I coach third grade boys and we are getting close to wrapping up our season but we struggled at times this year with players dribbling to much. I was wondering what I could do to help this? We play 3 on 3 no dribble but I was wondering if maybe limiting the number of dribbles they can take when we practice will help or hurt them. Some of them like to dribble side ways a lot instead of straight to the hoop. If you have any further suggestions I would love to hear them. Also do you think an open gym once a week in the off season is a good idea or should I let them play on their own and risk some might not touch a basketball. Thank you for your time

I think all 3rd grade boys coaches have that same problem. Playing 3v3,4v4,5v5 no dribble is good. Another option is to scrimmage and implement any of the following rules:
- must be 5 passes before you shoot
- lay ups only until you get 5 passes
- need 3 ball reversals before you shoot

Beyond that just something you have to constantly emphasize and work on. We talk to players about it all the time and it's a never ending battle.

We do have drill to help with player decision making on when to dribble and when to pass. 3rd grade might be a little young for this but you can try. Also, I just wrote this drill up a few weeks ago and haven't looked at it since. If there are errors or something doesn't make sense, let me know. Not officially published yet and I'd like to get a video of it before posting.
https://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/play.asp?id=8120

Regarding open gym in the summer. I have never done that. I think I'd lose my mind because I have trouble watching messy play and I'd have to implement rules to keep things cleaner.

We often do summer team camps, team clinics, and 3v3 leagues. Maybe you can find a 3v3 league. I also think playing on their own is good too. I'd almos rather see them play 1v1, 2v2, and 3v3 during open gym. 5v5 no so much. 1v1... just letting kids play I think can be great.

I agree with Jeff's post, especially about the open gym! This is my second full year with the boys and after a few months, I think you reach a point where you have taught what you can. It is up to them to put in some independent work without supervision, or with someone else at the helm. I think the idea of an open gym is good, as long as you can remain distant and let them figure it out. I struggle with that.

One of the most effective drills I used is no dribble keep away. We start out 6 v 3(3 defenders swarming) and by the end of the season, my best 3 players could keep the ball away from the other 6 as defenders for 5 passes or more. The other groups of players didn't come as far, but all improved to at least be able to handle a 5 v 4(4 defenders), playing swarming defense which was a significant improvement from where we started using ball movement and motion off the ball. The key is to increase the speed of the game without focusing on making a basket. Just keep possession, move the ball, move off the ball and good opportunities present themselves.

The more the kids are playing, as opposed to thinking, the better. Children know how to play tag, kick the can, capture the flag and all kinds of crazy games. If you can get them to see basketball the same way and then just add in the hoop and the lines, you will really have winners on your hands.

Good luck.

Yes, the idea is that you want them to get used to ball movement over dribbling. If the ball is moving around the court it will inherently always be faster and more effective than dribbling since dribbling only sets up the offense most of the time. :)

Good luck!