Ball HandlingFun / Competitive

Simon Says Ball Handling Drill

The classic listening game gives young players a reason to try a whole menu of dribbling moves — between the legs, crossover, behind the back — without the pressure of getting it perfect.

Age RangeAges 7+
Duration8 minutes
Group Size4+ players
SportBasketball

Equipment Needed

  • One basketball per player

Every player needs their own ball

A multi-pack of training basketballs means the whole group can play along at once.

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Setup

  • Players spread out in an open area, each with a ball, facing the coach.
  • Coach calls out a series of simple ball-handling moves.
Simon Says Ball Handling DrillPPPPPlisten & dribblePlayers dribble in place, facing the coachOnly move on “Simon says” — try 8–10 different moves

Instructions

  1. Coach calls a move only after saying "Simon says" (e.g. "Simon says crossover dribble").
  2. Players attempt the move while continuing to dribble.
  3. If the coach calls a move WITHOUT saying "Simon says" first, players who do it sit out one round.
  4. Rotate through 8–10 different moves over the course of the game.
Coaching Points
  • Don't worry about perfect technique yet — the goal is exposure and repetition to many different moves.
  • Keep the pace lively; this works best as a high-energy, fun activity.
  • Demonstrate each move once before calling it so players know what to attempt.
  • Sitting out for one round is enough consequence — keep it light, not punitive.

Variation

Let a player take over calling moves once they've learned the pattern, or add movement (walking dribble) to the calls for older groups.