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Basketball dribbling drills
These basketball dribbling drills go from standing still to game speed. Every player needs a ball, so ask families to bring one to practice if you can. Start with the beginner drills, add the cone drills once players can dribble without looking down, and finish with a game.
Dribbling drills for beginners
For players who are still learning to dribble with their fingertips and keep their eyes up. Use both hands in every drill.
Stationary pound dribbles
Players stand in an athletic stance and dribble the ball hard at knee height with one hand for 20 to 30 seconds, then switch hands. Hold up a number of fingers every few seconds and have players call it out, so they have to keep their eyes up.
Figure 8 dribbling
Players spread their feet wide and dribble the ball in a figure 8 pattern around and between their legs. Go slowly at first and speed up once they can do it without losing the ball. Switch directions halfway through.
Red light green light dribbling
Players line up on the baseline with a ball. On green light they dribble forward, and on red light they stop and hold a low, protected dribble. Anyone who loses the ball or moves on red goes back to the start.
Ball handling drills
Ball handling drills that build control with both hands. Good for warmups and for players to do at home.
Ball wraps
Players move the ball around their head, waist, and knees without dribbling, passing it hand to hand. Then do each leg alone and finish with a figure 8 through the legs. Keep the ball moving fast with the fingertips.
Two-ball dribbling
Players dribble two balls at the same time, first together and then alternating. Start standing still and add walking once they are comfortable. It builds the weaker hand faster than almost anything else.
Stationary move series
In place, players do 10 crossovers, then 10 between-the-legs, then 10 behind-the-back dribbles. Keep the dribble low and the eyes up. Add a second set with the other foot forward.
Tennis ball dribbling
A player dribbles a basketball with one hand while tossing and catching a tennis ball with the other. A partner can toss the tennis ball to them to make it harder. It forces players to dribble without looking at the ball.
Basketball drills with cones
Cone dribbling drills that teach change of direction and speed. A set of six to eight cones is enough.
Cone dribbling drill
This cone dribbling drill sets cones in a zig-zag from half court to the basket.
Animated diagram and coaching pointsZig zag drill
The zig zag drill is a full-court defensive slide drill.
Animated diagram and coaching pointsSpeed dribble to layup
Players start at half court and speed dribble to the basket for a layup, pushing the ball out in front with a long dribble. Go from both sides so they finish with each hand. Time it or race a partner to make it competitive.
Dribbling games
Games that make players dribble with their heads up while other players are moving around them.
Dribble tag
Everyone dribbles inside a set area, such as the half court. One or two players are it and tag others while keeping their own dribble. Anyone who is tagged or loses their ball becomes it or does a quick ball handling drill on the side.
Sharks and minnows
The minnows line up on one baseline with a ball and try to dribble to the other end. One or two sharks without a ball try to knock the ball away. Minnows who lose their ball become sharks, and the last minnow left wins.
Dribble knockout
Everyone dribbles inside the three-point line or the center circle. Players try to knock other players' balls away while protecting their own. If you lose your ball or dribble out of the area you are out, and the last player dribbling wins.
How to run dribbling drills at practice
Give every player a ball. Dribbling drills with one ball per line mean most kids are standing around, and dribbling is the one skill where every player can work at the same time. Spread players across the baseline or give each one a spot on the floor.
Work the weak hand on purpose. Most young players will switch back to their strong hand whenever they can. Run some drills with the weak hand only, and count mistakes with each hand so players can see the difference.
Keep it short and switch drills often. Two to five minutes per drill is plenty, and a game at the end gives players a reason to keep their heads up. A ten to fifteen minute ball handling block at the start of practice doubles as a warmup.
Basketball dribbling drills FAQ
What are good dribbling drills for beginners?
Stationary pound dribbles, figure 8 dribbling, and red light green light are good starting points. Have beginners dribble with each hand and practice stopping with the ball under control before adding moves.
How do you teach a kid to dribble without looking at the ball?
Give them something else to look at. Hold up fingers for them to call out, play dribble tag, or use the tennis ball drill. Looking down is normal at first and goes away with reps.
What basketball drills can you do with cones?
Cone dribbling drills, the zig-zag drill, and cone change of direction work are the most common. Set cones in a line or zig-zag pattern and have players make a move at each cone, using the hand farther from the cone.
How can players practice ball handling at home?
Ball wraps, stationary pound dribbles, figure 8 dribbling, and two-ball dribbling all need only a ball and a small space. Ten minutes a day makes a noticeable difference over a season.
Draw your own drills
Put players on the court, draw the drill step by step, and send it to your team or assistant coaches before practice.