Master the Wing Between the Legs Dribble Pull-Up with Overhand Setup
Elevate your mid-range scoring package with this dynamic combination drill designed to create separation on the perimeter. By fusing lateral ball-handling footwork with a quick-trigger pull-up, you simulate the game-time pressure of shaking a defender off the wing for an open look. This drill is essential for guards and wings who need to master the art of creating their own shot when the play breaks down.
How to Perform This Drill
- Setup: Position yourself on the wing at the three-point line in a low, athletic stance with the ball in your outside hand.
- Initiate: Execute a sharp between-the-legs dribble while simultaneously sliding laterally toward the middle of the floor to shift the defense.
- Stabilize: As you complete the slide, execute one hard overhand pound dribble to regain control and sync your feet beneath your hips.
- Gather: Quickly pick up the ball off the bounce, snapping your feet into your shooting base (using a 1-2 step or a hop).
- Execute: Elevate straight up for a jump shot, focusing on a high release point and holding your follow-through until the ball hits the rim.
- Repetition: Make 10 shots moving toward the middle, then switch sides to practice drifting toward the baseline.
Why This Drill Works
In a real game, defenders rarely allow you to stand still and shoot; you must manufacture your own offense through movement. This drill specifically targets lateral separation, forcing you to maintain balance while moving sideways before abruptly regaining vertical alignment for the shot. It bridges the gap between stationary ball handling and live-action scoring, training your nervous system to stabilize quickly after dynamic movement so you remain accurate under duress.
Pro Tips
- Stay Low: Keep your hips dropped during the lateral slide; if you rise up during the between-the-legs dribble, you lose explosiveness and give the defender a chance to recover.
- Pound the Rock: The transition "overhand" dribble isn't a rest moment—pound the ball into the floor with force to speed up your gather time into the shooting pocket.
- Stick the Landing: Focus on landing in the same spot you jumped from to ensure you are jumping straight up and down, rather than fading away, which decreases shooting percentage.
- Eyes on the Rim: Locate your target early. As soon as you transition from the dribble to the gather, your eyes should lock onto the rim to improve accuracy.