Box Out and Outlet 3-on-3
After a teammate's shot, three defenders must box out three offensive players, grab the rebound, and outlet quickly to a receiver on the sideline to start the break. It works on boxing out, battling for legal position, and transition.
How to play
- Groups of 7 at 4 baskets: one shooter, three defenders in pinnies around the lane, three offensive players outside them, and an outlet receiver on the sideline (2 min).
- Demonstrate: when the shot goes up, the defender turns to find their player, makes contact with the back, wide base, arms up, then goes for the ball (2 min).
- Phase 1, offense at a walk: defenders box out, rebound with two hands, and outlet to the sideline receiver (3 min).
- Phase 2, full speed: a defensive rebound plus outlet is 2 points; an offensive rebound is 1 point and a new shot (5 min).
- Rotate every 4 shots among defense, offense, shooter, and receiver. Wrap-up: why box out before jumping? (3 min).
Rules
- Make contact with your back and body, never by pushing with your hands or hooking arms.
- Rebound with two hands and protect the ball at chin height before passing.
- Safety: match players of similar size and never jump over someone's back to reach the ball.
Variations
Easier
Play 2-on-2 with walking offensive players and short shots.
Standard
Full-speed 3-on-3 with an outlet pass and scoring.
Harder
After the outlet, the three defenders run a 3-on-2 fast break against two of the offensive players.
Adaptations
- Students who use wheelchairs: play the sideline receiver or the shooter, key roles that keep the game going.
- Students who avoid contact: box out by stepping into the path without touching, simply sealing off the rim.
- For beginners, the shooter calls shot before releasing so everyone has time to react.
Learning goals
- Box out with a legal, stable body position.
- Secure and protect the ball after the rebound.
- Link the defensive rebound to a quick outlet pass.
Equipment for a class of 25
- basketball: 4
- pinnies: 12
- basketball hoops: 4
Teacher tip
Many students go straight for the ball without boxing out and lose position; only count rebounds that came after a box-out. Watch for hand pushing, since falls are common on rebounds.
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