Tip Drill Rebounding Line
A line drill where the group keeps the ball alive by taking turns tipping it off the backboard without letting it hit the floor, and then finishes with a basket. Students work on jumping with arms extended, rebounding timing, and group coordination.
How to play
- Form groups of four or five per basket in single file facing one side of the backboard, about 6 feet from the rim (1 min).
- Demonstrate the tip: jump off both feet, arms up, and softly push the ball with one or two hands so it hits the backboard above the rim again.
- The first player tosses the ball off the backboard, jumps, and tips it; then they run to the back of the line and the next player tips it in the air without letting it drop.
- Count consecutive tips; on the tenth, the next player tries to tip it into the basket to finish the set.
- Do four 2-minute rounds, switching sides of the backboard; if the ball drops, start the count over (10 min).
- Finish with a 1-minute challenge: group record for consecutive tips plus a finishing basket.
Rules
- Tip with the palm and fingers, never with a closed fist.
- After tipping, exit the lane on the side away from the line.
- Safety: keep at least an arm's length from the player jumping in front of you.
- If the ball drops, the group grabs it and restarts without arguing.
Variations
Easier
Allow one bounce between tips and start the toss from closer.
Standard
Take turns tipping without letting the ball drop and finish with a basket on the tenth tip.
Harder
Tip only with the weak hand and finish the set on the sixth tip.
Adaptations
- A student with limited mobility makes the opening toss and counts out loud.
- For students with autism, start with turns called by name so they know when they are up.
- Use adjustable hoops or lighter balls for students who can't reach the backboard.
Learning goals
- Time the jump to meet the ball at its highest point.
- Control the tip so the ball goes back to the backboard.
- Coordinate with the group to keep the set going.
Equipment for a class of 25
- basketballs: 6
- basketball hoops: 6
- cones: 6
Teacher tip
At first few students will reach the backboard, so let shorter players start closer and keep the challenge group-based. Make sure nobody lands on the next player's feet.
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