Follow-the-Leader Dribble Pairs
In pairs, each with a ball, the leader dribbles around changing speed, direction, and type of dribble while the follower stays 2 yards behind copying everything. It is a gradual warm-up that expands students' dribbling toolbox.
How to play
- Every student has a basketball; form pairs with one behind the other, 2 yards apart, spread across the court.
- First set (90 seconds): the leader dribbles at a walk and makes simple changes, like switching hands or turning; the follower copies without passing them.
- Second set (90 seconds): the leader adds jogging, stops, low dribbles, and high dribbles; the follower always keeps the gap.
- On the whistle, partners switch roles and repeat both sets (3 minutes).
- At the end, each leader picks their best move and teaches it to their partner for 30 seconds.
- Pairs move all over the court avoiding other pairs while staying inside the boundaries.
Rules
- The follower keeps 2 yards back so they don't bump into the leader if they stop.
- Dribble with the head up to see the leader and other pairs.
- The leader only uses moves their partner can do safely.
- If the ball gets away, retrieve it and pick up where you left off.
Variations
Easier
The leader dribbles at a walk and only switches hands.
Standard
The leader mixes walking and jogging with hand, speed, and direction changes.
Harder
Dribble two balls at once, or the follower copies as a mirror image.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: lead or follow from a wheelchair, dribbling to the side with wide movements.
- Students with autism or shy students: the teacher provides cards with 4 moves so the leader doesn't have to invent them.
- Lower dribbling skill: allow catching the ball and restarting the dribble after losing control.
Learning goals
- Dribble with both hands while varying height, speed, and direction.
- Keep the head up to watch the partner and surroundings.
- Create and teach a dribbling move to someone else.
Equipment for a class of 25
- basketballs: 25
Teacher tip
This works best if you limit the space to half court at first so everyone gets used to dodging. If balls are scarce, the follower copies the moves without a ball and then they switch.
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