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Ball Pickup Scramble

Work together to pick up scattered balls using shuffles and small steps, then beat your team time.

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

Set up

Scatter 20 balls around the court.

Core: As written. Aim for smooth form and compare only with your own last time.

Ages
7 and up
Time
8 min
Players
Just you
Space
Gym or court
Bring
Balls, basket, court
Level · skill
Beginner · Footwork

The steps

How it works

  1. Scatter 20 balls around the court.
  2. Shuffle or jog to each ball and bend your knees to pick it up.
  3. Bring it back to the basket.
  4. Time the family or group together and try to beat it.

Coaching point

Bend your knees, not your back.

Safety: Wear court shoes and keep loose balls off the court while you move.

Make it fun

Play it, don't drill it

Game version

Court follow-the-leader: one person leads a movement around the court and the group copies. Swap the leader each time.

Challenge

Pick a level: Less (slower or smaller), Core (as written), More (one extra twist). Aim for smooth form and compare only with your own last time.

Story

You are an explorer crossing the court like a jungle.

My best

Beat your own count

Aim for smooth form and compare only with your own last time. Only your own number counts: today against last time.

Practice makes progress

Print it now, or save it free

Free for families and teams

Save this drill to your child or team, free

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