Dribble Mirror: Copy Your Partner Without Looking Down

In pairs, each with a ball, a leader invents dribbles and movements while the partner copies them like a mirror. It builds heads-up dribbling and gets everyone warmed up for the lesson.

How to play

1. Partners face each other two meters apart, one ball each. Free stationary dribbling with both hands (2 min).
2. The leader shows a dribble (high, low, front crossover) and the mirror copies it without looking at the ball (3 min).
3. The leader moves forward, back and sideways while dribbling; the mirror follows at the same distance (3 min).
4. Switch roles and add faster movement and hand changes (2 min).

Rules

• Eyes on your partner, not the ball.
• Keep at least three meters from other pairs.
• If the ball gets away, walk to get it and don't cut through other pairs.
• The leader changes moves every few seconds and keeps them doable.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with visual impairments: use a ball with a bell and have the leader call out each change.
• Wheelchair users: dribble beside the chair while the leader adapts movements to turns and pushes.
• Students who lack confidence dribbling: start with a softer rubber ball and pair them with a partner at a similar level.

Learning goals

• Dribble with both hands without looking at the ball.
• Follow another person's movements while managing distance.
• Warm up the body gradually before the main activity.

Equipment for a class of 25

• basketballs: 30

Teacher tip

Line the pairs up in rows so everyone can see you, and signal role switches with a clap. The usual mistake is the mirror staring at the floor: have them call out the color of the leader's shirt.

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