Ballhandling Drill: Two Up, Two Back

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Drill Purpose (All Ages)

This drill will improve dribbling and ballhandling skills. It can be done alone or with multiple players in practice.


Instructions

two_up_two_back1 (1K)
  1. Set a chair or cone about 21 feet from the basket.

  2. Take 2 hard dribbles at the chair.

two_up_two_back2 (1K)
  1. When reaching the chair, take 2 backup dribbles.

two_up_two_back3 (1K)
  1. Use a change of direction dribble (cross over, inside out, etc).

  2. Push ahead into 1 dribble lay-up or pull-up jumpshot.

Development Tips for Guards

  • The 2 up dribbles should be hard, attacking dribbles. The player should understand that anytime he can get the defense going backwards he has a big advantage.
  • Be sure the backup dribbles are protected dribbles. Do not expose the ball to the defense.
  • The push dribble should be an explosion in a straight line to the basket. Whatever the outcome of the move, it should be accomplished in 1 dribble.
Points of Emphasis

  • Keep your head up.
  • Stay low and keep your knees bent when making your change of direction move. (This improves quickness because standing upright will only slow you down when you're ready to explode past the defender.)
  • Use your finger pads when dribbling (not your palms).
  • Work on lengthening the dribble. Work to get your opportunities with 1 dribble. You don't beat defenses with your dribble. You beat people with your feet; you SEPARATE from your defense with the dribble.
  • Practice outside your comfort zone. Experiment; go faster than you are used to, use your imagination. When working on new skills, don't be concerned with losing the ball. Just pick it up and do it again.

Recommended Training Resources and Material:

Attack and Counter Skill Development System

SKLZ Court Vision - Dribble Goggles



Do you have any questions or suggestions for this drill? Let us know by leaving your comments...




Comments

Most Likes First   Oldest First   Newest First

Rashad Carrizales says:
9/27/2022 at 12:20:39 PM

This is probably one of the best drills for all players. My younger ones tend to just rush towards the trap and my high school kids, uses this as a reminder of what to do.

This helps reduces turnovers and creates space as well.

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  1 reply  

Barb says:
9/27/2022 at 2:09:33 PM

Glad to hear, thank you for the feedback.

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Festus says:
1/13/2021 at 9:16:24 AM

Great tips! bring in more!

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gabriel-uv says:
9/13/2012 at 10:07:05 PM

HELLO EVERYONE! IN MY EXPERIENCE ITS MOREOFTEN A ENCOUNTERED DOUBLE TEAM SO I GET FUMBLE OR WORST I LOST THE BALL,SO I PRACTICE HARD TO STEPBACK OR WHAT YOU CALL BACK UP DRIBBLE (I TAKE IT HABIT), MY POSITION IS PG I'M SO GLAD WHEN I READ THIS ARTICLE ITS HELPS ME A LOT TO DEVELOP MY SKILLS AND TRICK.....

TYVM & GOD BLESS!

CP3-PHILS

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sumeya says:
8/8/2012 at 8:02:24 PM

thanx sooo much

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Lavonn says:
1/16/2012 at 4:25:20 PM

I loved the drill, it's definitely an effective drill. I was just working on a drill focusing on ball handling and when I read this drill it just worked perfectly into what I was currently doing. Thanx , keep up the good work.

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Harris/GREEK BBALL COACH says:
1/12/2012 at 2:05:40 PM

It was really an excellent Drill for my Young Players.
THANKS A LOT

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Jeff Haefner says:
1/12/2012 at 11:48:51 AM

This of course always depends on the specific kids you are working with and their experience level (you wouldn't make a big deal if this is the first time they picked up a ball). But I have third graders that have no problem with one dribble lay ups from the distance shown (three point arc). They key is to push your dribble out ahead of you and go get it. That's what you do when you have an opening to the basket. Extend the dribble in front. If you dribble right next to your leg it will take 15 dribbles and longer to get there. You only need one. I have seen a 4-10 eight grade girl do drop step a few feet from half court and get all the way to the basket in one dribble. She was pretty athletic but the high school boys get pretty motivated when they find out an 4-10 8th grade girl can get there in one dribble when they are not.

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Tom says:
1/12/2012 at 11:29:24 AM

On the "1-dribble layup" part of this drill, should I expect 6th graders to be able to do this, or will they need to be bigger/older before they can do it in one dribble?

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ruwan says:
8/5/2010 at 1:15:46 AM

Amazing! Thanks

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coach clevenger says:
3/15/2010 at 5:43:38 PM

I had a group of girls this last season who knew little to nuthing about basketball. This drill really helped and I ended up having awesome ball handlers.

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