Dribble Moves Circuit to a Layup

A lane course where cones act as defenders and students use a different dribble move at each cone before finishing with a layup. It develops dribbling with both hands, protecting the ball, and changing speed.

How to play

1. One lane per basket: 4 cones in a zigzag from half court to the free-throw line, about 3 yards apart. Groups of 4 or 5, each with a ball (2 min).
2. Round 1: crossover at each cone, low and quick, then a layup. Return dribbling with the weak hand along the sideline (3 min).
3. Round 2: between-the-legs move. The next player goes when the one ahead passes the second cone (3 min).
4. Round 3: behind-the-back or spin move, by skill level, with the layup from the opposite side (3 min).
5. Challenge: each student mixes different moves and the group counts made layups in 2 minutes; repeat to beat the score (4 min).

Rules

• You must switch hands at every cone; touching or knocking over a cone is not penalized, but repeat that move on the way back.
• Always return along the sideline so you don't cross paths with the next player.
• Safety: the next player waits until the one ahead has passed the second cone.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with limited mobility: use a shorter, wider lane, dribble with one hand at their own pace, and shoot from close range.
• Shy students or students with autism: they can demonstrate only for their own group and keep the same lane all period.
• For beginners, spread the cones out; for advanced students, move them closer and require two moves in a row at the last cone.

Learning goals

• Perform different dribble moves while protecting the ball.
• Link the dribble to a layup without losing speed.
• Choose the most useful move for each situation.

Equipment for a class of 25

• basketball: 25
• cones: 24
• basketball hoops: 6

Teacher tip

The usual mistake is dribbling high and away from the body on the move; ask for a dribble below the knee and the body between the cone and the ball. Set all lanes facing the same way so you can see everyone at a glance.

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