Running with the Ball
Dribbling in different directions, changing speed and keeping the ball close while moving
⏳ 50 minutes · 5 activities
1
Tail Tag
Every child tucks a bib into their shorts as a tail — dribble to protect your tail while snatching others'.
Setup
- Every child has a ball and a bib tucked into their shorts as a tail
- 20x20 yard grid
- Everyone dribbles at the same time
How to Play
- While dribbling, try to pull the tails out of other children's shorts
- If your tail is taken, pick it back up, tuck it in again and carry on immediately
- No stopping dribbling to snatch — ball must keep moving
Rules
- No elimination — tails go straight back in so everyone plays the whole time
- Progress: use only your weaker foot to dribble
- Shrink the grid after 4 minutes to make it harder
1
Keep the ball close — if it runs away, someone takes your tail2
Head up to see where others are3
Praise children who protect their tail with their body while dribbling2
Traffic Cones Slalom
Simple cone weave — children dribble in and out of cones at their own pace, then race back.
Setup
- Set up 5 cones in a straight line, 1.5 yards apart
- Each child or pair has their own set of cones
- Every child has a ball
How to Play
- Dribble in and out of the cones all the way to the end, then dribble back
- Give them time to figure it out themselves before offering guidance
- After 3 minutes: try to go faster than your last go
Progressions
- Progress 1: try using only the right foot, then only the left
- Progress 2: add a second set of cones further away — children complete both sets
- Optional race: first to finish and sit on their ball wins a cheer
1
Small touches — lots of taps keep the ball close in tight spaces2
Celebrate every child who completes the course regardless of speed3
If a child knocks cones over, just reset and try again — no fuss3
Monster Chase
Coach is the monster — children must dribble away and reach a safe zone before being tagged.
Setup
- Every child has a ball
- Mark two safe zones at opposite ends of the grid with cones
- Coach (the monster) starts in the middle
How to Play
- Children start in one safe zone, dribbling on the spot
- When the coach shouts 'GO!' they must dribble to the other safe zone without the monster tagging them
- If tagged, they become a small monster helper for one turn, then return to the game
Key Focus
- Monster can only walk — children should feel they can escape if they dribble well
- Progress: add one child as a helper monster who can move faster
- Make it dramatic — the monster should growl and roar, children love it
1
Children who get tagged should feel fine about it — make it fun, not embarrassing2
Encourage dribbling at speed, not carrying the ball or kicking it too far ahead3
Look for moments where children use their body to protect the ball and praise it4
Free Dribble Race
Children dribble freely, then invent their own race challenge.
Setup
- All children with their balls in the open space
- Two cones marking a finish line at one end
How to Play
- Children dribble to the finish line and back at their own pace first
- Then ask: who can make the funniest way to dribble to the line?
- Let them come up with their own routes and styles
Coach role: Copy what they do — if a child dribbles backwards, try it yourself. This age loves seeing adults being silly. It builds confidence and attachment to the ball.
5
Cool Down & Chat
Stretch, celebrate and end on a high.
Stretches
- Children sit in a circle with their ball
- Coach leads a simple stretch — reach up high, bend down low, wiggle
Q1. What sound did the monster make today?
Q2. Show me your best dribbling move — everyone at the same time!
Q3. High five the person next to you — great session today!