Between-the-Legs Series
Add a between-the-legs dribble to change direction and protect the ball.
What this drill teaches
A change-of-direction dribble that keeps the body between ball and defender. Repping it stationary, then walking, then chained with a crossover builds the move in layers — control first, then movement, then combinations.
In games: Gives players a way to change direction when a defender is close enough to punish a crossover — the ball travels behind the leg where hands can't reach it.
- Ball pushed through the legs, not lifted and placed
- Low, wide stance held through every rep
- Head up while the ball moves — no peeking down
U12: stationary and slow with plenty of off-the-foot escapes — normal. U16: expect walking reps, pound-dribble rhythm, and combinations finished at the rim.
Equipment
1 ball each
Setup
Players spread out in athletic stance.
Steps
- 1Stationary between-the-legs, right-to-left, 15 reps.
- 2Left-to-right, 15 reps.
- 3Walk forward doing between-the-legs each step.
- 4Combine: crossover, then between-the-legs.
Coaching points
- Push the ball through, don't lift it.
- Stay low, wide base.
- Head up.
Why kids love it
It's a flashy move kids see on TV — huge motivation to master it.
Variations
Stationary only, slow and controlled.
String a between-the-legs into a crossover and finish with a layup.
Take two hard pound dribbles between each between-the-legs to keep the ball low.