Cone dribbling drill diagram
Cone dribbling drill step by step
- 1
Cones are set in a zig-zag from half court toward the basket. O1 starts at half court and dribbles with the left hand to the first cone on the left.
- 2
At the cone, O1 plants, crosses the ball over to the right hand, and goes hard to the next cone on the right.
- 3
Cross back to the left hand at the second cone and attack the third. Keep the eyes up and the crossover low.
- 4
Cross to the right hand at the third cone and dribble to the last one.
- 5
Cross over to the left hand at the last cone and finish with a left-hand layup. Grab the ball and dribble back along the sideline.
How to set up the cone dribbling drill
Set four to six cones in a zig-zag from half court to the basket. Alternate them left and right of the middle of the floor, about 12 to 15 feet apart. Players line up at half court, each with a ball if you have enough.
The next player goes when the one in front reaches the second cone. After the layup, players dribble back along the sideline to the end of the line. With a big group, set up a second row of cones on the other half of the floor.
How to run dribbling drills with cones
Players dribble toward each cone, plant the foot closest to it, and cross the ball over low to the other hand. Then they push off and go at the next cone. At the last cone, they cross over and finish with a layup.
Start at a speed where players keep control, even if that is a jog. When the crossover looks clean, speed it up or change the move at each cone. Run it from both sides so players finish with each hand.
Cone dribbling drill coaching points
Eyes up
Look ahead at the next cone and the rim. Players who stare at the ball can't see defenders or open teammates in a game.
Low crossover
Keep the crossover below the knees and quick. A high, wide crossover is easy for a defender to steal.
Change of speed
Slow down a little going into the cone, then burst out of it. The change of speed is what beats a defender.
Fingertip control
Control the ball with the finger pads and push it out in front when going fast.
Cone dribbling drill variations
Change the move
Use a between-the-legs, behind-the-back, in-and-out, or spin move at each cone. Pick one move per round.
Two-move combo
Do two moves at every cone, such as a between-the-legs into a crossover.
Race
Set up two identical rows of cones and have two players race. The first one to make the layup wins.
Cone drill with a defender
Replace the last cone with a defender who plays at half speed. The ball handler uses the same move to get by.
Cone dribbling for younger players
For 7U and 8U players, set the cones in a straight line and have them weave around them, keeping the ball in the hand away from each cone, before adding crossovers. Walking speed is fine at first. A smaller ball makes the crossover much easier for small hands.
Common cone dribbling drill mistakes
- Looking down at the ball the whole way.
- Crossing the ball over high and wide, where a defender can reach it.
- Going so fast that the ball gets away at every cone.
- Making the move too far from the cone, which a defender would read early.
- Only practicing from one side so players never finish with the weak hand.
Practice it at home
A one-player drill for the same skill, with a video clip, steps and a rep count.
Cone dribbling drill FAQ
How do you set up cones for a dribbling drill?
For a zig-zag drill, place four to six cones alternating left and right from half court to the basket, about 12 to 15 feet apart. For younger players, a straight line of cones works well.
What are good basketball dribbling drills for beginners?
Stationary pound dribbles with each hand, dribbling in a straight line around cones, and the zig-zag cone dribbling drill with crossovers once players can control the ball with both hands.
How do you do a crossover in basketball?
Dribble with one hand, then push the ball low across your body to the other hand, keeping it below the knees. Step with the outside foot and push off to go the other way.
What can I use if I don't have cones?
Water bottles, shoes, chairs, or tape marks on the floor all work. Anything that shows players where to make their move is enough.