Between-the-Legs Series

Skill drill

Add a between-the-legs dribble 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

Stagger your stanceOne foot forward, low and balanced. 1234

● Player / attackGold: ball

Illustrated steps · 5 seconds per step at 1×

Set up

Players spread out in athletic stance.

Look for: Push the ball through, 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 between-the-legs, right-to-left, 15 reps.
  2. Left-to-right, 15 reps.
  3. Walk forward doing between-the-legs each step.
  4. Combine: crossover, then between-the-legs.

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

  • Push the ball through, don't lift it.
  • Stay low, wide base.
  • Head up.

Adapt the challenge

Easier: Stationary only, slow and controlled.

Harder: String a between-the-legs into a crossover and finish with a layup.

Pound-Through: Take two hard pound dribbles between each between-the-legs to keep the ball low.

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.

What good looks like
  • 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

  1. 1Stationary between-the-legs, right-to-left, 15 reps.
  2. 2Left-to-right, 15 reps.
  3. 3Walk forward doing between-the-legs each step.
  4. 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

Easier

Stationary only, slow and controlled.

Harder

String a between-the-legs into a crossover and finish with a layup.

Pound-Through

Take two hard pound dribbles between each between-the-legs to keep the ball low.

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