So yesterday I was scrolling through hoops videos like usual and stumbled on this Joe Ragland dude. Man, that guy has slippery handles! Saw his guide promising better ball control and thought “Heck, my crossover needs work anyway.” Grabbed my worn-out basketball and hit the driveway.
Starting With Basic Drills
First I tried those stationary dribbles he emphasizes. Big mistake doing it on uneven pavement – ball kept bouncing sideways like it had a mind of its own. Moved to the flatter garage section and focused on pounding the ball hard near my feet. Felt super awkward at first, like trying to pat your head and rub your stomach together.
- Started low dribbles: Barely kept control under my knees
- Added switch hands: Ball escaped twice into the bushes
- Tried eyes-up drills: Caught myself staring at the ball after three bounces
My neighbor’s dog started barking every time the ball rolled away. Probably thought it was a new game.
Adding Movement Like Joe Showed
Watched Joe’s crossovers section again. He makes it look like butter. Tried that hesitation move where you slow down then explode sideways. First five attempts ended with me stumbling, nearly kicking the ball over the fence. Realized I was stomping my pivot foot like a angry bull. Switched to lighter steps and suddenly managed two clean crossovers! Ball actually stayed glued to my hand during the change. Felt like magic.
The Spin Move Debacle
Got cocky and tried his signature spin. Complete disaster. Spun like a top but forgot to bring the ball with me – left it spinning lonely where I started. Practiced pivoting without dribbling first. Took ten tries just to stop getting dizzy. Finally managed one ugly spin where I almost face-planted but at least the ball came along. Sweat was dripping into my eyes making everything blurry. Should’ve worn a headband.
Putting It Together
After two hours I tried combining moves:
- Dribble hard toward imaginary defender
- Sharp crossover right
- Hesitation step to freeze them
- Spin away when they react
Looked nothing like Joe’s smooth flow. More like a baby deer skating on ice. But hey – didn’t lose the ball! Even fooled the lawn chair I was pretending to defend. The hesitation part felt best once I stopped doing this weird shoulder shrug that made me look itchy.
Wrapped up sweaty and grinning. Knees hurt, hands felt raw, but that spin move finally clicked on my last try. Gotta keep practicing near the grass though – spent half the time chasing runaway balls across the yard. Joe’s stuff works but damn does it humble you first.
