You know the feeling: defender crowding your space, trap closing, teammates covered, and the dribble starts bouncing you instead of the other way around. 

If your handle tightens up when the game speeds up, it’s not a “moves” problem—it’s a control problem. And control is built by syncing your hands, eyes, and feet under just enough chaos that it feels like a game.

That’s why I find value in two-ball work. It’s not just a party trick. Two ball drills force you to:

• Level up both hands (no hiding the weak one)

• Keep eyes up and posture strong while changing speeds.

• Control the ball through straight-line attacks and clean pickups.

• Handle pressure without defaulting to east–west dribbles.

• Transfer skills from workout to game—fast

Players:if you dedicate time to these drills, you’ll feel your confidence jump as your weak hand stops leaking turnovers.

All you need is two basketballs (and a chair for Drill 2/3). Run these in short, sharp bursts—20–40 seconds on, quick rest—and watch your handle tighten while your decisions speed up.

Ready? Grab two balls. Let’s get to work.

Drill 1 — 2 Ball Attack Series

Source: Attack And Counter Skill Development System With Don Kelbick

Goal: Handle at speed, finish in a straight line, keep the “other” ball alive.

Why it works: Forces eyes up, posture control, and true dual hand control

Setup

• One line on the baseline to the side of the hoop.

• Each player with two balls.

Instructions

Option A - Layups

• Full-speed to half court and back; finish with a layup (right, then left on the next rep) while holding the other ball in your hand.

• Constraint: You may not carry or hold the second ball. It must stay dribbling until you gather for the layup.

  

Option B - Free Throw Line Jumper

• Go full speed around the cone and attack the free throw line.

• Set one ball in the chair at the free throw line and shoot the other ball.

  

Option C - Curl Jumper

• Go full speed around the cone at half court. As you approach the 3 point line, pass one ball to the coach.

  

• Shoot a pull-up with your other ball.

• After shooting the pull-up, sprint down under the rim before curling around the other chair. Receive a pass from the coach and shoot.

  

Coaching Cues For Common Issues

• “Straight line to the basket.”

• “Pound it—eyes up.”

• “Weak hand works the whole time.”

• “No carry—keep the second ball alive.”

Common Mistakes To Watch Out For

• Drifting east–west → turn the corner tight and attack north-south

• Palming/carrying the second ball

Progressions

• Use different finishes: outside-hand, inside-hand off two feet, quick power.

• Add a time limit (e.g., half-court to rim in 2.5–3.0 seconds).

Drill 2 - 2 Ball Dribble Warmup

Source: The Screening Game Offense With Bob Martin

Goal: Rhythm, hand switches, eyes up

Why it works: You’re forced to control two balls while counting fingers, forcing you to keep your eyes up like in a game.

Setup

• Every player has a partner.

• Stand 10-12 feet away from your partner.

• One partner has both basketballs.

Instructions

• The player with the basketballs performs the 2 ball drills while their partner holds up fingers for them to count.

  

• Perform the following 2 ball routine:

  • 2 balls simultaneously

  • 2 balls alternating

  • 2 balls, 1 hi, 1 low

  • Windshield wiper

  • Skis (on the outside of your feet)

  • Forward and backwards

  • 3 pound & crossover

Coaching Cues

• “Rhythm—rhythm—rhythm. The balls work together.”

• “Eyes up”

Common Mistakes

• Not dribbling hard enough with the weak hand

Progressions

• Add speed & distance

Drill 3 - 2 Ball Finishing

Source:No Nonsense Moves To Score In The Paint

Goal: Tie handles to finishing and post re-post footwork. Great for players of all sizes.:

Setup:

• Form a line at the lane line on the baseline. Each player has 2 balls.

• Coach positioned on the opposite wing.

Instructions: 

• Two-ball dribble to elbow → jump stop → reverse pivot → inside-hand push pass to coach.

  

• Two-foot finish at the rim.

  

• Re-post: show numbers, ball in the air/feet in the air, chin, drop step to score.

  

Teaching Points

• “Eyes up.” “Jump stop, then pivot.” “Long drop step—cover ground.”

• “On time, on target” 1 hand push pass.

Progressions:

• Vary finishes & types of dribbles players use

Master Both Hands Fast: 3 Two-Ball Drills That Transfer

Most players don’t work on their weak hand enough. Doing 2 ball drills forces you to develop both hands.

Even better, it does it simultaneously, making your workouts more efficient. Add these drills to your routine today to improve your handle!

For more ways to develop as a ball handler and playmaker, check out our upcoming Breakthrough Basketball Camps & find a camp near you!

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Stand Out on the Court

Breakthrough Basketball Camps help players improve their skills and decision-making while building the confidence to shine on and off the court. Trusted by over 150,000 players nationwide, our camps provide:

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