Step 1/3Dribble anywhere
Orange = offense · blue = defense · solid line = cut · dashed = pass · zig-zag = dribble · T = screen · dotted arc = shot
Ball Handling drill
Stop on the Whistle
Free dribbling with a quick stop on the whistle — the coach calls whether it is a jump stop or a one-two stop.
- Time
- 5 min
- Players
- 1+
- Ages
- 7–11
- Level
- Beginner
Equipment: 1 ball each, whistle
How to run the drill
- 1Everyone dribbles anywhere in the court.
- 2Before blowing the whistle, the coach calls the stop: “Jump!” (both feet land together) or “One-two!” (one foot then the other).
- 3On the whistle, stop with the right footwork and hold the ball firmly. Wrong stop or moving feet loses a point.
- 4Progress: after stopping, pivot to face the nearest basket and pretend to shoot.
Coaching points
- Land balanced, knees bent
- Ball to your chest, elbows out
- Jump stop = you can pivot on either foot
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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