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A dribble handoff is a basketball offensive play that involves a player with the ball dribbling toward a teammate and then handing the ball off to that teammate as they approach. It’s a technique used to initiate an offensive action, create spacing, and potentially free up a player for a shot or drive to the basket.
Here’s how a dribble handoff typically works:
Purpose of the Dribble Handoff:
- Spacing: Dribble handoffs can be used to create space for shooters by forcing the defenders to make decisions and potentially switch assignments.
- Ball Movement: They contribute to ball movement and teamwork, as they require players to work together to execute the play effectively.
- Disrupting the Defense: The dribble handoff can disrupt the defense’s positioning and lead to open shot opportunities, especially if the defense reacts poorly or if the handoff player has a good scoring opportunity.
- Using Player Strengths: Coaches may utilize dribble handoffs to take advantage of a particular player’s skills, like their ability to shoot, drive, or make decisions under pressure.
Player Roles for the Dribble Handoff:
- Ball Handler: The player who has possession of the ball who typically initiates the dribble handoff. This player will also create a screen after the handoff.
- Receiving Player: The teammate, known as the “receiver,” gets into a position to receive the handoff and takes advantage of a brief screen set by the ball handler.
Where to Execute the Dribble Handoff:
- The dribble handoff typically happens on the perimeter or the three point line.
- There is no specific set distance the two players must be from each other. The ball handler and receiving player are normally set up on the three point line at the top so they can criss cross each other.
How the Dribble Handoff Works:
- Ball Handler: The play begins with a player who has possession of the ball, often referred to as the “ball handler.” This player signals the dribble handoff by dribbling toward a teammate.
- Receiving Player: Once the dribbler starts dribbling towards the receiver, the receiver will move toward the dribbler. The receiver will lead his/her defender towards the dribbler, using the dribbler as the screener. This screen is intended to create a brief defensive disadvantage.
- Handoff: As the ball handler approaches the screening player, they hand off the ball to that teammate. This transfer of the ball can be done in various ways, such as a quick hand-to-hand exchange or a dribble handoff where the ball is handed to the teammate while both players are moving.
- Read and React: Once the ball is handed off, the receiving player has multiple options. They can take a shot, drive to the basket, pass to an open teammate, or continue to run the offense. The choice depends on the defensive reaction and the overall offensive strategy.
Dribble handoffs are a fundamental part of basketball offenses at various levels of play and are often incorporated into a team’s playbook to create offensive opportunities and keep the defense on its toes.