How it Works

Set up a start and finish line using cones across the gym or playing area. Each player has a basketball and starts behind the baseline.

• Players dribble while moving across the court pretending to be different animals.
• Example movements: crab walks, kangaroo hops, bear crawls while rolling the ball.
• The coach calls out a new animal every few seconds, prompting players to change their movement while maintaining control of the ball.
• The challenge is to stay creative, coordinated, and in control of the basketball while moving.

Progression/Variation

• Add a race element: first player across the line after each animal call wins.
• Partner version: one player calls the animal, the other player performs it.
• Use only the non-dominant hand for dribbling throughout the movements.

Coaching Points

• Encourage players to stay low and wide in their movements to develop balance and core strength.
• Reinforce fingertip control when dribbling, not slapping the ball.
• Celebrate creativity and effort, even if players struggle with movement control.

Why This Drill Works

Traditional ball-handling drills can be boring for very young players. Dribble Animal Walks injects fun, movement variety, and silliness while still reinforcing basic dribbling skills. It teaches body awareness, balance, and ball control all at once. Kids stay fully engaged because they get to play, pretend, and compete—without even realizing they’re developing critical athletic skills.