Dribble Relay Races

Fun game

Speed dribbling and control, with team energy.

8 min 6–16 Full court
Ball-handlingFootworkU8U10U12

Step-by-step walkthrough

6–16 · 1 ball per team, cones

Get everyone ready

One team · one ball1 starts at the baseline with the ball. 2 and 3 wait behind it, clear of the lane. Each team needs its own separate lane. 123

● Player / attackGold: ball

Illustrated steps · 5 seconds per step at 1×

Set up

Split into equal teams behind the baseline. A cone at half court (or the far baseline) for each team.

Look for: Control first — a lost ball costs more than speed.

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

Split into equal teams behind the baseline. A cone at half court (or the far baseline) for each team.

  1. First player dribbles to the cone, around it, and back.
  2. Hand off to the next teammate.
  3. First team with everyone finished wins.
  4. Change the move each round: right hand, left hand, backwards, crossover at the cone.

Suggested reset

The runner brings the same ball back and hands it to the next teammate, then joins the back. Start the next runner after the handoff. Keep a separate out-and-back lane for each team.

Coaching cues

  • Control first — a lost ball costs more than speed.
  • Use the correct hand for the direction.
  • Cheer your teammates on.

Adapt the challenge

Harder: Add a layup at the far end before dribbling back.

Easier: Walk-pace lap with a jump stop at the cone instead of a race.

Weak-hand only: Whole relay left hand down and right hand back — no crossovers allowed.

What this drill teaches

Dribbling at speed with a different move each round — and doing it while excited. Racing teammates pushes kids past their comfortable pace, which is exactly where control has to be learned.

In games: The breakaway dribble on game day — kids who have practised dribbling fast under pressure can push the ball up the floor without kicking it off a foot or dribbling it out of bounds.

What good looks like
  • Ball pushed out ahead on the sprint, not patted beside them
  • The correct hand used for the direction around the cone
  • Speed backed off the moment control starts to slip

U8: chaos, lost balls and re-runs — the cheering matters more than the racing. U12: demand the called move at full speed, including the weak-hand legs.

Equipment

1 ball per team, cones

Setup

Split into equal teams behind the baseline. A cone at half court (or the far baseline) for each team.

Steps

  1. 1First player dribbles to the cone, around it, and back.
  2. 2Hand off to the next teammate.
  3. 3First team with everyone finished wins.
  4. 4Change the move each round: right hand, left hand, backwards, crossover at the cone.

Coaching points

  • Control first — a lost ball costs more than speed.
  • Use the correct hand for the direction.
  • Cheer your teammates on.

Why kids love it

Team relays bring out huge energy and cheering. Rotating the required move keeps it fresh and sneaks in weak-hand reps.

Variations

Harder

Add a layup at the far end before dribbling back.

Easier

Walk-pace lap with a jump stop at the cone instead of a race.

Weak-hand only

Whole relay left hand down and right hand back — no crossovers allowed.

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