Between-the-legs dribbles look flashy but they’re just a different bounce angle. This drill starts stationary. The goal is to bounce it through without kicking it or losing control.
What you need: Basketball. Flat court. Open space.
Setup: Kids stand with feet about 12 inches wider than shoulder-width. Slight bend in the knees.
How to run it:
- Start with the ball in one hand, say the right hand in front of you waist-high.
- Dribble the ball down and push it hard between your legs so it bounces up in the back of your body.
- Your left hand (behind you) catches the bounce and pulls the ball forward.
- Now push it back between the legs so it bounces in front again. Your right hand catches it.
- Do 5 front-to-back-to-front. Rest. Do 3 rounds.
What to watch: Are they kicking the ball? Feet should stay still. The push angle is everything. If the ball hits their legs, the angle was wrong or the push was too soft.
If they’re struggling: Widen the stance more. Make the path easier. Start by just practicing the hand handoff without bouncing, then add the bounce.
If they’ve got it: Do between-the-legs dribbles while walking slowly forward. Keep the same wide stance and smooth hand handoff.