Improve Your Handle with Basketball Drills from Drew Hanlen

Drew Hanlen is a basketball skills coach & consultant who counts stars Joel Embiid, Jayson Tatum, Bradley Beal, Zach LaVine, and more as full-time clients. He is also the CEO of Pure Sweat Basketball, and his internationally renowned Unseen Hours Skills Clinics have been held in 26 countries around the world.

Drew knows what it takes to succeed on the court, and one of the most important things is to have a tight handle that allows you to consistently attack your defender without turning the ball over. Check out both drills below to learn some new moves to add to your arsenal.

Cross-Step Basketball Tutorial

Step 1: A long lunge forward making sure the ball and foot hit at the same time. Make sure to decelerate on the front foot.

Step 2: Use a pocket dribble and an anchor step to get back on balance while still protecting the ball. Balance is crucial to maintaining your attacking momentum.

Step 3: Once you’re balanced, change directions either using a behind-the-back or crossover dribble and then attack the basket.

Same-Foot Stop Basketball Tutorial

Step 1: Lunge your strong-hand foot forward and take a pound dribble at the same time. The dribble should be just outside your heel to protect the ball.

Step 2: Flip your stance with either a between-the-legs or behind-the-back dribble to create a new attacking angle.

Step 3: Attack in the new direction.

You can also find some of Drew’s favorite gear to play and train in when you shop his gift guide at eastbay.com