By Fitness 
Why Is Ball Control Important In Basketball?
Ball control is one of the most important and core skills in basketball. Good ball control helps you keep the ball from attacking opponents, create scoring opportunities and dominate the game. Good ball control skills not only help you become more confident on the court but also improve your ability to pass, dribble and score effectively.
For professional basketball players, practicing ball control skills is the key to improving speed, agility and accuracy in every move. This not only helps you overcome opponents but also increases your influence in each game.
Professional Basketball Control Skills
Here are some important skills to help you control the ball better and improve your basketball skills:
1. Dribbling
Dribbling is a basic but important skill in basketball. To dribble effectively, keep the ball low and close to the floor, using your fingertips rather than your palms to control the ball. Keep your head up to scan the court and look for passing or scoring opportunities. Practice dribbling with both hands to become agile and unpredictable to your opponents.
2. Crossovers
A crossover is a quick change of direction that allows you to easily pass your opponent. To perform a crossover, dribble the ball from one hand to the other, moving your body in the direction of the ball to fool your opponent. Make the move quick and decisive, and combine it with short steps to create space to move.
3. Spin Move
Spin move is the skill of turning your body to overcome the opponent’s blocking. When you dribble the ball, turn your body 180 degrees, using your body as a fulcrum to protect the ball from the opponent. Combined with solid dribbling technique, the spin move helps you create space and continue moving into the scoring area.
4. Behind-the-Back Dribble
The back dribble allows you to change the direction of the ball without facing your opponent, keeping you in the dark. It is done by dribbling the ball from one hand to the other without looking at the ball. This skill requires a lot of practice to become natural and accurate.
5. Between-the-Legs Dribble
Dribbling through your legs is a technique that allows you to change direction quickly and protect the ball from being tackled. To perform this, dribble through the space between your legs, moving your body to deceive your opponent. This move is very effective in keeping your opponent at a distance and creating an attacking opportunity.
6. Hesitation Move
The Hesitation move is a technique of feigning a stop, deceiving your opponent before accelerating to continue dribbling. By gently pausing for a short beat, you disorient your opponent, then suddenly accelerate past them. This move requires speed control and precision to execute effectively.
7. Protective Dribbling
When being blocked by an opponent, apply the protective dribbling technique by keeping the ball away from the opponent, using the arm that is not dribbling the ball to protect the ball. At the same time, always place your body between the ball and the opponent to limit the ability to steal the ball from the opponent.
Some Notes When Practicing Basketball Control Skills
To improve your ball control skills, keep the following points in mind during practice:
1. Practice Every Day
Regular practice is the key to improving your ball control skills. Spend at least 20-30 minutes a day practicing dribbling, changing direction, and controlling the ball through obstacles. Consistent practice will help you improve your technique and increase your confidence in competition.
2. Focus on Ball Feel
Ball feel is an important factor in helping you control the ball accurately and naturally. Practice dribbling without looking at the ball, focusing on the feel of the ball to be able to move more smoothly and flexibly in each attack.
3. Practice With Pressure
Practice ball handling under pressure from opponents to simulate real-world game situations. Invite friends or teammates to pressure you as you dribble to hone your ball handling skills in a competitive environment.
4. Watch And Learn From Professional Athletes
Learn from the pros by watching games and technical videos. Watch how they control the ball, use skills and tactics and apply them to your own game. Learning from experienced players will help you perfect your skills faster.
