First let players settle into a stationary crossover. In pairs, make the chest pass easy to catch. Introduce the pass-fake activity only after both players can receive without turning away from the ball.
Make the defender useful
Begin with a passive defender and clearly separated roles. The passer should look for the open window rather than force a bounce pass through feet. Rotate after a short turn so every player practises reading the space.
01
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.
02
Partner chest passing
Aim and judge passing force.
Group: 2–12 players · 1 adult per group
Equipment: 1 appropriately sized basketball per pair; 2 flat spots per pair (or equivalent visible existing markings) Time: 5–7 minutes
Set up: Partners face each other 2–3 m apart on flat spots. Use a comfortable ball size and clear passing lanes. For odd attendance, use one trio: the extra player observes from outside the active lane and rotates in after each attempt. 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.
Receiver catches, settles, and returns the ball only after the partner is ready.
After four each, partners choose to keep the gap or move one small step apart.
Coach’s cue: Pass to the ready hands. Step toward your partner.
Make it easier, add a challenge, and safety
Easier: Start closer or use a gentle bounce pass.
Harder: Ask the receiver to show a target slightly to either side.
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. No forceful passes toward faces; stop if another person crosses the lane. Keep spare balls and personal equipment outside all movement and collection paths.
03
Pass fake and bounce pass
Use a small fake to change a passing window without throwing through a defender.
Group: 3–6 players · 1 adult per group
Equipment: 1 appropriate practice ball Time: 4–8 minutes
Set up: Three players form a line with the observer between passer and receiver but two metres off the direct lane; the observer stays still. With extra players, keep one described group active and rotate an observer into a role after two attempts; use the same single ball and layout.
Observer raises hands to show a high passing window is closed.
Passer makes a small chest-level fake while holding the ball.
Passer steps into a clear angle and bounce-passes to the receiver.
Rotate roles after four passes; the observer does not intercept or move into the ball path.
Coach’s cue: Fake with control. Find a genuinely clear lane.
Make it easier, add a challenge, and safety
Easier: Remove the observer and rehearse the sequence.
Harder: Observer shows a high or low cue before the pass; choose the open pass type.
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.
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Recorded with a sample team and demonstration responses. Review activities and plans for your players before using them.
Questions coaches ask
How much defensive pressure should I use?
Start with a stationary or slowly moving defender. Increase pressure only when the passer looks up and the receiver remains ready.
What should I praise at this age?
Name the action: seeing an open partner, keeping the bounce nearby, or passing into ready hands. That gives players something specific to repeat.
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.