Game version
Play “Bounce and Catch” as a “my turn, your turn” game with a grown-up. Everyone takes a turn and every try gets a cheer.
Bounce and Catch
Bounce the ball with two hands and catch it, then try one hand. The first step to dribbling.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Stand on a flat, hard surface like a driveway with the ball.
- Ages
- 4 to 6
- Time
- 3 min
- Players
- Just you
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Small or soft basketball
- Level · skill
- Beginner · Ball Handling
The steps
How it works
- Stand on a flat, hard surface like a driveway with the ball.
- Bounce it with two hands and catch it after one bounce.
- Count the catches in a row together.
- When it gets easy, bounce it with one hand and catch with two.
Coaching point
Praise the try: “You watched the ball the whole time!”
Safety: Play on grass or a soft, flat, clear space with nothing to trip on. Stop for a drink and a rest whenever they want one.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Story
Pretend you are a kangaroo playing “Bounce and Catch” in the forest, and the whole forest claps for you.
Practice makes progress
Print it now, or save it free
Free for families and teams
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