Dribble
Moving the ball along under control using repeated touches, by bouncing it in basketball or with the feet in football.
Definition
Dribbling is the skill of advancing the ball while keeping it under close control. In basketball a player dribbles by bouncing the ball off the floor with one hand at a time, while in football, futsal and similar sports a player dribbles by nudging the ball along with their feet.
Dribbling lets a player move past opponents, create space and change direction quickly. Good close control and awareness of defenders are key, since losing the ball while dribbling can hand possession to the other team.
Where you’ll hear “dribble”
Sports that use this term:
Basketball
A fast, dynamic team sport of running, jumping and quick decisions on court.
Football
The world’s most popular team sport — endless running, teamwork and community in one game.
Futsal
A fast, small-sided indoor form of football played on a hard court with a low-bounce ball.
Handball
A fast indoor team sport of passing, jumping and throwing to score with the hands.
Explore across the knowledge base
Follow the threads that connect Dribble to the rest of SocialSportHub.
Equipment
- Football (soccer ball)A round, inflated ball used to play association football and futsal.
- BasketballA large, inflated ball with a dimpled surface used to play basketball.
- Football boots (cleats)Studded footwear that grips the pitch for football and other field sports.
- Tennis racquetA strung frame with a handle used to hit the ball in tennis.
- Pickleball paddleA solid, flat paddle used to hit the perforated plastic ball in pickleball.
Rules
- TravelingA basketball violation for moving illegally with the ball without dribbling it.
- Double dribbleA basketball violation for dribbling with two hands at once, or for dribbling again after picking up the ball.
- Backcourt violationA basketball rule breach for returning the ball into a team's own defensive half after it has crossed into the attacking half.
- GoaltendingA basketball violation for interfering with a shot while the ball is on its downward path to the basket or above the rim.
- Foot faultA serving fault called when the server's foot touches the baseline or court before striking the ball.
Skills
- DribblingThe skill of moving with the ball under close control to beat opponents or keep possession.
- Ball controlThe skill of receiving and settling the ball quickly so it is ready to use.
- ThrowingThe skill of propelling the ball accurately and with control using the arm.
- PassingThe skill of moving the ball to a teammate accurately to keep possession and create chances.
- ShootingThe skill of striking or releasing the ball toward the goal or basket to score.
Techniques
- LayupA close-range basketball shot taken while moving toward the basket, laying the ball softly off the backboard or over the rim.
- Crossover DribbleA basketball dribbling move that switches the ball quickly from one hand to the other to change direction and get past a defender.
- HeaderA technique for controlling or striking the ball with the forehead in football, used to pass, shoot or clear the ball in the air.
- Volleyball SetAn overhead pass using the fingertips of both hands to place the ball accurately for a teammate to attack.
Skills Academy
Go deeper with Dribble
Everywhere else on the platform that covers Dribble — assembled from what actually references it, so nothing here is a dead end.
Take it away
Open data and the whole-platform view of this subject.
How this page is maintained
- Content type
- Term
- Provenance
- Tier A — evergreen educational
- Verified external sources
- 0
- Content updated
- 2026-08-04
Evergreen, first-party explanation — it makes no claim that needs an external source. How we handle sources and reviews.