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Dribble and Toss Catch

Keep a dribble going with one hand while you toss and catch a tennis ball with the other, so your dribble works without your eyes.

By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026

Set up

Dribble with your right hand at waist height.

Core: Both hands. Beat your own best run without losing the ball.

Ages
14 and up
Time
12 min
Players
Just you
Space
Gym or court
Bring
Basketball, tennis ball
Level · skill
Advanced · Ball Handling

The steps

How it works

  1. Dribble with your right hand at waist height.
  2. Toss a tennis ball up a little with your left hand and catch it.
  3. Keep the dribble going the whole time.
  4. Do 30 catches with each hand.

Coaching point

Eyes on the tennis ball, feel the dribble.

Make it fun

Play it, don't drill it

Game version

Dribble dance: put on a song and dribble until it stops, then freeze with the ball. A partner can pause the music, and everyone keeps playing.

Challenge

Pick a level: Less (strong hand), Core (both hands), More (eyes up while a partner shows you a number to call). Beat your own best run without losing the ball.

Story

You are a magician with a ball on an invisible string.

My best

Beat your own count

Beat your own best run without losing the ball. Only your own number counts: today against last time.

Practice makes progress

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