Half-Court 3-on-2: Find the Open Player

Three offensive players at the top and both wings attack two defenders set up in tandem, one up top and one under the rim. The offense moves the ball with quick passes to find the open player, and the defenders learn to stack and rotate.

How to play

1. Groups of 5 at each basket: three offensive players at point and wings, two defenders in pinnies in tandem. With three on two, someone is always open (2 min).
2. No-dribble phase: pass and shoot only. The top defender pressures the ball and the bottom one steps out on the first pass to the wing (4 min).
3. Two-dribble phase: each player may dribble twice to draw a defender and find the open player; 5 possessions in a row per group (4 min).
4. Scoring: a basket after the extra pass is 3, any other basket is 2, and a steal or defensive rebound is 2 for the defense (5 min).
5. Rotate every 5 possessions so everyone defends. Close: which pass always left someone open? (3 min).

Rules

• Offensive players must stay at least 4 yards apart.
• In the second phase, each player may dribble twice per possession at most.
• Safety: pass only when the receiver is looking, and defenders don't jump into the shooter.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students who use wheelchairs: play point at the top, shooting from close range when open.
• Shy students: give them the main passer role, which needs only simple communication with gestures.
• Group students by similar ability; for advanced groups, take away the dribble entirely.

Learning goals

• Move the ball with quick passes to find the open player.
• Defend outnumbered by stacking and rotating.
• Value the extra pass over a forced shot.

Equipment for a class of 25

• basketball: 5
• pinnies: 10
• basketball hoops: 5

Teacher tip

If the offense bunches up, the advantage disappears: set and repeat the three starting spots before every possession. Praise the extra pass out loud so it becomes a group habit.

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