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Ball Dribble Sprints

Sprint with the ball controlled between your arms.

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

Set up

Dribble a ball head-up for one length at full speed.

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

Ages
14 and up
Time
12 min
Players
Just you
Space
Pool
Bring
Pool, water polo ball
Level · skill
Advanced · Swimming

The steps

How it works

  1. Dribble a ball head-up for one length at full speed.
  2. Keep the ball in front of your face with your bow wave.
  3. Rest 45 seconds.
  4. Do 8 lengths.

Coaching point

Short strokes, elbows high around the ball.

Safety: Only swim with a lifeguard or coach watching and, under 14, a grown-up within arm’s reach.

Make it fun

Play it, don't drill it

Game version

Pool follow-the-leader: one person leads a movement and the group copies. Swap the leader each time, with a lifeguard or coach watching.

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 pool like an ocean.

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

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