Youth Tip Series, #1

Keeping Your Head Up Playing basketball can be a confusing experience for young players. Dribbling the ball is one of the favorite skills because players get their chance to show what they can do. Dribbling can be an asset or problem with your team depending on the skill level of the players. It is a skill that must be developed constantly. One of the main things players must do is to keep their head up as they are dribbling. This helps them: 1. See where defenders are to avoid dribbling into traffic. 2. See teammates who are open on the floor. 3. See the basket to help them make a shot. At IPDA we have a favorite saying that we ask players constantly: "What color is the rim?" When players answer "Orange", we ask "how do you know?" Players answer, "Because I'm looking at it!" That's is the kind of strategy we can use with kids to help them be successful while dribbling. That's what we call a "Victory" in teaching young players 'How to play the game the right way."