explosive first step

I believe in 1-1 the first step of your dribble is very important. The faster and more explosive it is, the better your chance is to get by your defender.

I am looking for drill for kids from 13 to 15 year old to just improve their first step. Can anyone help me?

Hi Kris,

I agree that a quick, explosive first step can be effective.

Here is an article that breaks down the first step and how to teach it:
http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/fitness/explosive-first-step.html

Here is an article with drills:
http://www.ihoops.com/training-room/strength-and-conditioning/3-Drills-for-an-Explosive-First-Step.htm

The operative words are length and angles.

Everything they do, it is long and in a straight line. Attack past the defender's ankles. The dribble must be longer than their step.

You beat people with your feet and separate with the ball

When the dribble is longer than their step, you leave the ball open for the defender to steal or not? You can't keep your body between the ball and your opponent if the dribble is longer than the first step right?

You're talking about beating your defender. Who are you protecting it from if you've gone by him?

Does it make sense to blow by the defense with a first step and then leave the ball behind?