Basketball Youth Dribbling Drills For Better Ball Handling

Many times when a younger player goes to camp there aren't always many youth dribbling drills that are adequate for developing younger players. The ball is bigger, a younger player has smaller hands. So it can be quite a challenge to dribble the ball.

So here are a couple of recommendations for younger players when it comes to dribbling drills. First, if a player is 5 or 6 years of age or younger, or even if the player is older but very small for their age, I recommend starting out with a smaller basketball.

Smaller basketballs make it easier for a younger player to improve on hand-eye coordination, dexterity and ball control. Then once a player gets a little older they can switch to a regulation basketball.

So if a younger player is starting out with a smaller ball I still recommend starting with things like the figure 8 drill, the spider drill and basic zig-zag drills. I also recommend incorporating two ball dribbling as soon as possible. This will put a younger player at a major advantage early as two-ball dribbling improves the weak hand. It helps to catch up a weaker dribbling hand.

Aside from the drills I listed above, one of the things that younger players struggle with are the between-the-legs move and the spin move. The reason for this is simple. Shorter players have a hard time dribbling a regulation ball between their legs. And they also have a hard time spinning with a regulation ball. This is another great reason for a smaller basketball.

Early on mastering these two moves isn't very hard with practice. One drill that young players should start out with is the scissor drill. If needed have them start out with a smaller ball.

The scissor drill is done by standing in place and dribbling between the legs. The name the scissor comes from the motion that the player mimics to go between the legs both ways standing in one place. This drill requires a hop and shuffling your legs in mid-air to switch legs to dribble between.

The scissor drill is a great youth drill. I never really did this drill as I got older but early on it really helped with coordination and improving my dribbling between-the-legs. Most younger players or even older players who are just getting started in basketball will lift their entire leg in order to dribble between the legs.

If a player is younger but doesn't need to start with a smaller ball I recommend two-ball dribbling as well. Also, add the scissor drill to the training routine.

Dribbling visors are also a great resource for younger players as there is a tendency to develop the bad habit of looking down at that ball when just getting started in basketball.

I recommend using these visor for all workouts until dribbling without looking down is second nature. With work and doing the right drills better dribbling skills will come easily. I feel it is one of the easiest skills to master in the game. So stick with it.

I have found more sneaky youth basketball drills, tips, and secrets for showing any young player how to develop a yo-yo dribble in 4 weeks or less. Visit my site for the Free mini-course at http://DribblingSecrets.com now.