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Coaching basketball at the younger ages can be very challenging. Players have such a wide range of skills. Competitive games can end in tears and cheating. I have always been a huge fan of shooting knockout and dribble knockout, however I feel dribble knockout is one of the best games to keep ALL players engaged in a fun environment that involves developing the most important skill for young players – dribbling.
How It Works
- Each player has a ball. Set the boundaries based on the number of players and what makes the most sense for the skill level. The boundaries could be full court, half court, 3-point line, or the key.
- Have a “TAG” ball or balls. You can start with one or more balls. It is ideal if the ball is clearly different than the other balls. If you have leather “game” balls these might be best to everyone knows who is it. The players must ALL dribble the ball. Once the game starts the player who is it finds a player to tag.
- Once tagged, the players switch balls. Once a player is tagged. The players exchange balls. The player who was it now tries to avoid being tag. The player who is not it searches for a player to tag. RULE: No tags back.
Some suggestions:
Stop the game at some point and collect the “TAG” balls. Ask players who have not been “IT” to raise their hands. Give the tag ball to one of these players. This will keep all players happy and makes sure all players have an opportunity to be it.
Coaches may want to participate too.
Have fun!