Master the Around 2 — Around 1 for Total Ball Control
The Around 2 — Around 1 is a foundational stationary ball-handling drill designed to sharpen your hand-eye coordination and improve your ability to manipulate the basketball across different planes. Ideal for players of all levels, from youth beginners to professional veterans, this exercise focuses on rapid ball movement and changing levels physically. By mastering this sequence, you build the requisite hand speed and core stability needed to protect the basketball in high-pressure game situations.
How to Perform This Drill
- Stance: Begin in a wide, athletic stance with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, and chest up. Hold the basketball with both hands in front of your waist.
- Execute the High Wrap: Quickly pass the ball around your waist two complete times. Focus on moving the ball, not your hips.
- Change Levels: Immediately after the second waist wrap, drop your hips and bring the ball down to your ankles.
- Execute the Low Wrap: Pass the ball around both ankles (keeping legs together or slightly apart depending on comfort) for one complete rotation.
- Reset and Repeat: Immediately bring the ball back up to your waist to begin the next set. Complete 6-10 repetitions in one direction.
- Switch Directions: Reverse the motion, going the opposite way around your waist and ankles for another set.
Why This Drill Works
This drill is effective because it forces players to practice "changing levels," a critical skill for elite ball handlers. In a game, you must be able to transition from an upright survey position to a low, protective drive stance instantly. The Around 2 — Around 1 conditions your body to maintain balance while shifting your center of gravity, and it trains your hands to locate the ball without looking at it. This builds the proprioception and fingertip control necessary to handle the rock against aggressive defenders.
Pro Tips
- Eyes Up: Train your brain, not just your hands. Keep your chin up and eyes scanning the floor; if you have to look at the ball, you cannot see the defense or your teammates.
- Snap the Ball: Don't just hand the ball off gently. Snap it from hand to hand aggressively to simulate the speed of a live dribble and increase your grip strength.
- Minimize Body Movement: Your torso should remain relatively still. Let your arms do the work. If your body is swaying wildly, you are relying on momentum rather than ball control.
- Push Your Limits: Go as fast as you can. If you aren't losing the ball occasionally, you aren't going fast enough to stimulate improvement.
