Protection Square: 10-Second 1v1 Keep-Away

1v1 battles inside a small square where the attacker must keep dribbling for ten seconds against a defender. It works protective dribbling, body use and defending without fouling.

How to play

1. Pairs in 4 x 4 m squares: protective dribbling with no defender, body between the ball and an imaginary opponent (4 min).
2. Passive defender who only moves their arms; the attacker keeps dribbling for ten seconds (4 min).
3. Live 1v1: if the attacker lasts ten seconds inside the square, they score a point; switch roles each time (6 min).
4. Final challenge: after lasting ten seconds, the attacker must dribble out the opposite side for double points (6 min).

Rules

• The defender may only touch the ball; body contact is a foul.
• The off arm shields but doesn't push or hook.
• If the ball leaves the square or the attacker stops dribbling, switch roles.
• Rotate partners to similar skill levels.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with limited mobility: play in a bigger square and the defender can use only one hand.
• Students with visual impairments: use a sound ball, and the defender wears a bell on the wrist.
• Students who feel unsure: always start as the passive defender and choose when to move to live 1v1.

Learning goals

• Protect the ball with body and off arm.
• Defend without fouling.
• Stay composed under pressure.

Equipment for a class of 25

• basketballs: 15
• cones: 60

Teacher tip

Set the squares in a line along the court so you can see all of them from one side. The attacker's usual mistake is dribbling in front of the body; have them keep the ball on the side away from the defender.

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