If you want to make sure that your dribbling skills are at the top of their game, make sure to follow along with these helpful tips and tricks that were provided by the Sports and Fitness group at the YMCA of Greater Brandywine.

Maintain a low, close proximity to the ground dribble.
Players who keep their head down while attacking the basket typically have more explosiveness than their counterparts. When an offensive player keeps the ball low, it is very difficult for a defender to steal it from them because they are keeping the ball low. Make use of your fingertips to apply pressure, and do everything in your power to prevent the basketball from ever going above your waist; if you do, your defender will have a greater chance of making a steal.

Maintain an upright posture.
As a ballhandler, it is absolutely necessary to keep your head up in order to have a clear view of the court in front of basket random. Because they won't be able to see what's going on in the game and won't be able to make the play that will benefit their team the most, no player is going to be successful if they keep their head down the entire time they play. A straightforward drill that can be done at home is to sit in front of the television and attempt to watch your favorite highlights while dribbling the ball. Alternatively, you could go outside and concentrate on a specific spot on the wall while dribbling the ball without looking at the ball itself.

Put your weak hand to work.
It is absolutely necessary for players to have the ability to handle the ball with both hands. Never put yourself in a position where you can only use your dominant hand in one direction while playing the game. The most accomplished players are able to make plays with either hand. If you want to improve your overall skillset, make sure that when you are practicing your favorite moves, you perform those moves going in both directions on the court. Try engaging in other activities such as eating, or devote an entire day to practicing your dribbling and layups using only the hand that is not typically your dominant one.

Be sure to guard the ball.
It is acceptable to shield the ball with your non-dominant hand as well as your body. Consider using your off hand as a shield to protect yourself from attackers. You should not use your offhand to push off because doing so will result in an offensive foul, but it is perfectly acceptable to use your offhand to prevent a defensive player from stealing the ball from you in order to protect the ball. When practicing your dribbling, you should get in the habit of protecting the ball with the hand that you aren't dribbling with, and you shouldn't forget to use the hand that isn't as strong as the other!

Alteration in speed and/or course
When driving to the basket with the ball, it is essential for the ballhandler to capitalize on opportunities presented by speed and deception. This will throw off your defender, giving you more room to maneuver so that you can contribute to the success of your team. Moves such as jab steps, crossovers, and hesitations are all effective ways for a ballhandler to help their team create some additional space for themselves. Work on dribbling quickly at first, then quickly slowing down, and varying the looks of your different moves as well as the speed at which you perform them when you are dribbling outside by yourself.