A simple drill that can be done to improve ballhandling and change of direction is the dribble weave. For coaches of young players, it is very important to take time each practice to work on individual skills and this is a good one to help with ball handling.

Set up chairs or cones in a line up and down the court. If you only have half court access then use that for the drill. Line them on both sides of the floor. I prefer a chair because it is more of a realistic obstacle but if you can’t get chairs or use chairs then cones will work.

Form lines on each side of the floor with the ball at the front of the line. Players should dribble weaver through the cones making sure that they are changing hands as they go and crossing over correctly. You can make this a competitive drill if you’d like but only do that once the players are competent at the drill.

It isn’t a bad idea to take the cones and place them all over as well so that players really have to work on a solid crossover or change of direction. It also helps the players if they are timed, but only as they progress to that point.

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Young coaches are always looking for drills or practice ideas that will help the kids get better at certain areas of the game. One of the most basic is the down and back drill.

The down and back drill is done by having your team for 1-3 lines on the baseline of the court. Each line has equal players in it and the front of each line has a ball. On the coaches whistle, the players all start dribbling toward the opposite end of the court with the right hand. When they reach the baseline they should change hands and dribble the rest of the way with the left hand.

Some things to focus on and remember with this drill:

1. The least amount of dribbles the better. The player should push the ball in front of him making the most of each bounce.

2. The eyes should always be up so as to see the floor.

3. The dribble should go no higher than the waist so that it is easier to control.

The first team that gets done without losing control of the ball wins.

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