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Ball handling separates good players from great ones. This drill uses cones (or any markers) to simulate defenders and forces you to execute dribble moves at speed while changing direction. Kyrie Irving, one of the greatest ball handlers ever, credits hours of cone work for his legendary handles. This progressive series starts with basic crossovers and builds to complex combination moves.
Set up 5 cones in a zigzag pattern, 6 feet apart
Round 1: Basic crossover at each cone, go full speed between them
Round 2: Between-the-legs move at each cone
Round 3: Behind-the-back at each cone
Round 4: Combination — crossover, between legs, behind back, repeat
Round 5: Add a hesitation dribble before each move
Complete 3 sets of all 5 rounds with 30 seconds rest between sets
Stay low — bend your knees and keep your center of gravity down
Pound the ball hard into the floor for quicker dribbles
Keep your head up — train yourself not to look at the ball
Sell each move with a shoulder fake or head fake
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