Dribble Ball-Tag
Dribble and dodge while a tagger tries to tag you with a soft ball.
What this drill teaches
Dribbling as a background skill. Dodging taggers takes all of a player's attention, so the dribble has to run on autopilot — heads up, protected, at changing speeds — which is exactly how games demand it.
In games: Fewer picked-up dribbles when a defender chases — the player who can dodge and dribble at once doesn't panic and clutch the ball at half court.
- Heads up, tracking the taggers
- Changes of speed and direction to escape
- The dribble staying alive through the dodging
U8: taggers who don't have to dribble keep the game moving — lost balls everywhere is fine. U12: expect weak-hand taggers and organised rescue runs.
Equipment
1 ball each, 1 soft ball
Setup
Everyone dribbles in a coned box. One tagger has a soft ball.
Steps
- 1The tagger must dribble too, and tag others with a gentle touch of the soft ball.
- 2Tagged players join the taggers.
- 3Keep your dribble alive to survive.
- 4Last dribbler standing wins.
Coaching points
- Change speed and direction to escape.
- Protect the ball while you dodge.
- Heads up to spot the taggers.
Why kids love it
Tag plus dribbling equals maximum fun and non-stop ball-handling reps.
Variations
Taggers don't need to dribble.
Taggers must tag with their weak hand while keeping their own dribble alive.
Tagged players kneel and dribble on the spot until a teammate touches them free.