HOOPSKETCHBASKETBALL
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Ball handling / 6 MINUTES

Eyes-up ball control

Control the dribble with either hand while keeping eyes off the floor to read visual cues.

ON THE FLOOR

Partner / station setup
Eyes-up ball control — drill diagram1 dribbles in place while facing 2, who signals a number. Keep the head up; this is ball control, not a race.Show 1–5Eyes up1212
One example at a teaching pace.
1 dribbles in place while facing 2, who signals a number. Keep the head up; this is ball control, not a race.
1PlayerXDefenderBallMovePass / shotDribble

Motion is off with your reduced-motion preference. The setup and action paths show the rep.

Players

Pairs

Equipment

1 basketball per pair

Space

Half court or sideline area

Set it up

Players stand facing each other about 6 to 8 feet apart. Player A holds the basketball; Player B has open hands ready to signal.

Run the activity

  1. Player A starts a continuous low dribble with the right hand in a balanced, knee-bent stance.
  2. Player B flashes numbers from 1 to 5 using one hand, changing the number every two seconds.
  3. Player A calls out the number immediately while maintaining an active dribble without looking down at the basketball.
  4. Switch dribbling hands after 30 seconds, then switch roles so Player B dribbles.
ONE CUE TO SAY OUT LOUD

“Pound low, chin up, scan the court.”

Watch for this

Dropping the head to watch the bounce, which kills court vision and ruins upright posture.

Make it easier

Slow down the dribble cadence and have the signaling partner hold each number up longer before switching.

Add a challenge

The partner moves slowly side-to-side, forcing the dribbler to slide and shift directions while calling out numbers.