Give-and-Go Mini Basketball 2v1
A two-attackers-versus-one-defender mini basketball game built around the give-and-go: pass to a teammate, cut to the basket, and get the ball right back. Students practice passing, cutting, reading the defender, and finishing near the rim.
How to play
- At each basket, place a cone on each wing about 16 ft from the hoop and form groups of 6: two attacking pairs, one defender, and one rotating scorekeeper (2 min).
- Demonstrate the give-and-go: the attacker passes to the partner, cuts to the hoop in front of the defender, and gets the return pass (2 min).
- Start the game: the pair begins with the ball at the cones and has 10 seconds to score; the defender tries to intercept or cut off the cutter.
- A basket off a give-and-go is worth 3 points, any other basket is worth 2, and a steal earns the defender 2.
- After each attack, one attacker becomes the defender, the defender becomes scorekeeper, and the next pair steps in; switch partners every 4 minutes (12 min).
- Finish with 2 minutes for each group to explain when the defender left the cutting lane open.
Rules
- Two steps after the catch, and no double dribble.
- The defender may touch the ball, never the attacker.
- If the defender steals, the attack ends and the group rotates.
- Safety: drivers keep their heads up, and nobody stands under the rim.
Variations
Easier
The defender may only walk or must defend with hands behind the back.
Standard
Play 2v1 with a 10-second attack and a bonus for the give-and-go.
Harder
Play 2v2, and the give-and-go must finish with a layup.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: be the fixed passer on one wing and shoot at a lower hoop.
- Autism: show the movement with chalk arrows drawn on the court.
- Skill level: allow two-handed shots from right under the rim.
Learning goals
- Pass and cut to the basket at the right time.
- Read the defender to choose between passing and shooting.
- Finish near the rim after catching on the move.
Equipment for a class of 25
- basketball: 4
- basketball hoops: 4
- cones: 8
Teacher tip
The most common mistake is passing and standing still; keep repeating "pass and cut to the rim." If the defender dominates, start with passive defense.
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