Sticky Foot: Pivot and Protect the Ball

In groups of three, the ball handler has one foot 'stuck' inside a hula hoop and must pivot to protect the ball from a defender while looking to pass to a moving teammate. Students practice pivoting, shielding the ball and passing under pressure.

How to play

1. Make groups of three with one ball and one hula hoop on the floor; if a student is left over, one group of 4 has two receivers.
2. Teach the pivot: one foot stays planted and turns on the ball of the foot while the other steps; practice 2 minutes without a defender.
3. The ball handler puts the pivot foot in the hoop and the defender tries to touch the ball for 5 seconds; the ball handler pivots to keep it away.
4. If the ball is not touched, the ball handler scores a point; switch roles every 3 tries.
5. Passing phase (6 min): the third player moves 10 to 13 ft away and the ball handler must pass within 5 seconds without leaving the hoop.
6. At the end, each group shares which turn worked best.

Rules

• If the pivot foot leaves the hoop or drags, it is traveling and roles switch.
• The defender touches only the ball, never arms or face.
• Shield with the body; never swing the elbows.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student turns the wheelchair in place and the defender stays an arm's length away.
• Visual impairment: the receiver claps to guide the pass and the first phase has no defender.
• Lower skill: the student protects for 3 seconds and always uses their preferred foot.

Learning goals

• Pivot on a planted foot without traveling.
• Shield the ball with the body against a defender.
• Pass to a moving teammate after creating space.

Equipment for a class of 25

• youth basketballs: 8
• hula hoops: 8

Teacher tip

Many students switch pivot feet without noticing; the hoop makes it visible. Ask defenders to be active but clean.

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