Behind-the-Back Dribble

Skill drill

Add a behind-the-back move to change direction and protect the ball.

6 min any Half court
Ball-handlingU12U14U16

Technique guide

Any group size · 1 ball each

Get everyone ready

Sit low with the ballStay low in an athletic stance on your spot. 1234

● Player / attackGold: ball

Illustrated steps · 5 seconds per step at 1×

Set up

Players spread out in athletic stance.

Look for: Wrap the ball around your hip, don't lift it.

Playback options
Illustrated steps · 5 seconds per step at 1×
Coach’s notes & group organisation

Players spread out in athletic stance.

  1. Stationary behind-the-back, right to left, 10 reps.
  2. Left to right, 10 reps.
  3. Walk forward wrapping it behind on each step.
  4. Combine: crossover into behind-the-back.

Suggested reset

Everyone works at the same time in their own space with their own ball or balls. Retrieve a loose ball before resuming; pause neighbours if it enters their space. Coach calls the change of hand or movement after the prescribed set. No queue or role swap is needed.

Coaching cues

  • Wrap the ball around your hip, don't lift it.
  • Stay low and balanced.
  • Head up.

Adapt the challenge

Easier: Stationary only, slow reps.

Harder: Add a cone and go crossover–behind-the-back–crossover past it without breaking stride.

Two-Ball: Dribble two balls and wrap only the right one behind, keeping the left alive.

What this drill teaches

A change of direction that keeps the body between ball and defender. Wrapping the ball around the hip — not lifting it — means the move protects the ball at the exact moment a crossover would expose it.

In games: When a defender cuts off the drive, the crossover puts the ball right in front of them — the behind-the-back changes direction with the ball shielded, so pressure doesn't become a steal.

What good looks like
  • Ball wrapping low around the hip, not lifted behind the back
  • Stance staying low through the move
  • Walking reps flowing without a stutter or pause

U12: stationary reps with plenty of balls rolling away — normal. U14–U16: expect crossover-into-behind-the-back combos past a cone at speed, and try the two-ball version.

Equipment

1 ball each

Setup

Players spread out in athletic stance.

Steps

  1. 1Stationary behind-the-back, right to left, 10 reps.
  2. 2Left to right, 10 reps.
  3. 3Walk forward wrapping it behind on each step.
  4. 4Combine: crossover into behind-the-back.

Coaching points

  • Wrap the ball around your hip, don't lift it.
  • Stay low and balanced.
  • Head up.

Why kids love it

A flashy, high-level move kids are hugely motivated to master.

Variations

Easier

Stationary only, slow reps.

Harder

Add a cone and go crossover–behind-the-back–crossover past it without breaking stride.

Two-Ball

Dribble two balls and wrap only the right one behind, keeping the left alive.

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