Step 1/2Coach calls a move — only move on “Coach says…”
Orange = offense · blue = defense · solid line = cut · dashed = pass · zig-zag = dribble · T = screen · dotted arc = shot
Ball Handling drill
Coach Says (Ball Handling)
Simon Says with a basketball — players only do the move if the coach starts with “Coach says”.
- Time
- 6 min
- Players
- 1+
- Ages
- 6–9
- Level
- Beginner
Equipment: 1 ball each
How to run the drill
- 1Players spread out, each with a ball, facing the coach.
- 2The coach calls a move: dribble with your left hand, ball around your waist, dribble on one knee, throw and catch.
- 3Only do it if the call starts with “Coach says…”. Anyone who moves on a trick call does a quick challenge (five ball wraps) and carries on.
- 4Let a player be the coach for a round.
Coaching points
- Listen first, then move
- Try your weaker hand
- Keep the ball close
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+
Use these drills in your next practice
Save drills, customise them and build them into timed practice plans. Free forever, no card needed.