Basketball  Lateral Glide Dribble Move

Master the Basketball Lateral Glide Dribble Move: Elevate Your Game

Written by: Chris Hungerford

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Time to read 7 min


Basketball is a game of skill, strategy, and finesse. Among the many moves that can elevate a player's game, the Basketball Lateral Glide Dribble Move stands out as a powerful tool for creating space and outmaneuvering defenders. This technique combines speed, control, and deception to give ball handlers an edge on the court. 


The Basketball Lateral Glide Dribble Move is more than just a fancy trick. It's a fundamental skill that can make a real difference in a player's ability to navigate tight spaces and create scoring opportunities. Whether you're a parent looking to help your young hooper improve their game or a player yourself, understanding this move can be a game-changer. At its core, the lateral glide is about smooth, controlled movement across the court while maintaining possession of the ball. It's a move that requires practice and precision, but when mastered, it can leave defenders guessing and create valuable openings in the defense.

Table of Contents:

Understanding the Basketball Lateral Glide Dribble Move


The Basketball Lateral Glide Dribble Move is a technique that allows players to move sideways while dribbling, maintaining low and controlled ball handling. This move is essential for creating separation from defenders and setting up other offensive maneuvers. To execute the lateral glide, players need to: 

  1. Start in a low athletic stance 
  2. Keep the ball close to the body. 
  3. Use quick, short dribbles. 
  4. Slide sideways while maintaining balance. 

The key to a successful lateral glide is smooth, fluid motion. Players should focus on keeping their center of gravity low and their movements controlled. 


This helps maintain ball security while maximizing the ability to change direction quickly. 

Benefits of Mastering the Lateral Glide


Incorporating the Basketball Lateral Glide Dribble Move into your arsenal of skills can provide several advantages:

Improved Ball Control


The lateral glide requires precise dribbling, which naturally enhances overall ball control. As players practice this move, they develop a better feel for the ball and improve their ability to handle it in tight situations.

Enhanced Spatial Awareness


By moving laterally while dribbling, players must constantly be aware of their surroundings. This heightened spatial awareness translates to better court vision and decision-making during games.

Increased Offensive Options


The lateral glide opens up new possibilities for offensive plays. It can be used to set up crossovers, step-back jumpers, or quick drives to the basket. This versatility makes players more unpredictable and harder to defend.

Incorporating the Lateral Glide into Your Game


To effectively use the Basketball Lateral Glide Dribble Move in game situations, players need to practice regularly and understand when to apply it. Here are some tips for incorporating this move into your basketball repertoire:

Practice Drills


Start with basic drills to build muscle memory and improve technique. One effective drill is the 'Lateral Line Drill': 

  1. Set up cones in a straight line, about 3-4 feet apart 
  2. Start at one end, using the lateral glide to move between cones 
  3. Focus on maintaining low, controlled dribbles. 
  4. Increase speed as you become more comfortable with the movement

Combine with Other Moves


The lateral glide becomes even more effective when combined with other dribbling moves. Try transitioning from a lateral glide into a crossover or behind-the-back dribble to keep defenders off balance.

Game Situation Application


Look for opportunities to use the lateral glide in game situations, such as Creating space on the perimeter for a jump shot, Setting up a drive to the basket, or escaping tight defensive pressure. Remember, the key is to use the move purposefully, not just for show. The goal is to create advantages that lead to scoring opportunities for yourself or your teammates. ,

Common Mistakes to Avoid


As with any basketball skill, there are potential pitfalls when learning and executing the Basketball Lateral Glide Dribble Move. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

Dribbling Too High


One of the most frequent errors is keeping the dribble too high during the lateral movement. This makes the ball more vulnerable to steals and reduces the player's ability to change direction quickly. Focus on keeping the dribble low and tight to your body.

Losing Balance


The lateral movement can throw off a player's balance if not executed properly. Maintain a low center of gravity and keep your feet shoulder-width apart to stay stable throughout the move.

Telegraphing the Move


If defenders can anticipate the lateral glide, it loses its effectiveness. Work on initiating the move smoothly and unexpectedly to keep defenders guessing.

Overuse


While the lateral glide is a valuable tool, overusing it can make your play predictable. Mix it up with other dribbling moves and offensive strategies to keep the defense on their toes. 

Advanced Variations of the Lateral Glide


Once players have mastered the basic Basketball Lateral Glide Dribble Move, they can explore more advanced variations to further enhance their offensive capabilities:

The Glide Hesi


This variation combines the lateral glide with a hesitation move. As you glide sideways, add a quick pause or 'hesi' to throw off the defender's timing before exploding past them.

Cross Lateral Glide Hesi


Take the glide hesi step further by adding a crossover dribble. This complex move can create significant separation and open up scoring opportunities.

Lateral Glide into Step-Back


Use the lateral glide to create space, then quickly step back for a jump shot. This move is particularly effective for perimeter players looking to get open for three-point attempts.

Incorporating the Lateral Glide into Team Offense


While the Basketball Lateral Glide Dribble Move is often seen as an individual skill, it can also be a valuable asset in team offensive strategies. Here are some ways to integrate the lateral glide into your team's playbook:

Pick and Roll Setups


Use the lateral glide to navigate around screens more effectively, creating better angles for passes or drives to the basket.

Spacing the Floor


Employ the lateral glide to maintain proper spacing on the perimeter, making it easier for teammates to cut to the basket or find open shooting positions.

Transition Offense


In fast break situations, the lateral glide can help ball handlers navigate through traffic and find open teammates streaking down the court.

FAQs about Basketball Lateral Glide Dribble Move


What is the hardest dribble move in basketball?


While difficulty can vary by player, many consider the 'killer crossover' one of the hardest dribble moves to master. It requires precise timing, quick hand-eye coordination, and the ability to change direction explosively. The Basketball Lateral Glide Dribble Move, while challenging, is generally considered more accessible for players to learn and incorporate into their game.

What is a glide dribble?


A glide dribble is a technique where a player moves smoothly across the court while maintaining a low, controlled dribble. The Basketball Lateral Glide Dribble Move is a specific type of glide dribble that involves sideways movement, allowing players to create space and maneuver around defenders effectively.

What are the top 7 moves in basketball?


While opinions may vary, some of the top moves in basketball include: 1. Crossover dribble 2. Behind-the-back dribble 3. Spin move 4. Hesitation dribble 5. Step-back 6. Euro step 7. In-and-out dribble The Basketball Lateral Glide Dribble Move, while not always listed in the top 7, is a valuable skill that complements and enhances many of these popular moves.

What is it called when a player moves both feet without dribbling the basketball?


When a player moves both feet without dribbling the basketball, it's called 'traveling' or 'steps.' This is a violation in basketball and results in a turnover. It's important to note that the Basketball Lateral Glide Dribble Move, when executed correctly, does not involve traveling as the player maintains a dribble throughout the movement.

Conclusion


The Basketball Lateral Glide Dribble Move is a versatile and effective technique that can significantly enhance a player's offensive capabilities. By mastering this move, players can improve their ball control, create space from defenders, and set up a variety of scoring opportunities. Remember, like any basketball skill, perfecting the lateral glide takes time and practice. Start with the basics, focus on maintaining control and balance, and gradually incorporate more advanced variations as you become comfortable with the move. 


Whether you're a young player looking to improve your game or a parent helping your child develop their skills, the Basketball Lateral Glide Dribble Move is a valuable addition to any basketball player's arsenal. With dedication and consistent practice, this move can become a go-to tool for creating opportunities on the court and taking your game to the next level.

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