Basketball · Ball handling · Warm-up

Stationary ball handling series

A standing series of wraps, pound dribbles, crossovers and figure 8s that gets every player touching the ball from the first minute.

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Start / 5
Time
8 min
Players
1–20
Age
U6+
Area
Half court
Equipment
12 basketballs, one each (size 5 for under-12s, size 6 or 7 for older players)

Setup

  1. Every player with a ball, spread out in lines an arm's length plus a step apart.
  2. Coach stands in front where everyone can see them.

How it runs

  1. Wrap the ball around the waist, then the knees, 10 times each way.
  2. Pound dribble with the right hand for 20 seconds, then the left.
  3. Crossover dribble low in front of the body on the coach's call.
  4. Finish with figure 8s through the legs, slow then fast.

Coaching points

  • Fingertips, not the palm; spread the fingers wide.
  • Eyes up: call out how many fingers the coach holds up.
  • Knees bent and back straight, ball no higher than the waist.
  • Pound the ball hard so it comes back to the hand quickly.

Common mistakes

  • Slapping the ball with a flat palm.
  • Standing tall with straight legs and looking at the ball.
  • Rushing the wraps and dropping the ball.

Say it: “Fingertips, eyes up, pound it.”

Make it harder

  • Two balls for the pound dribbles.
  • Close the eyes for 5 seconds during the pound dribble.

Make it easier

  • Hold the ball in both hands and just do wraps.
  • Dribble with two hands in turn at walking pace.

Pairs well with

Reviewed by the Sportdify coaching team.