Cutthroat 3-on-3 Basketball
A 3-on-3 game with three teams per basket: one on offense, one on defense, and one waiting outside the three-point line. If the offense scores, it stays on offense against the waiting team; if the defense gets the ball, it goes on offense. Students practice quick role transitions and decision-making.
How to play
- Form teams of three in three pinnie colors with three teams per basket; the waiting team stands at the top, outside the three-point line (2 min).
- Team A attacks team B. If A scores, B goes out to wait and C steps in to defend right away; A checks the ball again at the top.
- If B gets the ball on a rebound or steal, B goes on offense against C and A steps out to wait; the new offense must clear the ball behind the three-point line.
- Each basket earns 1 point for the scoring team; the first team to 7 wins.
- Play games of no more than 6 minutes and switch baskets and opponents between games; three games in all (20 min).
- Close with a question: what did the waiting team do to step in on defense organized?
Rules
- The waiting team may not cross the three-point line until it's their turn.
- The new defense steps in as soon as the ball is checked, with no timeout.
- Safety: the team leaving the court exits along the sides, never through the lane.
- Fouls are called out loud and the offense restarts at the top.
Variations
Easier
Play 2-on-2 with three pairs and give the new defense 3 seconds to set up.
Standard
Play 3-on-3 with three teams to 7 points and instant role changes.
Harder
Limit each possession to 10 seconds and require one pass before a shot.
Adaptations
- A wheelchair user plays on a team that adds one extra player on defense to balance movement.
- For students who are hard of hearing, the waiting team raises their arms when it's time to step in.
- Mix skill levels on each team so the rotation doesn't always punish the same group.
Learning goals
- Switch quickly between offense, defense, and waiting.
- Make pass-or-shoot decisions against a freshly set defense.
- Accept the game rules and shared foul calls.
Equipment for a class of 25
- basketballs: 3
- basketball hoops: 3
- pinnies: 27
Teacher tip
The key moment is the team switch, so if it bogs down, walk through two rotations without a ball first. The waiting team should talk about who will guard whom.
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