Basketball 3-on-2, 2-on-1 Continuous
A full-court continuous drill: three attack against two and, after the finish, the two defenders fast-break against one of the attackers. Students work on filling the lanes, finding the open teammate and the transition from defense to offense.
How to play
- Make groups of 5 per basket; with more students, form waiting lines on each baseline. Put two defenders at one basket and three attackers at the other (3 min).
- The three attackers advance in three lanes: ball in the middle and two wings spread wide. They attack the basket against the two defenders set up in tandem.
- After a basket, defensive rebound or steal, the two defenders break the other way; the attacker who shot sprints back to defend alone (2-on-1).
- The two attackers who did not shoot stay as the new defenders at that basket and wait for the next group of three coming from the line.
- Play 6-minute rounds and track baskets in the 3-on-2 and the 2-on-1 separately; rest 1 minute between rounds (3 rounds).
- At the end of each round, ask which lane was open most often and why.
Rules
- In the 3-on-2, at least one pass is required before a shot.
- The lone 2-on-1 defender cannot leave until the ball crosses half court, to keep a real advantage.
- No contact on rebounds: box out with the body, never with the arms.
- Waiting lines stand off the court, behind the baseline.
Variations
Easier
Play half court and replace the 2-on-1 with a free throw.
Standard
3-on-2 followed by a full-court 2-on-1 with unlimited dribbles.
Harder
Attackers may only take two dribbles each and have 6 seconds to shoot.
Adaptations
- Students with limited mobility: act as the inbound passer on the baseline or play a fixed lane with a lighter ball and no direct defender.
- Students who are deaf or hard of hearing: signal changes with hand cues and pinnie colors, not just the whistle.
- Lower fitness levels: may skip the 2-on-1 sprint and wait in line as the next defender.
Learning goals
- Fill wide lanes to create passing options.
- Recognize the open teammate in a numbers advantage.
- Switch quickly from defense to offense after gaining possession.
Equipment for a class of 25
- basketballs: 4
- basketball hoops: 2
- pinnies: 12
Teacher tip
Remind wings to run close to the sideline: if they drift inside, the advantage disappears. With many groups, use pinnies to show who is defending at each basket.
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