Aerial Dribbling or 3rd Dimension
Ball Handling by Terry Walsh
Aerial dribbling is the ability to lift the ball 3” to 12” off the ground as you are dribbling. This is becoming a skill of necessity in today’s game as the defenders become so proficient in their tackling and dispossession techniques. In fact, this skill is being used all across the pitch but with an emphasis in the attacking zone – especially entering the circle.
This can be practiced by having some ‘noodles’ on the ground and gently lifting the ball over each noodle and regaining control whilst still maintaining forward movement.
FIG. 1 – TWO HANDED FIG. 2 – ONE HANDED FIG. 3 – ONE HANDED
The next stage of development in aerial, or 3rd dimension dribbling, is to be dribbling from side to side with the ball, then skillfully lifting the ball off the ground and turn the direction of the ball with the toe of the stick. This control should be developed to enable two or three touches on the ball whilst the ball is off the ground. The stick head is turned after each touch to keep the ball changing direction in mid-air making it very difficult for a defender to make a good tackle.
Once accomplished, there needs to be a change of speed brought into the movement. Accelerating quickly while still controlling the ball, utilizing aerial dribbling skills, will significantly increase your ability to eliminate defenders near the edge of the circle.
FIG. 4 – DRAG TO EXTREMITY FIG. 5 – LIFT BALL IN AIR FIG. 6 – TURN BALL W/BLADE
A small note for umpires here: This is not a dangerous situation if the ball is kept below 12” from the surface and we should remember there is no rule stopping the ball being elevated into the circle. However it must be clearly noted, the ball carrier must not display any dangerous actions with any of these plays.
Finally, the ultimate with aerial dribbling is the ability to keep the ball on the toe of your stick. The ball sits on the blade as the blade is changed in angle and direction. Of course this takes plenty of practice. When players are also able to keep their vision and awareness off the ball, the ultimate has been reached.
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