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One of the most common weaknesses that is seen in youth players is being able to dribble & finish with their weak hands. By only using their strong hand, they are closing themselves from many scoring opportunities.
Although, we want to become confident dribbling with our weak hands, the determining factor whether they drive to their weak-side is whether they can finish with their weak hand. So finishing has to be a large priority of their weak-hand dribbling experience (as seen in Phase 3).
We have to make sure that we progress out of drills that are too simple for us. It is my pet peeve to see high-level high school athletes performing stationary dribbling for an extended period of time.
Finally, there is nothing that will replace 1v1 dribbling drills, they are far superior to 1v0 dribbling but these Phases are to get you started when there is no defender.
You can view the drills below right away, or read the long version of improving weak-hand dribbling.
Phase 1: Stationary (1v0) [Weak-hand Dribbling]
Phase 1: Stationary (1v0) [Weak-hand Dribbling]
Summary of Drills:
- Pound Dribbles
- V-Dribbles
- 4-square Dribbling
- 4 crossovers
Drill Progression:
Beginners - Perform dribbles at medium speed with eyes open.
Intermediate - Perform dribbles at max speed with eyes open.
Elite - Perform dribbles at max speed with eyes closed.
* Once you complete Elite, doing these drills will be a waste of time and you will no longer be getting better. Spend more time in Phase 2 and Phase 3 of weak-hand dribbling.
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Time to Spend on Stationary Dribbling:
Beginners - 5 minutes max
Intermediate - 3 minutes max
Elite - 2 minutes max
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You can use a Big Ball to improve your handles or dribbling gloves (although I've never used those yet)
Finally, some elite players like Steph Curry perform Stationary Dribbling in their warm-ups because they get him focused since they are patterned, rhythmic and repetitive. At this time, he is not doing Stationary Dribbling to improve his handles.
Phase 2 - Added Footwork (1v0) [Weak-hand Dribbling]
Phase 2 - Added Footwork (1v0) [Weak-hand Dribbling]
Summary of Drills:
- Pound Dribbles and Jab
- Scissor Dribbles
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Drill Progression:
Beginners - Perform dribbles at medium speed with eyes open.
Intermediate - Perform dribbles at max speed with eyes open.
Elite - Perform dribbles at max speed & power with eyes closed.
* Once you reach Elite in Phase 2, you should spend less time in Phase 2 and spend most of your energy on Phase 3.
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Time to Spend on Drills:
Beginners - 5 minutes max
Intermediate - 3 minutes max
Elite - 2 minutes max
Phase 3 - Game Moves & Finishes (1v0) [Weak-hand Dribbling]
Phase 3 - Game Moves & Finishes (1v0) [Weak-hand Dribbling]
Summary of Drills:
1) Off the catch, weak hand finish:
- 2-dribbles into spin-dribble
- 2-dribbles into wrap around back
- 1-dribble into front cross
- 1-dribble into b/w legs cross
- 1-dribble into behind the back cross
2) Off the dribble, weak hand finish:
- strong-hand high cross
- strong-hand low cross
- weak-hand in-and-out
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Drills Progression:
Beginner - Perform each layup 2 times
Intermediate - Perform each layup 2 times at highest speed.
Elite - Make each layup 2 times at highest speed and
perform a different finish move every time. Change your starting point each day.
* Perform from a different spot each day.
** Close your eyes during move, once it becomes easy.
*** Go fast! You only get better when you lose the ball.
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Time to Spend on Phase 3:
Beginners - 2 minutes max
Intermediate - 3 minutes max
Elite - 5 minutes max
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