(1) Q: What is our focus now when we dribble against a defender in a static position? 

A: When on-ball defense is present during the dribble, we will want to focus both on protecting the ball and getting ready to take action (either dribble in a certain direction, stop dribbling and shoot, or later on pass). Thus we will now focus on:

  • Body position: keep your body (primarily your butt/hips) in between the ball and the defender as protection, with your shoulders usually perpendicular to the defender (to create the largest distance between the defender and the ball). The ball will be dribbled using your arm/hand on the opposite side of the defender.

(note the body position of the ball-handler in blue; their body/shoulders are normally perpendicular to the defense in red, offering protection of the ball)

  • Arm bar: use your arm closest to the defender as extra protection, preventing the defender from reaching in and stealing the ball. However do not extend this arm into the defender, or it will usually be an offensive foul. 

(note the arm bar, in yellow, of the ball-handler)

  • Eyes: you will now want to keep your eyes on the defender and the court in order to protect the ball (to see where the defender is), and see which dribble-drive/shooting options you will have (and later on, which passing options you have).

(notice the ball-handlers a) body position in between the on-ball defender and the ball, with their shoulders relatively perpendicular, b) their arm bar offering protection, and c) their eyes viewing the defender and the court)

SKILLS DRILLS

Skills Drill #1 - Basic Dribbling with Defense 

Same as 3.1.1.2.1.1. Skills Drill #1, however this time there will be one on-ball defensive player present. The ball-handler should keep their eyes on the defender to see what the defender is doing. Complete each phase below of varying levels of defensive intensity: 

  • Light defense - defense applies light pressure, but do not try to steal the ball 

  • Medium defense - defense tries to steal ball, without fouling

  • Hard defense - defense tries really hard to steal ball, fouling is okay 

After each completing all three phases, switch offense and defense.

Skills Drill #2 - Basic Dribbling with Defense (Partner Numbers)

Same as Skills Drill #1, however with partner numbers (a partner will hold up different numbers).