Basketball: 5-on-4 Scramble with a Trailing Defender

A basketball transition drill where five attackers go against four defenders while the fifth defender sprints back late from the baseline. Students work on cashing in on an advantage before it disappears and defending while outnumbered.

How to play

1. Two teams of 5 at one basket and a third team waiting at the other; you stand at half court with the ball (2 min).
2. Start (2 min to explain): you pass to an attacker and tap a defender at the same time, who must sprint to touch the far baseline before getting back on defense.
3. Wave game (14 min): the offense has about 6 seconds of advantage; a basket before the trailer arrives is 3 points, after that 2. If the defense steals, it counterattacks toward the other basket, where the third team waits.
4. The team that loses possession leaves and the waiting team comes in; every minute you change which defender trails.
5. Debrief (2 min): how many passes did it take to find the open player, and who saw it first?

Rules

• The trailing defender must touch the baseline before coming back.
• Outnumbered defenders protect the basket first, not the ball.
• The trailer slows down before reaching the shooter to avoid contact.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: is the attacker who receives your first pass and distributes it.
• Autism: is told his or her role before each wave.
• Lower fitness: is never the trailer and defends near the basket.

Learning goals

• Attack a temporary advantage quickly.
• Defend while outnumbered by packing the lane and buying time.
• Spot the open player against an unbalanced defense.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Basketballs: 4
• Basketball hoops: 2
• Pinnies: 13
• Cones: 8
• Whistle: 1

Teacher tip

This is intense: cap each wave at 15 seconds and let students catch their breath between waves. Warn trailers never to jump for a block from behind.

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