dribbles

Dribbles is the plural form of dribble and can refer to several related ideas. In general usage, a dribble is a small, slow, irregular flow of liquid, such as a bead or trickle escaping from a container or from the mouth. As a verb, to dribble means to let liquid escape gradually, or to move a ball by brief taps or bounces, typically while advancing.

In basketball, dribbling is the act of continuously bouncing the ball on the floor with one hand while moving. It allows a player to advance, change direction, and evade defenders. Proficient dribbling enables ball handling, setup for passes or shots, and the execution of moves such as crossovers or behind-the-back dribbles. Good control and decision-making are central to effective dribbling.

In association football (soccer), dribbling describes close control of the ball while moving past opponents. Players use short touches, feints, and changes of pace to maintain possession and create scoring opportunities. Effective dribbling depends on balance, touch, awareness of defenders, and spatial judgment.

Other uses of the term occur outside sports. A dribble can describe a small, continuous flow of saliva or other liquids from the mouth, or everyday leakage of urine known as urinary dribble. The concept also appears in engineering and construction to describe water or other fluids that trickle from a leak or outlet.

See also: ball-handling, crossovers, feints, leakage.