The dribble can be used very effectively to distort the “shape” of any defence and create opportunities to score, although if dribbling is “over used” it can frustrate team mates and lead to reduced effectiveness in offence.

The dribble should be used to “attack”, and players should attempt to get into the key, either for a lay-up, jump stop or to stop and pass.

From the wing, offensive players can attack through the elbow or baseline. They should aim to cover this distance in one or two dribbles.

If the defence is able to stop the dribbler, the offensive player should keep their dribble “alive” and retreat to the perimeter, rather than stop in the area between the 3 point line and the key.

Players should be instructed to attack the “hips” of a defender, attempting to move past them rather than move “laterally” which gives the defender the opportunity to recover.

If the offensive player is able to dribble past their defender it will force the defence to rotate and help (otherwise the dribbler has a lay-up).

This offence (against a zone defence) “reverses” the ball from one side to the other, however, the defence is able to move to defend it.

However, the use of dribble by 2 to get a commitment from x2, provides an opportunity either for 3 to shoot (if x5 remains at the key to defend 4) or for them to pass to 4 in a good position in the key.