Drive and Kick 2-on-1 with a Help Defender
One player drives from the top while a single help defender must decide whether to stop the drive or stay home on the corner shooter. The ball handler reads the help: if it doesn't come, finish at the rim; if it comes, kick out to the corner for the shot.
How to play
- Groups of 4 or 5 at each basket. Cones at the top of the key and in the corner: driver with the ball up top, shooter in the corner, defender in the lane (2 min).
- Guided phase: the defender always helps. The driver attacks with 2 or 3 dribbles, draws the help, and kicks to the corner, where the shooter catches feet-ready (3 min).
- Read phase: the defender chooses. If they stay home, finish at the rim; if they help, kick it out (5 min).
- Scoring: a basket after a good read is 2 for the offense; a steal, clean block, or forced shot is 1 for the defender. Four possessions, then rotate (3 min).
- Rotate driver to shooter, shooter to defense, defender to the line. Close: what showed the help was coming? (2 min).
Rules
- The driver may dribble three times at most before shooting or passing.
- The defender may only steal or block by touching the ball, with no body contact.
- Safety: the rest of the group waits along the far sideline and stays out of the lane during a live possession.
Variations
Easier
The defender always helps, and the shooter may move closer, to the short corner.
Standard
The defender chooses, and the driver reads and decides within 3 dribbles.
Harder
Play 3-on-2: a second shooter in the opposite corner and a defender who can rotate.
Adaptations
- Students with limited mobility: play the corner shooter, shooting from a distance that fits their level.
- Students who are blind or have low vision: the shooter claps twice to show their location before the pass.
- For less accurate shooters, move the corner spot closer to the lane; strong shooters go out to the three-point line.
Learning goals
- Draw the defense with a drive to free a teammate.
- Choose between finishing and kicking out based on the help.
- Have feet ready to shoot on the catch.
Equipment for a class of 25
- basketball: 6
- cones: 12
- basketball hoops: 6
Teacher tip
Many drivers decide before they dribble; ask them to watch the help defender during the drive. The shooter must stay visible with hands ready, not hidden behind the baseline.
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