Bounce to the Beat
Each student dribbles a ball to the beat of the music, and then groups build a short dribbling routine with hand switches, turns and bounce passes on the beat. Students practice dribbling, moving in rhythm and group composition.
How to play
- Each student has a ball, spread out on the blacktop; to slow-beat music, dribble once on every beat with the right hand, then the left (4 min).
- Add patterns: bounce-bounce-bounce-clap, high dribble and low dribble, dribble around the body in eight counts (4 min).
- In pairs facing each other, dribble together and bounce pass to each other on count 8 (3 min).
- Form 5 groups of 5; each group creates a 32-count routine with three learned patterns and an ending pose (6 min).
- Groups take turns performing to the music (3 min).
Rules
- On the whistle, hold the ball still against your chest.
- If a ball gets away, walk to get it without cutting through another group.
- Dribble with your fingertips, not by slapping the ball with your palm.
Variations
Easier
Dribble with two hands and catch the ball every four counts.
Standard
Dribble with one hand on the beat and combine eight-count patterns.
Harder
Dribble while traveling without losing the beat, and add a behind-the-back hand switch.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student dribbles seated beside the wheelchair or tosses and catches the ball on the beat.
- Visual impairment: use a ball with bells and place the student next to a wall to limit the space.
- Skill level: a student who struggles dribbles every other beat instead of every beat.
Learning goals
- Dribble a ball in time with the music.
- Combine different dribbles in a sequence.
- Create and perform a group routine.
Equipment for a class of 25
- balls: 25
- music
- speakers: 1
Teacher tip
Start with slow-beat songs; fast tempos make dribbling get out of control. Use well-inflated balls of the same size so they all sound alike.
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