Overview of the move
The between-the-legs dribble (also called through-the-legs) is a beginner-friendly move used to protect the ball and change direction. For younger players, the goal is control, not speed. Parents can help by encouraging practice that feels fun and safe. For a friendly introduction, you can explore general coaching ideas at FIBA coaching resources.
Common problems kids face when learning between-the-legs
- Eyes down and ball path too visible — Kids may look at the ball instead of scanning the court. Fix: lift the head and practice using targets (a cone or marker) to look at while dribbling. Drilling with a parent calling out directions helps keep eyes up.
- Ball dribbled too far from the legs — The ball travels away from the body, making it easy to lose control. Fix: keep the ball close with quick, small taps using the outside hand; focus on short bursts rather than long taps.
- Stance and balance are weak — Feet too close or too wide; knees not bent. Fix: adopt a shoulder-width stance and a light knee bend; coach the child to stay balanced while moving the hips and head forward.
- Arms crossing the body during the move — This can slow the dribble and create space for steals. Fix: keep wrists relaxed, elbows tucked, and practice the motion slowly before speeding up.
- One-handed focus instead of using both hands — Relying on one hand makes the move more predictable. Fix: practice with both hands, starting with non-dominant hand to improve balance and control.
- Delays or hesitations when finishing the move — Players pause after the move and lose momentum. Fix: add a quick follow-up step or drive immediately after the move to maintain flow.
Coaching fixes and drills that work
- Eyes-up drill — Have the child dribble between the legs while looking at a target a few steps ahead. Progress by adding a second target on the other side. This builds court awareness. See general guidance at USA Basketball Coach Education.
- Short-tap ball control — Start stationary. Dribble the ball between the legs with quick, short taps, keeping the ball close to the legs. Gradually introduce a light jog to mimic game speed while maintaining control.
- Stance and balance — Practice a box drill: stand in a square with feet on each corner, keep knees bent, and perform the move from each side of the square. This reinforces balance and body positioning.
- Two-hand coordination — Pair up the child with a partner. The partner calls out a direction; the child performs the move switching hands on cue, which builds confidence with both hands.
- Progression to speed — Once control is solid, add a light sprint after the move toward a cone or target. Always ensure safety and proper footwear first.
Parent tip: “My child improved most when we practiced for short 5-minute sessions, twice a day, with plenty of positive feedback and no pressure to perform perfectly.”
What parents can do at home
- Keep practice sessions short and fun to build confidence.
- Use soft, indoor-friendly balls for beginners to reduce fear of impact.
- Encourage proper footwear and a comfortable surface to practice on.
- Celebrate small improvements, like keeping eyes up or improving balance.
- Stretch after practice to prevent stiffness and injuries.
Safety and guidelines
Warm up before any drill and choose age-appropriate drills. Ensure your child wears proper basketball shoes and a well-fitting uniform. For safety guidance, see the CDC Heads Up program for youth sports: Head’s Up Health & Safety in Youth Sports.
Resources and official sources
Frequently asked questions
- Is the between-the-legs move appropriate for beginners? Yes, as a teaching tool for ball control and deception, but start slow and focus on form and safety.
- Should I start with other drills first? Yes—basic dribbling, ball handling with one hand, and stationary control help build a solid foundation before introducing between-the-legs moves.
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