Dribble Gates 2-on-2
A 2-on-2 game on a field with six cone gates spread around the space: the offense scores by dribbling through a gate, and the defense tries to stop them and steal the ball. Students work on dribbling against defense, finding the open gate, and passing to switch the point of attack.
How to play
- Mark fields about 16 by 13 yards with six gates, each made of two cones about 5 feet apart; pair students in pinnies with two pairs per field and one ball (2 min).
- The pair with the ball scores a point each time either player dribbles through a gate in either direction.
- You may not go through the same gate twice in a row; after each point, the pair must look for a different gate.
- The defense wins the ball on a steal, an interception, or when the dribbler goes out of bounds, and immediately goes on offense.
- Play 4-minute games and change opponents after each; four games in all (15 min).
- Close by asking when it was better to pass to your partner instead of keeping the dribble (1 min).
Rules
- A point only counts if you dribble through the gate, not throw the ball through it.
- Defenders may not stand in a gate for more than 3 seconds.
- Safety: dribble with your head up so you don't run into other pairs.
- Fouls are called out loud and the fouled team gets the ball.
Variations
Easier
Use eight wider gates and let the defense only intercept passes.
Standard
Play 2-on-2 with six gates and no repeat gate in a row.
Harder
After going through a gate, you must pass to your partner before heading for the next one.
Adaptations
- A wheelchair user plays on a field with wider gates, and their points count double.
- For students with autism, show the empty field and walk the gates before the game.
- Mix skill levels in each pair to keep games balanced.
Learning goals
- Dribble against defense while keeping your eyes on the space.
- Choose the most open gate and switch sides with a pass.
- Work with a partner to create an advantage against the defense.
Equipment for a class of 25
- basketballs: 7
- cones: 72
- pinnies: 13
Teacher tip
Without the 3-second rule, defenders camp in one gate, so remind them early. The best pairs find out that a pass switches the side of the game, so ask about it at the end.
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