Cone Slalom Dribbling
Students dribble a ball with their hands or feet through a lane of cones, first focusing on control and later adding speed and the non-dominant side. It develops ball control, coordination and quick changes of direction, ending with timed runs.
How to play
- Set up 6 lanes of 6 cones about 5 feet apart, form 6 groups of 4 and give each group one ball (2 min).
- Demonstrate: dribble close to the body, eyes up when possible, and change direction by pushing the ball to the side around each cone (1 min).
- Round 1: each student dribbles slowly through the slalom and back, keeping the ball close; the next one starts when the ball crosses the start line (4 min).
- Round 2: repeat using only the non-dominant hand or foot (3 min).
- Round 3: timed runs; a teammate counts the seconds and a touched cone adds one second, so each student tries to beat their own time (4 min).
- Collect the balls and ask students what helped them keep control at speed (1 min).
Rules
- Keep control of the ball at all times; speed comes second.
- Wait until the student in front has finished the slalom.
- Stay in your lane and walk to recover a ball that rolls away.
- If you knock over a cone, set it back up before continuing.
Variations
Easier
Place the cones farther apart and dribble at walking pace.
Standard
Fifteen minutes with a 6-cone slalom, non-dominant practice and timed runs.
Harder
Timed runs with the non-dominant hand or foot only, or cones closer together.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: roll or push the ball along the slalom with a hand or stick, or use a wider lane.
- Vision needs or attention difficulties: use bright cones and a ball with high contrast, and keep the same lane all class.
- Coordination difficulties or skill level: use a bigger, softer ball and fewer cones.
Learning goals
- Develop ball control with hands or feet.
- Improve coordination and changes of direction.
- Practice with both the dominant and non-dominant side.
Equipment for a class of 25
- cones: 36
- ball: 6
Teacher tip
Insist on control before speed; students who rush lose the ball and get frustrated. Comparing times with oneself, not others, keeps less skilled students motivated.
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