Video: 7 Best Youth Basketball Dribbling Drills | Fun Dribbling Drills For Kids by Breakthrough Basketball
Session goals
- Make the weaker hand part of normal practice.
- Keep the body balanced while the ball stays beside the hip.
- Add a small challenge without rushing the dribble.
Session plan
Build a firm stationary weak-hand bounce before walking.
Stay balanced over the feet and repeat firm bounces beside the hip before changing hands.
Run it like this
- Stand low with the ball beside the weaker hip.
- Dribble five to ten controlled bounces.
- Freeze the ball with two hands.
- Repeat for three short rounds.
Coaching cues
- Use fingertips more than the palm.
- Keep the knees bent.
- Freeze before switching tasks.
Let the weaker hand work while the feet move slowly.
Walk a short, clear lane with the ball beside the body. Slow feet make weak-hand control easier to feel.
Run it like this
- Walk three to five slow steps with the weaker-hand dribble.
- Stop in balance.
- Protect the ball near the hip.
- Walk back the same way.
Coaching cues
- Slow feet first.
- Keep the ball beside the body.
- Look up only for short glances at first.
Finish with a game that still rewards weak-hand control.
A simple setup view for this drill.
Run it like this
- Use two or three safe markers.
- Call a marker.
- Dribble there with the weaker hand and tap it.
- Return to the middle and freeze.
Coaching cues
- Slow down near the marker.
- Freeze before the next call.
- Keep the challenge short.
Finish
Use the final minute for five weak-hand bounces, one slow walk, and one clean freeze.
Make it easier
Stay stationary and use three-bounce sets before walking.
Make it harder
Add eyes-up calls, a change of direction, or a jump stop after the weak-hand dribble.
Safety
Use a dry, clear surface and keep markers close enough that the child is not sprinting after the ball.
Common questions
Should kids practise only the weak hand for ten minutes?
For a short session, yes, as long as it stays positive. End with a familiar success if the child is getting frustrated.
Is left-hand practice the same as weak-hand practice?
Not always. Many right-handed players use the left hand as the weak hand, but left-handed players should reverse the instructions.