Keldon Johnson & Tim Springer

Major Keys To Dribble Hand Offs With The Spurs Keldon Johnson & Tim Springer

May 28, 20233 min read

Welcome to another exciting blog post brought to you by Spartan Basketball!

In this article, we'll explore the art of dribble hand-offs, a critical aspect of basketball strategy. Join us as we learn the key techniques from none other than Keldon Johnson, a rising star from the San Antonio Spurs. Prepare to enhance your playmaking skills, improve teamwork, and dominate the court with the guidance of Spartan Basketball. Remember, your journey to success begins with training. Join our winning team today at Spartan Basketball!


If you're passionate about basketball, you understand the importance of teamwork and effective offensive plays. One valuable technique that can elevate your team's performance is the dribble hand-off. And who better to learn from than Keldon Johnson, an exceptional talent from the San Antonio Spurs?

Keldon Johnson, an impressive player in the NBA, possesses agility, speed, and the ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates through well-executed dribble hand-offs. In this article, we'll uncover the major keys to performing effective dribble hand-offs and how you can incorporate them into your own game.

  1. Communication and Timing: Clear communication and precise timing are crucial for successful dribble hand-offs. Both the ball handler and the recipient need to be in sync, anticipating each other's movements. Whether through verbal cues or nonverbal signals, effective communication ensures smooth hand-offs and minimizes turnovers. Practice drills that focus on communication and timing to build a strong connection with your teammates, just like Keldon Johnson does with his fellow Spurs players.

  2. Ball Security and Control: Maintaining control of the ball is vital during dribble hand-offs. Both the ball handler and the recipient must have a secure grip to prevent turnovers. The ball handler should protect the ball with their body and use their off-arm as a shield against defenders. The recipient should be ready to receive the ball, keeping their hands secure throughout the hand-off. Johnson's ability to execute precise hand-offs while ensuring ball security has made him a reliable playmaker.

  3. Proper Footwork and Angles: Footwork and angles play a significant role in executing effective dribble hand-offs. The ball handler should approach the recipient at an appropriate angle to create passing lanes and open up scoring opportunities. Additionally, proper footwork allows for quick pivots and changes of direction, enabling the recipient to make decisive moves after receiving the ball. Improve your dribble hand-off skills by honing your footwork and understanding the right angles, keeping the defense guessing.

  4. Read and React: Great basketball players possess excellent court vision, allowing them to read and react to the defense. During a dribble hand-off, it's crucial to be aware of the positioning of defensive players and react accordingly. If the defense collapses on the recipient, quick decision-making skills come into play. The recipient can either drive to the hoop for a layup or pass to an open teammate. Enhance your court awareness and decision-making abilities to make the most out of every dribble hand-off situation.

Dribble hand-offs can be a game-changer in basketball, creating scoring opportunities and keeping the defense off-balance. Learning from skilled players like Keldon Johnson can take your game to new heights. Remember, mastering dribble hand-offs requires practice, effective communication, and proper execution of the key techniques we've discussed.

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Whether you're a beginner looking to improve your skills or an experienced player striving to reach the next level, Spartan Basketball offers the resources and expertise to help you succeed. Don't wait—start training now and become the best player you can be on the basketball court!

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Spartan Basketball

Spartan Basketball is an international basketball skills training program that has established itself as the upper echelon of training in the industry. With a hybrid approach that combines skills training and game training, Spartan Basketball helps players at all levels reach their full potential on the court. Led by a team of former players with extensive experience training players at all levels, Spartan Basketball has developed a reputation for producing high-performing players who go on to achieve great success in their basketball careers. From high school to college to the pros, Spartan Basketball has helped players earn All District, All State, and All American awards, as well as score more than 1000 points in their high school and college careers. At the heart of the Spartan Basketball program is a culture of growth, where players are encouraged to push through their physical and mental limitations to become the best version of themselves, both on and off the court. With plans to continue expanding its reach in San Antonio, across the US, and internationally, Spartan Basketball is committed to providing the highest level of coaching and training to help players achieve their basketball dreams. If you're looking to take your skills to the next level, look no further than Spartan Basketball.

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