Three Tips for Better Ball-Handling in Basketball

A student at Ardrey Kell High School, Luke Stankavage belongs to the school’s men’s basketball team. With a six-foot-three-inch and 170-pound frame, Luke Stankavage excels as a combo guard.

A 1–2 guard, also referred to as combo guard, possesses the physical attributes and skills of a point guard and a shooting guard. To fulfill both roles, the combo guard crushes ball-handling. USA Basketball, the national governing body for men’s and women’s basketball in the United States, provides ball-handling tips.

First, spreading the fingers makes the hand as big as possible. This provides more coverage and ball control. It keeps the finger pads in contact with the ball and the palms away from it. Dribble the ball as hard as possible to maintain control and away from the defenders. The longer the ball is in the air, the more vulnerable it is to deflections and steals.

Second, with the free arm protect the ball by bending the elbows and flexing the forearm in front. It prevents the defenders from disrupting the dribble or from attempting to steal the ball.

Third, keep your eyes up to make a quick pass, avoid traps and the double team. Seeing the floor helps catch open teammates and allows making good passes at the appropriate time.