Basketball Give-and-Go 3-on-3 Half Court
A 3-on-3 half-court game where a basket counts triple if it comes from a give-and-go: pass and cut to the rim to get the ball back. Students work on backdoor and basket cuts, communication and moving without the ball.
How to play
- Make teams of 3 in pinnies; two teams play at each basket and a third waits to rotate in. Explain and demonstrate the give-and-go with two students (4 min).
- Start with 3 minutes of practice without defense: pass to a teammate, cut to the rim in front of an imaginary defender and catch for the layup.
- Begin 3-on-3: the ball is checked at the three-point line and the offense must clear it before attacking.
- A regular basket is worth 1 point and a give-and-go basket is worth 3. The teacher or the waiting team calls "give-and-go!" when it happens.
- Games last 3 minutes or to 7 points; winners stay and losers rotate out, but no team stays on more than two games in a row.
- After 4 rotations (12 min), take a 1-minute break so each team can share how many times they scored off a give-and-go.
Rules
- After a defensive rebound or steal, the ball must be cleared beyond the three-point line.
- No staying in the lane for more than 3 seconds.
- Players call their own fouls by saying "foul" and the ball is inbounded from the side; no arguing.
- No pushing or grabbing on the cut: cut in front of the defender, never through them.
Variations
Easier
Defense is passive, with no steals, for the first game.
Standard
3-on-3 half court with triple points for a give-and-go.
Harder
Only give-and-go baskets or baskets off a baseline cut count.
Adaptations
- Students with limited mobility: play as a fixed passer at the high post with no direct defender, counting as a team member.
- Students with visual impairments: use a bright-colored ball, and a teammate claps before passing.
- Lower fitness levels: shorten games to 2 minutes and allow free substitutions.
Learning goals
- Cut to the basket after passing the ball.
- Communicate the timing of the pass with eye contact and voice.
- Value off-ball movement as part of the offense.
Equipment for a class of 25
- basketballs: 4
- basketball hoops: 2
- pinnies: 15
Teacher tip
Many students pass and then stand and watch; reinforce with "pass and move." If one team dominates, let the defense switch assignments.
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