3v1 Basketball Keep-Away Squares

In coned squares, three players pass the ball without dribbling while one defender in the middle tries to intercept. Students practice chest, bounce and overhead passes, pivoting and moving to give the passer an open lane.

How to play

1. Mark 13 x 13 ft squares and make groups of 4 with one ball; if a student is left over, one group of 5 plays with two defenders.
2. Three attackers stand on three corners with the defender inside; they pass without dribbling and may pivot.
3. After each pass, the attacker who did not receive moves to the open corner next to the ball handler, so there are always two options.
4. Every 5 passes in a row earns a point; if the defender touches the ball, they switch with the passer.
5. If there is no interception in 30 seconds, rotate the defender anyway.
6. Play 3 blocks of 4 minutes: chest, bounce and overhead passes.

Rules

• No dribbling: the ball handler may only pivot.
• The defender touches only the ball, never the attackers.
• Pass to your partner's chest, never at the face.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student holds a fixed corner while teammates use the others.
• Visual impairment: ball with bells, call the receiver's name, and no defender in the first block.
• Lower skill: the defender in their group keeps hands behind their back.

Learning goals

• Make accurate chest, bounce and overhead passes.
• Pivot to protect the ball and open a passing lane.
• Move without the ball to open space.

Equipment for a class of 25

• youth basketballs: 6
• cones: 24

Teacher tip

The typical mistake is standing still in a corner hidden behind the defender; teach students to 'show yourself.' If a defender never gets a touch, enlarge that square.

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