Set individual areas far enough apart that a loose ball does not send a player into a neighbor. Start with a comfortable bounce and pause before changing the height.
Look up in small steps
Once the bounce is steady, ask players to glance toward you between touches. If control disappears, return to a simpler rhythm. The goal is a usable habit, not uninterrupted dribbling at any cost.
01
High-low stationary dribbling
Adapt bounce height without slapping or losing the ball.
Set up: Place players on individual spots with space to reach their arms out freely. Use existing visible markings for all spots and boundaries if flat markers are unavailable; choose another activity if the stated layout cannot be made clear.
Coach shows a low hand signal or a middle-height signal.
Players make three controlled bounces at the signaled height, then settle into their normal dribble.
Players suggest a signal sequence and the group tries it with each hand.
Coach’s cue: Push the ball gently toward the floor. Choose a height you can control.
Make it easier, add a challenge, and safety
Easier: Gather between each set of three bounces.
Harder: Change hands when the signal changes.
Keep it safe: Coach checks the surface and clear run-off space before starting; stop the activity if footing or spacing becomes unsafe. No contact or grabbing from another player. Pause for a loose ball entering another activity. Keep the high option below the player’s waist; stay on the personal spot. Keep spare balls and personal equipment outside all movement and collection paths.
02
Stationary crossover dribble
Change dribbling hands in front while keeping the bounce controlled.
Group: 2–16 players · 1 adult per group
Equipment: 1 appropriate practice ball per player Time: 4–8 minutes
Set up: Each player has a basketball and a clear personal area. Repeat the layout in separate personal or pair areas with full movement clearance.
Begin with three comfortable dribbles in one hand.
Send a low controlled bounce across the front to the other hand.
Pause after three dribbles in the new hand and repeat.
Gradually shorten the pause only when both hands retain control.
Coach’s cue: Push across, receive softly. Keep the change in front.
Make it easier, add a challenge, and safety
Easier: Catch the ball between hand changes.
Harder: Alternate hands on each bounce at the same controlled height.
Keep it safe: Use a size-appropriate basketball, dry footing and a reachable basket where required. No contact screens, contested rebounds or reaching into another player; clear spare balls from movement areas. Match challenge to demonstrated skill and comfort, not age alone. Offer rest and shorter turns; the age range does not establish fitness or readiness.
65 more basketball activities in Coach
Explore the full library, ask the AI coaching assistant, edit and save practices, and share plans with your team.
Recorded with a sample team and demonstration responses. Review activities and plans for your players before using them.
Questions coaches ask
Should beginners use their weaker hand?
Give both hands short turns. Reduce speed and keep the bounce close enough that the player can recover without chasing.
What if we have fewer balls than players?
Take short partner turns while the waiting player watches for one cue. A full session may need passing activities that use one ball per pair.
Where can I build a practice for my team?
Try the free practice generator for basketball. It uses 10 starter activities per sport. Coach adds the full drill library, saved and editable plans, team calendars and AI coaching help.