5 Tips to Master the In-Between-Legs Dribble

Dribble In Between Legs

Dribble in between legs is one of the most effective ways to advance the ball towards the opponent’s basket while also keeping the ball away from the defense. The defender’s shins will be used by the player as obstacles for the ball as it is dribbled forward and back between the legs. If done properly, the move can be very effective at giving the dribbler an advantage over the defender. However, it can also be a very risky move if not done correctly. If the dribbler loses control of the ball, it can be easily stolen by the defender. Therefore, it is important to practice this move until you can do it consistently before trying it in a game situation.

To perform the dribble in between legs, start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and the ball in your dominant hand. Dribble the ball once with your dominant hand, then quickly cross your non-dominant hand over your dominant hand and dribble the ball with your non-dominant hand. Continue dribbling the ball back and forth between your legs, using the defender’s shins as obstacles. As you dribble, keep your head up and your eyes on the defender. This will help you to stay aware of the defender’s movements and anticipate their next move. Once you have created enough space between yourself and the defender, you can make your move towards the basket.

The dribble in between legs is a versatile move that can be used to create scoring opportunities in a variety of situations. It is a particularly effective move against taller defenders, as it can be difficult for them to reach down and steal the ball from between your legs. With practice, you can become proficient at this move and use it to your advantage on the court.

Mastering the Basics: Setting the Foundation

Perfecting Your Stance

A solid stance is crucial for effective between-the-legs dribbling. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and back straight. Your weight should be distributed evenly across both feet. This balanced posture provides stability and allows for quick changes of direction.

Ball Control

Developing superior ball control is essential. Practice dribbling the ball slowly and smoothly with your head up, paying attention to the direction and speed of the ball. As your control improves, gradually increase the speed and intensity of your dribbling drills.

Hand Positioning

Proper hand positioning is paramount. Keep your hands relaxed and slightly cupped, with the fingertips barely grazing the top of the ball. This grip allows for precise control and quick manipulation of the ball during between-the-legs moves.

To refine your hand positioning, place a cone or marker directly in front of you. Practice dribbling the ball between the marker and your feet, ensuring that you maintain control throughout the movement.

Drill	Benefits
Cone Dribbling	Improves ball control and hand positioning
Figure-Eight Dribbling	Develops agility and quick changes of direction
Lateral Dribbling	Strengthens lateral movements and ankle stability

The Figure Eight: A Pivotal Dribbling Technique

The Figure Eight is a fundamental dribbling move that every basketball player should master. It allows you to change direction quickly and easily, making it an effective way to beat defenders and create scoring opportunities.

To perform the Figure Eight, start by dribbling the ball in front of you with your right hand. As you step forward with your left foot, cross your right hand over to the left side of your body and dribble the ball behind your back. Then, as you step forward with your right foot, cross your left hand over to the right side of your body and dribble the ball back in front of you. Continue alternating hands and dribbling the ball in a figure eight pattern.

The Figure Eight can be performed at various speeds and with different degrees of difficulty. For beginners, it’s best to practice the move slowly and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable.

Steps Involved in the Figure Eight:
Dribble the ball in front of you with your right hand.
As you step forward with your left foot, cross your right hand over to the left side of your body.
Dribble the ball behind your back.
As you step forward with your right foot, cross your left hand over to the right side of your body.
Dribble the ball back in front of you.
Continue alternating hands and dribbling the ball in a figure eight pattern.

Crossovers: A Deceptive Dribbling Maneuver

Crossovers are a fundamental dribbling technique that allows players to change direction quickly and effectively while maintaining control of the ball. By mastering the crossover dribble, players can create space for themselves, get around defenders, and make unpredictable moves.

3. Execute the Crossover

The crossover dribble is executed by simultaneously bouncing the ball between the legs and bringing the opposite hand across the body to meet the ball on the other side. This requires coordination, quick hands, and body control.

Here are detailed steps on how to execute a crossover:

Bounce the ball between your legs with your dominant hand.
As the ball bounces up, quickly bring your non-dominant hand across your body, reaching out to the other side.
Meet the ball with your non-dominant hand and bounce it back down on the opposite side.
Change direction by dribbling towards the side where you crossed over.

Practice and repetition are essential for mastering the crossover dribble. Start by performing it slowly and gradually increase your speed and coordination. Focus on keeping the ball low, maintaining control, and transitioning smoothly from one side to the other.

Crossover Technique	Key Skills
Single Crossover	Quick change of direction, ball control
Double Crossover	Multiple changes of direction, misdirection
Behind-the-Back Crossover	Surprise move, unexpectedness

Hesitation Dribbling: Controlling the Pace

Hesitation dribbling is a valuable technique that allows players to control the pace of the game and keep defenders guessing. It involves slowing down or stopping momentarily, then suddenly accelerating or changing direction to beat an opponent. Here’s how to execute effective hesitation dribbles:

Ball Security: Keep the ball close to your body, using quick, short dribbles to maintain possession.
Eye Contact: Maintain eye contact with the defender to gauge their movements and anticipate their reactions.
Change of Pace: Start by dribbling slowly, then suddenly accelerate or change direction, catching the defender off guard.
Timing and Rhythm: Practice different hesitation rhythms to keep defenders guessing. Vary the length and frequency of your pauses to create unpredictability.

Hesitation Dribbling Rhythm	Description
Quick Pause	A brief hesitation followed by an immediate acceleration or change of direction.
Extended Pause	A longer hesitation that draws the defender in before a sudden burst of speed.
Double Pause	Two consecutive pauses, creating a false sense of rhythm before the final move.

Behind-the-Back Dribbling: A Trickster’s Delight

Behind-the-back dribbling is an advanced technique that can leave defenders in disbelief. Here’s how to master it:

1. With the ball in front of you, keep your body low and square to your opponent.

2. Step with your stronger foot and swing the ball behind your body, bringing it back to the front between your legs.

3. As the ball returns, extend your other foot to receive it and begin dribbling in the opposite direction.

4. Practice alternating between behind-the-back dribbles and other dribbling moves to keep opponents guessing.

5. To develop exceptional behind-the-back dribbling skills, consider incorporating these additional tips:

Control the Ball Tightly: Keep the ball close to your body to prevent it from being stolen.
Maintain Balance: Stay on your feet and avoid reaching too far when dribbling behind your back.
Be Ambidextrous: Practice using both your left and right feet to improve your overall agility.
Deceive Opponents: Vary the timing and direction of your behind-the-back dribbles to keep defenders on their heels.
Use Visual Cues: Observe your opponent’s movements and anticipate their reactions to make your dribbles more effective.

Wrapping the Ball: Securing Control and Protection

Wrapping the ball is the key to effective dribbling between the legs. It allows you to maintain control of the ball while protecting it from the opposition.

1. Cushion the Ball

As the ball approaches, use the outside of your foot to cushion it, bringing it under control and directing it towards the inside of your leg.

2. Plant Your Foot

Plant your dominant foot firmly on the ground, adjacent to the ball. This provides stability and allows you to execute the wrap effectively.

3. Glide Your Non-Dominant Foot

Glide your non-dominant foot over the ball, covering it from the top. Use the inside of your foot to guide the ball towards the outside of the dominant foot.

4. Wrap Tightly

Wrap your non-dominant foot securely around the ball, bringing it close to your body. This creates a protective shield against opposing players.

5. Smooth Transition

As you complete the wrap, smoothly transition into the dribbling motion. Use the planted foot to push off and begin moving with the ball.

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake	Correction
Loose Wrap	Wrap the ball tightly around your foot to prevent it from slipping.
Incomplete Transition	Complete the wrap and transition into dribbling seamlessly to avoid disruption.
Awkward Footwork	Practice the wrapping technique regularly to improve coordination and footwork.
Hesitation	Be confident in your wrap and move swiftly to avoid giving the opposition an opportunity.

Dribble-Drive Combinations: Combining Dribbling and Passing

Creating Space with the Dribble Drive

The dribble drive is a versatile play that combines dribbling and passing to create space for a shot or a drive to the basket. The primary ball-handler initiates the play by dribbling toward the defense, drawing them towards them. This creates space for a teammate to cut to the basket or to set a screen.

Executing the Dribble Drive

The key to executing the dribble drive effectively is timing and spacing. The ball-handler should dribble towards the defense at a controlled pace, allowing their teammates time to react. Once the defense has committed to stopping the ball-handler, they should quickly pass the ball to their teammate who has created space.

Variations of the Dribble Drive

There are several variations of the dribble drive, each with its own strengths and weaknesses:

Variation	Description
High Pick-and-Roll	Ball-handler sets a high screen for a teammate before dribbling toward the basket
Middle Pick-and-Roll	Ball-handler sets a screen for a teammate at the free throw line before dribbling toward the basket
Low Pick-and-Roll	Ball-handler sets a screen for a teammate in the low post before dribbling toward the basket
Double Dribble Drive	Two ball-handlers dribble toward the defense simultaneously, creating multiple passing options

Transition Dribbling: Seamlessly Connecting Defense and Offense

Transition dribbling involves carrying the ball between the legs from one side to the other while staying low to the ground. It is an effective technique used in multiple game situations, especially after regaining possession or when facing an opponent.

Number 8: Cross-over with Behind-the-Back Dribble

This advanced move is a combination of the cross-over and behind-the-back dribble. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Initial Crossover: Begin with a cross-over dribble, bringing the ball from one side of your legs to the other.
Behind-the-Back Switch: Quickly spin the ball behind your back, using the same hand that performed the initial crossover.
Cross-over Completion: Continue the cross-over dribble, bringing the ball back across to the opposite side of where you started.
Behind-the-Back Return: Spin the ball back behind your back again, using the same hand that performed the initial crossover.
Attack the Basket: Once the ball has passed through your legs for the second time, you’re facing your defender and can attack the basket or make a pass.

This move is particularly effective when used to quickly change direction and create space from a defender. It requires practice to master, but it can be a devastating weapon in the hands of a skilled player.

Advanced Dribbling Skills: Elevating Your Game

9. Between-the-Legs Dribbling

Advanced Dribbling Technique

Mastering the between-the-legs dribble requires exceptional ball control and agility. This advanced technique allows you to evade defenders by dribbling the ball through your legs and surprising them with an unexpected change of direction.

**Execution:**

Start with the ball in front of you, slightly to one side.
Quickly flick your feet behind the ball, crossing them as you do so.
Simultaneously, use your dominant foot to scoop the ball between your legs.
Continue dribbling the ball with your non-dominant foot, while maintaining control with your dominant foot.
Change direction by dribbling the ball through your legs again, creating a deceptive movement.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Evades defenders effectively	Requires high level of ball control
Can be used to change direction quickly	Can be difficult to execute at high speed
Creates confusion among opponents	May be ineffective against alert defenders

Practice Tips

Start by practicing against a stationary defender or wall.
Gradually increase the speed and distance of your dribbles.
Combine the between-the-legs dribble with other dribbling techniques to enhance its effectiveness.
Practice dribbling both left and right between your legs.

Practice Drills: Sharpening Your Skills

To master the in-between-the-legs dribble, practice is essential. Here are drills that will enhance your skills.

10. Cone Drills for Precision

This drill involves setting up cones in a straight line, typically 5-10 feet apart. The player dribbles the ball between their legs while weaving through the cones. Start with a slow pace and gradually increase speed as you gain confidence. This drill helps develop precise ball control, footwork, and coordination.

Steps:
Set up cones in a straight line.
Dribble between your legs.
Weave through the cones.
Increase speed gradually.

Focus on keeping the ball close to your legs, maintaining a smooth dribble, and making quick turns around the cones.

How to Dribble In Between Legs

Dribbling in between the legs is a fundamental basketball dribbling move that allows players to change direction quickly and easily. It can be used to beat defenders off the dribble, create scoring opportunities, and set up teammates for open shots.

To dribble in between the legs, start by dribbling the ball with your dominant hand. Cross your non-dominant leg over your dominant leg, and then quickly bring the ball through the space between your legs. As you bring the ball through, switch hands and continue dribbling with your non-dominant hand.

Practice this move regularly to improve your coordination and ball handling skills. Once you have mastered the basic technique, you can start to incorporate it into your game. Use it to change direction quickly, create space for yourself, and set up teammates for open shots.