Ball Protection Drill

To us at SYB, this drill is near the top of the class in dealing with some of the basic problems that most young basketball players face. In this drill your players will be utilizing not just one aspect of ball-handling and movement, but several!

• the dribble
• the jump stop
• the pivot
• the drop-step
• and more improtantly...protecting the ball!

No other drill in the realm of youth basketball will cover so many aspects of the offensive player as this drill does. Is it all you need? No, of course not. But if you choose to use it, I would about guarantee that it will become a staple of your basketball teaching. But be warned! If you don't like to use the whistle this drill is not for you.

To begin this drill, have your team divide in to groups of two or three and spread them out along the baseline. The first player in each line will have a ball.

On your whistle players are to dribble hard forward with with either hand.

Next whistle(after three or four good dribbles), players are to jump-stop, planting their feet squarely, maintaining balance, with knees bent and ball in good grip at chest. At this point they will basically be in a Triple Threat position.

Whistle, players will perform drop-step pivot with right foot, bring ball down and back near rear hip(still in grip of both hands).

Whistle, players bring ball up and around being straight up and squared, with ball above their head.

Whistle, Players perform drop-step pivot with left foot, again bring ball down and back. This time ball should be near rear left hip.

Whistle, players bring ball back up above head.

Whistle, players bring ball down and back with right drop-step pivot.

Whistle, players dribble hard forward beginning the sequence all over again.

Do this until first group goes the length of the court and back to the starting line.

Next group of players go.

Note: This drill seems like a lot in print, but it is relatively easy after a few repetitions, and the kids get a feel for it. Also you will see some players get confusedat times...don't be concerned, this will happen to some no matter what you do. And one last thing: do not be concerned when you see some of your players way out ahead of the othersduring this drill. It is because some players will be more sure of their dribble, therefore they will be quicker on the dribble. It will still work. Just run it until the last person in each group makes it back to the start.

This drill is an awesome teaching tool. We wish you all the luck in the world, and hope that it helps you!