Step 1/4Walk… jog… the defender stays beside you
Orange = offense · blue = defense · solid line = cut · dashed = pass · zig-zag = dribble · T = screen · dotted arc = shot
Ball Handling drill
Walk, Jog, Explode (1v1)
Attacker walks and jogs with the defender alongside, then explodes to the hoop for a layup when they choose.
- Time
- 15 min
- Players
- 2+
- Ages
- 10+
- Level
- All levels
Equipment: 1 ball per pair
How to run the drill
- 1Pair up with one ball. Start at the three-point line, defender beside the attacker.
- 2The attacker walks, jogs and changes pace — the defender has to stay beside them.
- 3When the attacker chooses, they explode to the hoop for a layup; the defender defends.
- 4Keep score and switch each turn. Vary the starting position around the court.
Coaching points
- Slow to fast — sell the slow
- Low and long on the first step
- Defender: stay level, don't reach
More ball handling drills
Ball Handling · Intermediate
1-on-1 Zig-Zag
Ball handler zig-zags the length of the floor against a defender who shuffles and turns them.
8 min2+ playersAges 9+
Animated
Ball Handling · Beginner
1v1 Rooted Defender
A defender can retreat from the three-point line but cannot step above it. The attacker reads the gap and chooses a shot or drive.
7 min2+ playersAges 8+
Animated
Ball Handling · All levels
1v1 Speed Dribble Race
The dribbler starts a few steps ahead and races the length of the court for a layup while the defender sprints to cut them off.
8 min2+ playersAges 9+
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