Fast dribbling is different from control dribbling. The ball bounces higher and further out in front so you can move faster. This teaches the adjustment. Line drills keep it organized and safe.
What you need: Full court. Basketball. Cones to mark lines (optional).
Setup: Kids line up single-file at one baseline. Each kid dribbles to the opposite baseline at speed, walks back, then hands off to the next kid.
How to run it:
- Cue: Low, Push, Eyes, Both. For speed dribbles, the ball bounces higher because you’re pushing harder and moving faster.
- Eyes stay up and ahead. Don’t look at the ball.
- First rep, jog and dribble at 70% effort. Control matters more than speed.
- Second rep, go at 90% effort. Still controlled, faster pace.
- Third rep, all-out sprint. Maximum speed while keeping the ball in front of you.
What to watch: Are they losing the ball out of control or does it stay in front of them? The ball must stay in front even at top speed. If it gets away, effort was too high for control.
If they’re struggling: Do half-court instead of full court. Go slower. Do 2 reps instead of 3.
If they’ve got it: Add a cone at halfcourt. Change direction at the cone, cut 45 degrees left or right. Keeps speed dribble sharp.