dribbling

Dribbling is the act of moving a ball while maintaining control through continuous contact. It is a fundamental technique in many ball sports, used to advance up the field or court, evade opponents, and create opportunities for passes or shots. The exact method varies by sport: some rely on bouncing the ball on the ground, while others emphasize controlling the ball with the feet or a stick.

In basketball, dribbling involves bouncing the ball with one hand while moving. Players use dribbling to advance the ball, change direction, and set up plays. Legal dribbling requires continuous contact with the ball and prohibits actions such as double dribble (dribbling after a held ball is resumed) or traveling (moving without dribbling after stopping). Effective dribbling often combines ball control with vision and decision-making to pass, shoot, or drive to the basket.

In association football (soccer), dribbling refers to advancing with the ball at the player's feet while maintaining control to bypass defenders. Techniques include close ball control, feints, cuts, and changes of pace. Successful dribbling relies on balance, spatial awareness, and timing, as defenders attempt to dispossess the attacker through pressure, tackles, or interceptions.

Other sports employ dribbling concepts with their own equipment. In field hockey, players move the ball along the pitch by using the stick, keeping close control to maneuver past opponents. Across sports, effective dribbling emphasizes keeping the ball near the body, maintaining head-up awareness, protecting possession, and making quick, deliberate decisions.

Training focus for dribbling typically includes coordination, footwork, ball control under pressure, tempo changes, and practice with both dominant and non-dominant hands or sticks to improve versatility and resilience in varied game situations.