Watch USA Basketball Gold-Licensed Coach Stephen demonstrate this proven drill that’s helped thousands of young athletes improve ball handling & develop their weak-hand.

📺 Watch Coach Stephen’s Tennis Ball Dribbling Drill

See how Coach Stephen breaks down this drill that kids ages 8-18 can practice at home, in the driveway, or at the park with a partner.

Why Tennis Ball Dribbling Works for Youth Basketball Players 

This drill isn’t just about dribbling. It’s about training your brain and body to handle game pressure. Here’s what happens when kids practice this drill consistently:

Hand-eye coordination explodes.
You’re managing two balls at once, which mirrors real game situations where you’re dribbling while reading defenders and spotting open teammates.

Peripheral vision improves naturally.
When your eyes follow the tennis ball, you can’t stare at the basketball. You’re forced to feel the ball and see the court the way you do in actual games.

Muscle memory kicks in faster.
Research shows kids who practice 10 minutes daily improve 3X faster than those who only practice at team sessions. This drill makes ball handling automatic.

Step-by-Step: How to Do the Drill

Essentials:

• A partner
• 1 basketball
• 1 tennis ball
• 10′ x 10′ space

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The Drill Mechanics

Set Up
Get in athletic stance with the basketball in your dominant hand and tennis ball in your opposite hand.

The Drill (5 Steps)

1. Start dribbling the basketball at waist height with a controlled rhythm
2. Toss the tennis ball 2-3 feet above your head (straight up)
3. Catch the tennis ball with the same hand while keeping your eyes on it (NOT the basketball)
4. Keep the pattern going: toss, catch, toss, catch while maintaining your basketball dribble
5. Switch hands and repeat

Pro Tips

• Eyes on the tennis ball always

• Keep your basketball dribble consistent

• Start slow and build speed as you improve

• Reset if you lose control

Track Your Progress:
Progression by Skill Level

Beginner Goal:
10 consecutive catches per hand

Intermediate Goal:
20 consecutive catches per hand

Advanced Goal:
30+ consecutive catches while moving

Most kids see noticeable improvement in 2-3 weeks with daily practice.

FAQs

Q: How long does it take to see improvement with the tennis ball dribbling drill?
A: Most youth players see noticeable improvement in ball control within 2-3 weeks of daily 10-minute practice sessions.

Q: What age is appropriate for the tennis ball dribbling drill?
A: This drill works for players ages 8 and up who can already dribble a basketball consistently.

Q: Why use a tennis ball instead of another basketball?
A: The tennis ball forces players to look up and develop peripheral vision while dribbling, which translates directly to reading the court during games.

Why Rain Basketball Coaches Love This Drill

At Rain Basketball, our USA Basketball Gold-certified coaches use tennis ball dribbling in every Skills Academy session. Why? Because it works.

The drill builds more than just ball-handling skills. It develops:

• Focus and concentration under pressure
• Resilience (it’s challenging at first)
• Growth mindset (you see progress quickly)

These are the same character traits that have helped 90% of Rain Basketball players earn college scholarships.

The Bottom Line on Ball Control

Elite ball handling separates good players from great ones. Coaches trust players who protect the ball. Players with confidence attack aggressively.

The tennis ball dribbling drill gives youth players that edge in just 10 minutes a day.

Ready to Train with Expert Coaches?

Want to take your skills to the next level? Rain Basketball offers Skills Academy programs across three locations: Orange County, Inland Empire, and Denver/Aurora.

📺 Watch Coach Stephen Demonstrate the Drill
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