Aim

• Maintain control on body and basketball while dribbling

Equipment Required

14 large cones, 1 basketball per 2 students, 1 spot marker per 2 students

 Play Area Set-Up

1. Create boundaries for a large activity area with cones.
2. Scatter spot markers throughout the area.
3. Pair students, scattered throughout the area.
4. One student on a spot and the other with a ball.

Activity Description

1. Now that you’ve taken your driver’s test, it’s time for a speed challenge.
2. When I say, “GO!” players with a ball will dribble from spot to spot, collecting knuckle-bumps from the other players who are standing on spots. You must continue your dribble while you collect knuckles. Freeze when you hear the stop signal.
3. You’ll have 2 minutes to collect as many knuckles as you can and then we’ll switch. How many total knuckles can you and your partner collect before the stop signal?

KEY TEACHING POINTS – Soft Knees, Finger Pads, Top of the Ball, Eye Over the Ball and Alert

 Grade Level Progression

1.  Play the activity as it is written above.
2. Introduce a signal for changing dribbling hands and/or speed.
3. Choose 1 or 2 students to act as defenders, working to force dribbling errors by adding defensive pressure.

Challenges & Modifications

• Add a pass. Students make a bounce pass to classmates standing on spots before collecting a knuckle bump.
• Allow students to pick up their dribble while collecting knuckle bumps.