Off-Hand Tennis Ball Snatch / Toss Drill

Before you start

• Player maintains a live basketball dribble.
• Trainer or partner holds a tennis ball ready to toss.

Movement sequence

1. Dribble the basketball continuously with a quick pace.
2. Catch or snatch the tossed tennis ball with the off-hand while keeping the palm facing down toward the ground.
3. Change hands and continue the drill to work both sides under quick-paced dribbling pressure.

Key points

• Palm facing down toward the ground during the tennis ball snatch.
• Eyes up and head forward.
• Quick pace dribble cadence maintained.

Common mistakes

Turning the palm upward when catching the tennis ball, which causes the body to belly out and leaves the player vulnerable to defensive pressure. Losing control of the basketball dribble while tracking and catching the tennis ball.

Practice notes

Keeping the palm down enables the off-hand to act like a forward-moving punch/shield, helping lower the defender and win the race to the basket.