play Basketball: Rules, Tips, & More How toPerform Basketball Tricks How toExecute One on One Basketball Moves How to Get Better at Basketball: The Ultimate Guide How toBe a Good Basketball Player How toPass a Basketball How toBecome a Better Offensive Basketball Player How toShoot a Basketball How to Block Shots in Basketball Like a Pro How toDo a Crossover in Basketball How toRebound in Basketball The Ultimate Guide to Basketball Referee Signals Advertisement

References

1. ↑ Ryan Tremblay. Basketball Coach. Expert Interview
2. ↑ https://jr.nba.com/how-to-dribble-a-basketball/
3. ↑ https://youtu.be/HmlJjskzjuo?t=48
4. ↑ https://www.basketballforcoaches.com/how-to-dribble-a-basketball/
5. ↑ https://www.basketballforcoaches.com/how-to-dribble-a-basketball/
6. ↑ https://youtu.be/HmlJjskzjuo?t=13
7. ↑ Ryan Tremblay. Basketball Coach. Expert Interview
8. ↑ https://www.basketballforcoaches.com/how-to-dribble-a-basketball/
9. ↑ https://www.basketballforcoaches.com/how-to-dribble-a-basketball/

More References (9)

10. ↑ https://jr.nba.com/how-to-dribble-a-basketball/
11. ↑ https://official.nba.com/rule-no-10-violations-and-penalties/
12. ↑ https://www.usab.com/news/2014/01/basketball-101-fundamentals-of-passing
13. ↑ https://official.nba.com/rule-no-10-violations-and-penalties/
14. ↑ Ryan Tremblay. Basketball Coach. Expert Interview
15. ↑ https://youtu.be/M3yD-gwjoRE?t=24
16. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLNchDzdNJ4
17. ↑ https://hoopsking.com/blogs/default-blog/basketball-behind-the-back-dribble-dribbling-training-drills-tips
18. ↑ https://youtu.be/hkfQXij2kp4?t=280

About This Article

Co-authored by: Ryan Tremblay Basketball Coach This article was co-authored by Ryan Tremblay and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano. Ryan Tremblay is a Basketball Coach and the Owner of National Sports ID and STACK Basketball. With over 30 years of experience, Ryan specializes in basketball coaching, social media marketing, and website design. Ryan created the National Sports ID as a platform to verify the age/grade of youth athletes and STACK Basketball to inspire young athletes to grow into mature individuals and basketball players. Ryan was a First Team All-Decade basketball player in Bergen County and finished in the top 20 all-time leading scorers in the county’s history with 1,730 points. He went on to Caldwell University on a basketball scholarship where he was part of three championship teams. Ryan was a two-time All-Metropolitan, All-State, and All-Conference point guard and the all-time three-point leader in the school’s history, landing him in the Caldwell University Athletic Hall of Fame. This article has been viewed 837,837 times. 4 votes - 100% Co-authors: 83 Updated: November 10, 2025 Views: 837,837 Categories: Featured Articles | Basketball Article SummaryX

To dribble a basketball, hold the ball so that your fingertips are the only part of your hand that’s touching the ball, place your legs about shoulder-width apart, and bend your knees slightly. Bounce the ball off the ground firmly and use your fingertips to catch it as it bounces up before pushing it to the ground again. To dribble as you walk, step so that one of your feet always hits the ground with the ball. Keep the ball 3 inches away from the side of your body and low to the ground while you move. For more tips, including dribbling drills, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages German Portuguese Spanish French Russian Italian Dutch Indonesian Chinese Thai Arabic Czech Japanese

• Print
• Send fan mail to authors

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 837,837 times.

Reader Success Stories

• 

  Keira Fisher

  Mar 27, 2017

  "I think it helped by kind of learning the basics of basketball, then move on to like slam dunking it. I think when..." more Rated this article:

More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Ryan Tremblay Basketball Coach Co-authors: 83 Updated: November 10, 2025 Views: 837,837 100% of readers found this article helpful. 4 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote

Keira Fisher

Mar 27, 2017

"I think it helped by kind of learning the basics of basketball, then move on to like slam dunking it. I think when..." more Rated this article:

Kabeyan Hill

Sep 30, 2018

"When I played basketball, I used to double dribble a lot. After reading this, I kept on dribbling without stopping..." more

Margaret Macheka

Mar 20, 2017

"I am a PES teacher, and I wanted to teach pupils dribbling techniques. By watching the videos and reading this..." more

Selucreh Hercules

Aug 20, 2016

"Actually, I read it the first time, and I think it will help me to improve my skill at dribbling and crossover."

Edwin Araujo

Sep 23, 2020

"Now I won't use all my good moves in one game but use the moves I've mastered so I can win the game." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

NBA QuizTake QuizHow Awkward Am I QuizTake QuizAm I Good at Flirting QuizTake QuizAm I a Good Kisser QuizTake QuizAm I Giving Someone the Ick QuizTake QuizAm I Annoying QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

How toDribble a Basketball Between the LegsHow toPlay Defense in BasketballHow to Play Basketball: Rules, Tips, & MoreHow toPerform Basketball Tricks

Trending Articles

Will I Ever Find Love QuizAm I Autistic QuizHow Sexual Am I QuizDiscover the Secret Meaning of Your First NameHow toPractice Kissing5 Different Types of Butts: Find Your Shape

Watch Articles

Amazing Super Bowl Party Ideas Guests Will Cheer ForHow toDevelop Listening SkillsHow toNot Lose Your GirlfriendHow to Draw an OwlHow toTreat AllergiesHow toIntroduce Friends to Other Friends

Trending Articles

What Would My Nickname Be QuizCan We Guess How Tall You Are QuizCan We Guess If You're Single or Taken?Depression Test for TeensHow toBe PrettyHow to Sleep Next to a Snoring Husband: Our 8 Best Tips & Tricks

Quizzes & Games

What Sport Should I Play QuizTake QuizWhich Quidditch Position Would I Play QuizTake QuizCould You Win a Fight With an Ostrich? Fight Skills QuizTake QuizAm I Smart QuizTake QuizSquid Game Sim: Season 1PlayAm I Mean QuizTake Quiz

• Categories
• Sports and Fitness
• Team Sports
• Basketball

wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.

• Home
• About wikiHow
• Experts
• Jobs
• Contact Us
• Site Map
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info
• Contribute

Follow Us

×

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve

Let's go! X --619