Double Tap Dribble

As I mentioned in my previous post, we introduced the double tap dribble two practices ago. As expected, we are quite far from mastering this skill. Still, my post today has two functions.

It's critical that the first thing you teach about dribbling is the pound dribble. You have your players stand on the end line - that's the baseline - and dribble with their right and left hands. No dribble moves. Just pound it. And you have to emphasize to your players that they need to pound the ball into the floor absolutely as hard as they can. Left then right then left again, of course, because most will be weaker with their left hands.

Next, we introduced the side-to-side dribble. You are after developing a swinging motion, rhythmic, their bodies low. Make the players work on speed with this dribble. Side-to-side as quickly as they can. Of course they will mess up - but that's good. That means they are pushing themselves beyond their comfort zone.

Now, incorporate the double tap dribble and have them pull the basketball to the other side with the same swinging motion you've practiced before. One pound dribble with the right, then double tap with the right, then pull it quickly over to the left.