Dribble Relay Reversi
Reversi played on a 6x6 floor grid with two-color cards: each runner dribbles a basketball to the board, places a card that traps opposing cards, and flips them over. It blends dribbling on the move with reading the board.
How to play
- Laminate cards that are red on one side and blue on the other. Chalk three 6x6 grids with 28-inch squares, with four starting cards diagonally in the center, two of each color.
- Six teams of 4 (one of 5), two per board, line up behind a cone 40 ft away with a basketball (2 min to explain).
- The runner dribbles out, sets the ball beside the board, and places a card of their color that traps opposing cards in a straight line (across, up and down, or diagonal).
- They flip the trapped cards and dribble back to hand off. With no legal move, the team passes.
- When the board is full or after 6 minutes, the team with more cards of its color wins. Three games against different opponents (18 min).
Rules
- Dribble out and back; if you lose the ball, get it and continue from that spot.
- Only one runner on the board at a time; the next one waits behind the cone.
- Leave the ball still and outside the grid so nobody steps on it or trips.
Variations
Easier
Use a 4x4 board and let students run with the ball in their hands.
Standard
A 6x6 board with a dominant-hand dribble relay.
Harder
Dribble out with the non-dominant hand and back with the dominant hand, with only 10 seconds to decide at the board.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: travel by wheelchair with the ball on the lap and half the distance.
- Visual impairment: cards with a different texture on each side and a teammate who quietly describes the chosen line.
- Fitness level: the team can pick a 25-ft or 40-ft distance for each runner.
Learning goals
- Control the dribble on the run without looking at the ball.
- Weigh several possible moves and choose the one with the biggest payoff.
- Accept the result and honestly check the opponent's moves.
Equipment for a class of 25
- chalk: 3
- two-color cards: 108
- basketballs: 6
- cones: 6
Teacher tip
The first game is slow because diagonals are hard to spot: let teams plan in line. Store each board's cards in an envelope.
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