HOOPSKETCHBASKETBALL
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Ball handling / 6 MINUTES

Choose a gate, keep control

Look ahead and steer the dribble toward an open target.

ON THE FLOOR

Partner / station setup
Choose a gate, keep control — drill diagramThe coach selects one of two wide gates. The drawing illustrates a right-gate trip; the left gate is another rep, not a second simultaneous route.Left gateRight gate1C
The coach selects one of two wide gates. The drawing illustrates a right-gate trip; the left gate is another rep, not a second simultaneous route.
1PlayerXDefenderCCoachBallMovePass / shotDribble

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

MAKE IT FIT YOUR GROUP

Coach the players in front of you.

Ages 6–8

Point and name the gate together. Walk through the chosen route before dribbling.

Ages 9–11

Delay the cue slightly and alternate hands; reward seeing the target rather than finishing first.

Work & rest
Four short trips, with an outside walk-back after each one.
Look for success
The player finds the signaled gate while keeping the ball within reach.
Players

1 active dribbler per station and a coach giving a cue

Equipment

One basketball, Four cones

Space

A wide V-shaped station clear of other groups

Set it up

Make a left gate and a right gate with two cones each. Start the dribbler several walking steps below the middle. The coach points to one gate while standing outside the routes.

Run the activity

  1. Begin a controlled dribble while looking toward the coach rather than down at the floor.
  2. Follow the pointing cue toward the named gate. Keep the ball close and give the cones enough clearance.
  3. After passing the gate, gather to finish, walk outside the station and return to the start.
  4. Alternate the first hand and the gate across four trips. Slow down whenever the ball runs ahead of the player.
ONE CUE TO SAY OUT LOUD

“See the gate. Take the ball with you.”

Watch for this

Looking up only after the ball has already rolled toward the wrong gate.

Make it easier

Name the gate before the player starts and widen the opening.

Add a challenge

Give the cue after two controlled dribbles; leave enough space to turn without a sudden collision.

Coaching references

Original HoopSketch activity and drawing. These references informed the coaching principles; the age fit, constraints and pacing are our editorial guidance. Adjust to readiness and your league’s rules.

Age and development framework

References checked October 22, 2026. Basketball-coach review pending.