Dribble Dodgeball

Fun game

Keep dribbling while dodging soft throws.

8 min 8–14 Half court
Ball-handlingU10U12

Game guide

8–14 · 1 ball each, soft balls

Get everyone ready

Dribblers in the zoneDribblers move inside; throwers on the sidelines have soft balls. 123X1X2

● Player / attack■ DefenceGold: ball

Illustrated steps · 5 seconds per step at 1×

Set up

Players dribble in a box. Two or three throwers (outside the box) have soft balls.

A coached example. In live play, players make their own decisions; the outcome can change.

Look for: Head up to see the throws.

Playback options
Illustrated steps · 5 seconds per step at 1×
Coach’s notes & group organisation

Players dribble in a box. Two or three throwers (outside the box) have soft balls.

  1. Throwers gently roll or toss soft balls at dribblers' feet.
  2. Dribblers dodge while keeping the dribble alive.
  3. Get hit or lose your dribble and you become a thrower.
  4. Last dribbler wins.

Suggested reset

A player who is hit or loses their dribble parks their basketball outside the playing area before becoming a thrower. Pause to supply the soft ball and clear any loose basketball. At the end of the round, collect all soft balls and reset the starting roles.

Coaching cues

  • Head up to see the throws.
  • Change speed and direction to dodge.
  • Protect the ball while you move.

Adapt the challenge

Easier: Roll only, aim at feet, bigger box.

Harder: Dribblers use their weak hand only.

Team version: Split into two teams and count how many survive 90 seconds each.

What this drill teaches

Heads-up dribbling made compulsory. You can't dodge a throw you didn't see coming, so eyes come up off the ball and stay up — the dribble has to look after itself.

In games: Fewer blind dribbles into traps and turnovers — the player who dribbles with vision spots pressure early and keeps the ball out of trouble.

What good looks like
  • Eyes up, tracking the throwers
  • Dodges made with the dribble still alive
  • Changes of speed and direction rather than freezing

U10: rolled balls at the feet and a big box — plenty of lost dribbles is fine. U12: expect survival on the weak hand only.

Equipment

1 ball each, soft balls

Setup

Players dribble in a box. Two or three throwers (outside the box) have soft balls.

Steps

  1. 1Throwers gently roll or toss soft balls at dribblers' feet.
  2. 2Dribblers dodge while keeping the dribble alive.
  3. 3Get hit or lose your dribble and you become a thrower.
  4. 4Last dribbler wins.

Coaching points

  • Head up to see the throws.
  • Change speed and direction to dodge.
  • Protect the ball while you move.

Why kids love it

Dodgeball energy plus constant dribbling — kids don't want it to end.

Variations

Easier

Roll only, aim at feet, bigger box.

Harder

Dribblers use their weak hand only.

Team version

Split into two teams and count how many survive 90 seconds each.

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