Basketball: 3-on-3 Box-Out Battle
A rebounding game where a shooter takes a shot and three defenders must box out three offensive players before grabbing the ball. Students practice the box-out (make contact, pivot and seal with the back), reading the miss and crashing the offensive glass.
How to play
- Make groups of 7 per basket: three offensive players on the perimeter, three defenders guarding them and one shooter at the top of the key.
- Teach the technique (3 min) in pairs without a ball: on the shot, the defender finds their player, makes contact with the forearm, pivots and seals with knees bent.
- The shooter shoots; defenders box out and grab the rebound. A defensive rebound earns 1 point; if the offense gets it, they play 3-on-3 until a score or turnover.
- A putback after an offensive rebound earns 2 points. The first team to 5 points wins the round (about 4 min).
- After each round, teams switch roles and the shooter rotates into a team, swapping with another player.
- Play 3 rounds and finish with a 2-minute discussion about which offensive player was hardest to box out and why.
Rules
- Box out with your back and arms wide at shoulder height; no pushing with hands or elbows.
- The ball must hit the rim before anyone enters the lane.
- If anyone falls, the whistle stops play.
Variations
Easier
Play 2-on-2 and the defender knows which player will crash the boards.
Standard
3-on-3 with a neutral shooter and live play after an offensive rebound.
Harder
A defensive rebound must end with an outlet pass to a player on the sideline within 3 seconds, simulating the fast break.
Adaptations
- A student with limited mobility can be the permanent shooter and choose where the shots come from.
- For students who are hard of hearing, the shooter lifts the ball before shooting as a visual signal.
- Match partners by size and strength so contact is fair and safe.
Learning goals
- Execute a box-out with safe, effective technique.
- Predict where the miss will go based on the shot location.
- Value rebounding as a team effort that decides possessions.
Equipment for a class of 25
- basketballs: 4
- pinnies: 12
- basketball hoops: 4
Teacher tip
Pair students by size and strength to avoid lopsided contact. The usual mistake is watching the ball and forgetting the player: "contact first, then the ball."
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