3-on-3-on-3 Continuous Transition
Three teams of three take turns in a nonstop full-court game: one team attacks, one defends, and the third waits at the other end. When a possession ends, the defending team pushes the ball the other way against the waiting team. It works on transition and decision making while tired.
How to play
- Two courts if possible, each with three teams of three in different pinnies; extra students keep score and rotate in. A attacks, B defends, C waits in the other half (2 min).
- When A scores or turns it over, B pushes the ball to the other basket and C defends; A waits in that half. Walk through it first (3 min).
- Play nonstop in 4-minute blocks with 1 minute of active rest shooting free throws. Each basket is 1 point (12 min).
- Transition rule: the team pushing the ball must cross half court within 8 seconds or lose possession.
- Each block, change which team starts out waiting. Wrap-up: what helped you get out fast after giving up a basket? (3 min).
Rules
- Man-to-man defense: each player picks an opponent at the start of the possession and guards them to the end.
- The waiting team may not cross half court until the other team starts its attack.
- Safety: the waiting team stands near the sideline, never in the lane, so they don't get run over in transition.
Variations
Easier
Play on a long half court with no time limit to cross half court.
Standard
Full-court continuous 3-on-3-on-3 with 8 seconds to cross half court.
Harder
Baskets with fewer than 3 passes count double, and the waiting team may pressure the inbound.
Adaptations
- Students with limited mobility: serve as a fixed scorekeeper and timer, calling out the 8-second count.
- Students who are deaf or hard of hearing: colored pinnies plus a colored card show which team is on offense.
- Students with lower fitness play 3-minute blocks and may sub with a teammate.
Learning goals
- Switch quickly from defense to offense after a stop or a basket allowed.
- Make good decisions while fatigued.
- Pace effort in a high-intensity intermittent game.
Equipment for a class of 25
- basketball: 2
- colored pinnies: 18
- basketball hoops: 4
Teacher tip
Chaos starts when the waiting team creeps forward; use the half-court line as their spot. Manage rest breaks, since this is a high-intensity task, and check in on perceived exertion.
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