Basketball: Down Screens and Shooter Cuts 3-on-3
A half-court 3-on-3 game where the wing can only receive the ball after coming off an off-ball down screen. Students learn to read their defender (pop out, curl inside or backdoor) and how to talk through screens on defense.
How to play
- Make groups of 6 (two teams of 3 in different colored pinnies) at each basket; teams waiting act as observers along the baseline.
- Place two cones on the wings level with the free-throw line where the wing starts; the point guard brings the ball up from half court and the third player starts on the low block.
- Guided demo (4 min): the post player steps up to screen the wing's defender and the wing reads it: if the defender trails, pop out for the shot; if the defender cheats over the top, curl to the basket.
- Play 3-on-3 half court (10 min, 24-second possessions): the wing's first catch must come off a down screen or it's a turnover. A basket off the screen is worth 3 points, any other basket 2.
- Switch roles every 3 possessions and bring in the observing team.
- Final 5-minute round with defenders allowed to switch so the offense hunts for the mismatch.
Rules
- Defenders must call out the screen loudly ("Screen left!").
- No pushing the screener; go over or under it.
- Hard contact or hitting a player from behind is a foul and the other team gets the ball.
Variations
Easier
The screener's defender stays passive and can't help, so the wing only has to read one defender.
Standard
3-on-3 with a mandatory down screen before the wing's first catch.
Harder
Chain two screens in the same possession (down screen, then on-ball screen) and allow the defense to switch.
Adaptations
- A student in a wheelchair can be the permanent point guard who makes the final pass.
- For students with autism or who are shy, diagram the play first and keep their role in round one.
- Students with lower fitness can be the screener, a key role with less running.
Learning goals
- Read the defender's position to choose between popping out and cutting to the basket.
- Set legal, well-angled off-ball screens.
- Communicate and coordinate team defense against off-ball screens.
Equipment for a class of 25
- basketballs: 4
- pinnies: 12
- cones: 8
- basketball hoops: 4
Teacher tip
The usual mistake is leaving before the screen is set: "wait for the screen, shoulder to shoulder." Freeze the play and ask the wing where their defender was.
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