Basketball · Ball handling

Red light, green light dribbling

Players dribble towards the coach on green, slow down on yellow and jump stop on red, without travelling or double dribbling.

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Start / 4
Time
8 min
Players
3–16
Age
U5–U9
Area
Baseline to halfway
Equipment
16 basketballs, one each (size 5 or smaller)

Setup

  1. Players line up on the baseline, each with a ball, a big step apart.
  2. Coach stands just past the halfway line, facing them.

How it runs

  1. Green light: dribble forward. Yellow light: walk and dribble low.
  2. Red light: jump stop on two feet and hold the ball at the chin.
  3. Anyone who travels, double dribbles or loses the ball takes five steps back.
  4. First to reach the coach becomes the next caller.

Coaching points

  • Push the ball out in front with the fingertips, not the palm.
  • Eyes up on the coach so you hear and see the call.
  • Land on both feet at once on red, knees bent.

Common mistakes

  • Running ahead of the ball and catching it to keep up.
  • Stopping with one foot, then shuffling the feet.
  • Starting to dribble again after a red light, a double dribble.

Say it: “Green go, red jump stop, ball to chin.”

Make it harder

  • Weak hand only.
  • Red light: keep dribbling low on the spot instead of stopping.

Make it easier

  • Walk only, no running.
  • Hold the ball on red without needing a jump stop.

Pairs well with

Reviewed by the Sportdify coaching team.