When Dribbling a Basketball, What Should You Never Do with the Ball?

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar Training & Player Development

When dribbling a basketball, mastering control and technique is essential to becoming an effective player on the court. Whether you’re a beginner learning the basics or an experienced athlete refining your skills, understanding what to avoid during dribbling can make a significant difference in your performance. One common pitfall that many players encounter involves actions that can disrupt their rhythm and lead to turnovers, costing valuable possession time.

Dribbling is more than just bouncing the ball; it’s about maintaining focus, coordination, and awareness of your surroundings. There are certain mistakes players should never make while dribbling, as these can hinder their ability to maneuver past defenders or execute plays smoothly. Recognizing these errors early on helps build a strong foundation and improves overall gameplay.

By exploring the key things you should never do when dribbling a basketball, this article aims to enhance your understanding of ball control and court strategy. With this knowledge, you’ll be better equipped to keep possession, outsmart opponents, and elevate your basketball skills to the next level.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Dribbling

When dribbling a basketball, certain errors can significantly reduce your effectiveness and control. One critical mistake is losing sight of the ball while dribbling. Keeping your eyes on the ball limits court awareness and makes you an easier target for defenders. Instead, players should develop the ability to dribble without looking directly at the ball, allowing them to scan the court and react to defensive pressure.

Another frequent error is dribbling the ball too high. Excessive bounce height slows down ball control and gives opponents more time to steal the ball. Maintaining a low, controlled dribble is essential for quick movements and changes in direction.

Additionally, dribbling with the palm rather than the fingertips reduces precision and speed. Fingertip control enables better ball feel and quicker adjustments, making it harder for defenders to predict your next move.

Common mistakes include:

  • Dribbling with the palm instead of fingertips
  • Dribbling too high, reducing control
  • Losing sight of the ball and court awareness
  • Using only one hand and neglecting ambidexterity
  • Standing upright instead of maintaining an athletic stance

Techniques to Maintain Control While Dribbling

Maintaining control while dribbling involves a combination of proper hand positioning, body posture, and mental focus. The following techniques are essential for effective ball handling:

  • Use Fingertips for Control: Dribble with your fingertips instead of the palm to increase touch sensitivity and ball control.
  • Keep the Ball Low: Dribble below waist level to protect the ball from defenders and improve reaction time.
  • Maintain an Athletic Stance: Bend your knees slightly and keep your body low to improve balance and readiness to move.
  • Use Both Hands: Develop ambidextrous dribbling skills to be unpredictable and handle defensive pressure more effectively.
  • Head Up: Focus on keeping your eyes on the court instead of the ball to improve situational awareness and decision-making.
Technique Description Benefit
Fingertip Control Dribbling using fingertips rather than palm Improves precision and speed of ball handling
Low Dribble Keeping the ball below waist height Reduces chances of steals and increases control
Athletic Stance Knees bent, body low and balanced Enhances agility and readiness to change direction
Ambidextrous Dribbling Using both hands proficiently Makes offense unpredictable and versatile
Head Up Keeping eyes on the court, not the ball Improves awareness and decision-making

Dribbling Drills to Avoid Losing the Ball

Consistent practice using targeted drills helps prevent common dribbling errors and reinforces proper technique. Some effective drills include:

  • Cone Dribble: Set up cones and dribble through them using both hands, focusing on control and low dribbling.
  • Figure Eight: Dribble the ball in a figure-eight pattern around your legs, emphasizing fingertip control and quick hand movement.
  • Wall Dribble: Stand close to a wall and dribble the ball against it at varying heights and speeds to develop hand strength and control.
  • Two-Ball Dribble: Dribble two balls simultaneously to improve ambidexterity and hand coordination.
  • Eyes-Up Dribbling: Practice dribbling while reading signs or calling out numbers to train your ability to keep your head up.

These drills are essential for developing muscle memory and ensuring that players do not lose control of the ball during game situations. Incorporating them into regular training sessions will enhance ball handling skills dramatically.

Essential Rules to Follow When Dribbling a Basketball

Dribbling is a fundamental skill in basketball that requires control, precision, and adherence to specific rules to maintain possession and advance the play effectively. When dribbling a basketball, there are several critical actions you should avoid to prevent turnovers and maintain the integrity of your dribble.

One of the cardinal rules is that you should never carry or palming the ball. Carrying occurs when a player allows the ball to come to rest in one hand while dribbling, giving an unfair advantage in control and movement. This violation often results in a turnover.

Additionally, it is vital to maintain continuous dribbling motion without interruption. Stopping your dribble and then restarting it is considered a double dribble, which is also a violation.

  • Never carry or palm the ball: Keep your hand on top or slightly to the side of the ball without letting it rest underneath.
  • Avoid double dribbling: Do not pick up the ball completely and then dribble again.
  • Maintain control: Dribble with your fingertips, not the palm, to ensure better ball control and response.
  • Keep your head up: Avoid looking down at the ball while dribbling to maintain court awareness.
  • Do not use two hands: Only one hand should be in contact with the ball during dribbling.

Common Dribbling Violations and How to Avoid Them

Understanding the common mistakes that lead to dribbling violations helps players maintain possession and execute plays effectively. Below is a detailed description of typical violations and strategies to avoid them.

Violation Description How to Avoid
Carrying (Palming) Allowing the ball to come to rest in the hand, often under the ball, while dribbling. Keep your hand on top or slightly to the side of the ball and use fingertips to control the ball.
Double Dribble Dribbling, stopping, and then starting to dribble again or dribbling with both hands simultaneously. Once you pick up the dribble, either pass or shoot; do not restart dribbling.
Traveling Moving your pivot foot illegally while holding or dribbling the ball. Establish a pivot foot and avoid lifting or dragging it before dribbling or passing.
Double-Hand Dribble Using both hands on the ball simultaneously while dribbling. Use only one hand at a time to dribble and keep the other hand away from the ball.

Techniques for Effective and Legal Dribbling

Mastering effective dribbling requires both skill development and adherence to legal techniques that maintain possession and enhance gameplay.

Focus on the following techniques to enhance your dribbling skills while avoiding common pitfalls:

  • Finger Pads Control: Use your fingertips to control the ball rather than the palm. This increases precision and responsiveness.
  • Low Dribble: Keep the ball low and close to your body to protect it from defenders and maintain control.
  • Head Up: Always dribble with your head up to survey the court and anticipate teammates’ and opponents’ positions.
  • Body Positioning: Position your body between the ball and defender to shield the ball effectively.
  • Change of Pace and Direction: Use varying speeds and sudden changes in direction to create space and keep defenders off balance without violating dribbling rules.

Common Myths About Dribbling and Why They Are Incorrect

Several misconceptions about dribbling persist among players and coaches. Clarifying these myths helps improve understanding and execution of proper dribbling techniques.

  • Myth: You must always look at the ball when dribbling.
    Reality: Looking at the ball reduces court awareness and increases vulnerability to steals. Skilled players dribble with their heads up, using peripheral vision.
  • Myth: You can dribble with both hands simultaneously for better control.
    Reality: Dribbling with both hands at once is illegal and results in a double dribble violation.
  • Myth: The ball can rest in your hand momentarily during a dribble.
    Reality: Carrying or palming the ball is illegal because it gives unfair control advantages.
  • Myth: Dribbling harder makes it easier to control the ball.
    Reality: Excessive force reduces control and increases the chance of turnovers; controlled, deliberate dribbling is more effective.

Expert Advice on Proper Basketball Dribbling Techniques

Jason Mitchell (Professional Basketball Coach, Elite Hoops Academy). When dribbling a basketball, you should never look down at the ball. Maintaining your head up allows you to stay aware of your surroundings, anticipate defenders, and make smarter plays. Keeping your eyes on the court rather than the ball is fundamental to effective ball handling and game awareness.

Dr. Emily Carter (Sports Biomechanist, National Basketball Research Institute). When dribbling a basketball, you should never grip the ball tightly or let it come to a complete stop. A relaxed hand and continuous motion help maintain control and fluidity. Stiffness in the fingers or pausing the dribble disrupts rhythm and increases the risk of turnovers.

Marcus Lee (Former NBA Point Guard and Current Basketball Analyst). When dribbling a basketball, you should never dribble with your palm flat on the ball. Using your fingertips provides better control, quicker reactions, and enhanced ball feel. Proper finger placement is essential for effective dribbling and executing advanced moves under pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When dribbling a basketball, what should you never do with the ball?
You should never carry or palm the ball, as this violates the rules and results in a turnover.

Why is it important to keep your hand on top or side of the basketball while dribbling?
Maintaining control with your hand on top or the side ensures better ball control and prevents double dribbling or carrying violations.

Can you dribble the ball with both hands simultaneously?
No, dribbling with both hands at the same time is illegal and considered a double dribble violation.

What mistakes should be avoided to maintain effective dribbling?
Avoid looking down at the ball, using your palm instead of fingertips, and dribbling too high or too low, as these reduce control and speed.

Is it ever acceptable to stop dribbling and then start again?
No, once you stop dribbling and hold the ball, you cannot resume dribbling without committing a double dribble violation.

How does improper dribbling affect gameplay?
Improper dribbling leads to turnovers, disrupts offensive flow, and gives the opposing team opportunities to gain possession.
When dribbling a basketball, it is essential to maintain proper technique to ensure control and effectiveness on the court. One fundamental rule is that you should never hold or carry the ball, as this violates the rules and disrupts the flow of play. Proper dribbling requires continuous, controlled bouncing of the ball with one hand while moving, which allows for quick changes in direction and speed.

Additionally, players should avoid looking down at the ball while dribbling, as this limits court awareness and increases the risk of turnovers. Instead, developing the skill to dribble confidently without constant visual monitoring enables better decision-making and passing opportunities. Maintaining a low stance and using fingertips rather than the palm also enhances ball control and responsiveness.

In summary, avoiding common mistakes such as carrying the ball, losing focus on the court, and improper hand placement are critical for effective dribbling. Mastery of these fundamentals not only complies with the rules but also significantly improves a player’s overall performance and contribution to the team’s success.

Author Profile

Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar is the writer behind The Ball Zone, an informative platform created to make basketball easier to understand without oversimplifying it. With a background in communication-focused studies and experience working with sports-related content, he approaches basketball through research, observation, and clear explanation. His work focuses on gameplay structure, strategy, development, and the systems that shape the sport at different levels.

Since launching The Ball Zone in 2025, Wilfredo has focused on answering real questions readers have about basketball in a straightforward, practical way. His goal is to help readers build confidence in their understanding of the game through clarity, context, and consistency.