Rip Away

A basketball drill to gain possession in tie-up situations.

This drill requires two players working together with one basketball. Both players begin with one hand on the basketball, holding it between them. Their other hand is in contact with their side. On the coach's whistle, they can use their second hand to try and gain possession of the ball. The coach should only allow them about three seconds to gain control of the basketball so that they do not end up wrestling on the floor. The rules of basketball allow a player one tug when joint possession occurs. For younger or weaker players, the skill of quickly and aggressively pulling the ball toward themselves can help avoid a lot of jump-ball calls.

For younger players, you can start with both hands on the ball. To add more aggressiveness to the drill, the coach can allow the player who gains possession to "chin" the ball and pivot, while the partner attempts to slap the ball from his hands. The player trying to slap the ball should try and move around in front and not reach over or around the player with the ball. The player who is pivoting should protect the ball with strong hands, his elbows should be out, and he should pivot to keep his opponent behind him.

Article Source: http://www.sportspracticedrills.com

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