Stay balanced over the feet and repeat firm bounces beside the hip before changing hands.
Setup
Choose a dry, level surface with enough room for the child to spread their feet and recover a loose ball. Start with the ball beside the hip rather than directly in front of the toes.
Steps
- Stand with knees bent and eyes forward.
- Dribble hard with the right hand for ten bounces.
- Freeze the ball under control.
- Repeat with the left hand.
- Rest, then repeat one shorter round with the hand that felt less comfortable.
Coaching points
- Use the fingers and pads of the hand rather than slapping with the palm.
- Stay low enough to change direction without falling forward.
- Keep the ball beside the body so it is easier to protect.
- Freeze under control before switching hands.
Common mistakes
- Slapping with the palm.
- Standing tall while dribbling.
- Bouncing so high that the child cannot control the next contact.
- Chasing a number instead of stopping when technique breaks down.
Make it easier
Use waist-height bounces, count five contacts instead of ten, and let the child look at the ball while learning the hand position.
Make it harder
Lower the bounce slightly, alternate hands on a call, or add a one-second freeze in a balanced stance after each round.
How to know it is working
Look for a firm, repeatable bounce that returns near the same hand, with the child able to stop without stepping after the ball.
Safety
Use a non-slippery surface and keep enough room around the child to recover the ball. Stop before tired shoulders make the dribble wild.
Common questions
How hard should a beginner dribble?
Firm enough that the ball returns predictably, but not so hard that the child loses posture or has to chase it. Control comes before force.
Should an 8-year-old look up while doing this drill?
Add short glances once the hand position is familiar. It is fine to look down while learning, then gradually look forward for one or two bounces.