This drill to work on live ball dribble moves was contributed by Coach Joel Hueser to the FastModel Sports Basketball Plays and Drills Library.
Coach Hueser has been a head high school coach for 29 years. He is currently at Papillion-LaVista South High School in Nebraska.
Here is what Coach Heuser said about the makeup of the drill.
In order to break down a defender on the move, we encourage all players to develop a go-to move and counter move. Consider the following points as well:
1. Maintain a speed of 80 mph (80%).
2. Attack the defense right between their eyes. Go right at them!
3. Make your move a stride or two away and attack the defender’s outside shoulder at 100 mph (full speed).
4. Finally, close the gap once you get by them.
5. Be sure to practice these moves on both sides of the floor!!!
Inside-Out Move
If you are dribbling with your right hand, step laterally (to the left) with your inside foot and then return to the outside as quickly as possible. Do not change hands with the dribble. However, learn to sell the defender with an inside-out dribble to compliment your inside-out footwork. Master this from both sides.
Crossover Move
If you are dribbling with your right hand, plant your right foot and quickly cross the ball over to your left hand. When you get by the defender, keep a very low dribble and close the gap. Learn to do this tight and compact with both hands.
Hesitation Move
Dribble right at the defender, then slow down with a quiet stutter and momentarily begin to rise up, as soon as the defender freezes or becomes off balance, explode past him. Push the ball out in front with a low dribble.
Between the Legs Move
Same as the crossover, but dribble the ball between your legs.
Create
Without over dribbling, challenge your creativity on the move. This could be around the back or a combo of other moves. Don’t be afraid to make a mistake when you practice!
Player 1 starts at halfcourt, favoring a sideline.
He dribbles at the chair or cone at “80 mph,” makes his move on the move at “60 mph” and attacks the rim at “100 mph.”
Always practice your go-to and counter moves together.
We always practice in this sequence:
1. Inside-out
2. Crossover
3. Hesitation
4. Between the Legs
Player 1, after finishing strong off of two feet, gets his own rebound and passes to himself with a “spin-out.”
It’s important this happens outside the arc to enable him to “turn, look and go.”
This is to simulate breaking backcourt pressure with the same move back.
Meanwhile, player 2 goes to work.
Crossover counter move shown here.
Turn, look and go and repeat the same exact move.
Do the same for hesitation and between the legs moves (not shown).
We sometimes add a 5th move and the players “create.”
This should be a fun move challenging their creativity.
