"Dribble Knockout" - A Fun Skill Building Variation of the Classic Game
This is a fun game that will improve ballhandling, shooting, finishing, and conditioning. We simply take the classic game of "knockout" and add some dribbling variations to turn it into a better skill builder.
This is a really fun drill that we use all the time. It's effective for all ages (kindergarten to high school).
You can play this game in your drive way, in the school yard, or in the gym.
Instructions
The game is played just like the traditional knockout, except players start on the baseline and must dribble before shooting.
Players line up on the baseline as shown.
The first 3 players have a ball. If you have a longer line, you might want the first 4 players to have a ball.
The game starts with the first player dribbling around the cone as fast as they can. Then they attack the basket and pull up for a jump shot at the free throw line.
The second player can start as soon as the first player makes one dribble. This adds pressure to the first player and keeps the gaming moving fast.
The pattern continues and the next player can go after the person ahead of them takes one dribble.
When a player reaches the free throw line, they must shoot. If they make it, they give the ball to the next person in line. If they miss, they must follow their shot and put the ball in the basket before the person behind them makes it.
If the person behind you makes their shot before you do, you're out (knocked out).
The game continues until only one player is left. The last player standing is the winner and you start over again.
Optionally you can award two winners since it can sometimes take a while when you get down to only two players.
In this drill, players will really have to hustle to knock each other out and win the game. It can turn into a tough conditioner.
You should of course work both sides so you practice dribbling and shooting going both directions. Simply move the line and the cone from the left side to the right side.
If you don't have a cone you can use a chair, garbage can, or about anything you want.
Variations
There are numerous variations that allow you to work on additional dribbling skills. Here are a few variations.
The diagram on the right shows how you can set up additional obstacles to weave through.
The drill works exactly the same except now you are weaving through each cone instead of running around just one.
With this set up you can add the following rules to vary the skill you are targeting:
- Left hand dribble only.
- Right hand dribble only.
- Cross over at each cone.
- Through legs at each cone.
- Behind back at each cone.
- Spin at each cone.
You can also set up the cones in a ziz-zag formation and make them go around each cone.
There really is no limit to what you can do. Decide what you want to work on, then come up with rules and obstacles so you can work on that skill before shooting the ball.
We have lots of fun with this drill.
Kids love it and they don't even realize they are getting better with their left hand, cross over, or what ever skill you're focusing on.
It's a great way to "sneak in" some skill development and have fun.
Related Pages & Helpful Resources
A to Z Youth Coaching System with Jim Huber
30 Dribbling Drills for Coaches
7 FUN Ways for Parents to "Sneak In" Basketball Skills with their Kids
Ballhandling Fundamentals
50 Game-Based Drills Training System
What do you think? Let us know by leaving your comments, suggestions, and questions...
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