When you dribble a basketball, there’s a lot going on: fingertip control, dexterity, hand and wrist strength and proficient ball handling. Add defensive players applying pressure on the court and an intense game, and it’s evident who’s mastered the fundamentals.

I was talking to Bobby Plump (remember the winning shot when the small town won the Indiana state championship in the movie, Hoosiers? The real person on the actual Milan team who made that shot was Bobby Plump) – anyway, Bobby commented that moving with a basketball in his hands was a natural feeling – second nature. I think that’s because he’d spent hours and hours on a basketball court – at his house, at school – anywhere he and his buddies convened.

Be like Bobby! Use this practice drill so you can someday say it’s a natural feeling too!

The Wall Ball Dribble Drill (say THAT 5 times really fast!!)

The player’s size determines how far away from a concrete or brick wall he should stand.

The player uses one hand for 20 – 30 seconds and then switches to the other hand. After using both hands, the player should rest for a minute and then repeat the drill with each hand again.

The Drill:

• Dribble the basketball against the wall above head level – about 1-inch off the wall.
• The dribbling arm should be extended, but slightly bent at the elbow.
• Player continually dribbles the basketball while moving it up-and-down and side-to-side on the wall.

It’s a simple drill, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. It requires endurance – and control. Two things you definitely need when playing basketball.

There are a few things to remember in this “simple” drill:

• Be sure to maintain the proper distance of the body from the wall. The purpose is to develop fingertip control and wrist snap, and if you’re too close and draw under the ball, you are using more shoulder and arm extension.
• Keep the dribble continuous and hard while moving the basketball up-and-down and side-to-side. Maintain fingertip control!
• Don’t get under the ball – keep your arm extended. Gravity is your friend if you keep dribbling on the wall in a horizontal motion.

Like I said, sounds simple – isn’t easy!

Once you practice for a while, treat yourself to some real fun – dribble up the court and sink a few into your Goalrilla Basketball Goal! Release some tension in the small muscles with some large muscle movement as you circle the basket and make shots from all around the court for fun.

Yes, it’s important to practice, but remember, basketball is a game – and it’s fun!!

-Pat of the Basketball Goal Store Blog Team