Ball Handling: reaction pick ups to combos

– Offensive player starts on the baseline. – Defender begins with a basketball and provides dummy defense. – (Optional) A third player or coach stands under the basket with a ball for the finishing phase. How it Works: The defender throws the ball in a random direction. The offensive player runs to retrieve it and immediately begins a 2–3 move dribble combo off the bounce—no catching with two hands. The defender plays live dummy defense, cutting off angles and forcing reactions. After the combo, the offensive player tosses the ball back to the defender, who again throws it in a new direction. This sequence repeats, forcing the offensive player to react to different pickups, bounces, and angles. Once the sequence is complete, the offensive player zigzags up the floor. – If only two players are involved, roles can switch. – If a third player is present, the offensive player takes a new ball and attacks the basket to finish against a defender waiting under the rim while holding a ball. Focus Points: – Reacting to unpredictable pickups and bounces – Clean ball control without gathering with two hands – Quick decision-making and change of direction – Finishing at the rim after ball-handling fatigue – Staying balanced and composed through chaos