Pass Only to a Cutter: 3v3 Off-Ball Game

3v3 games where a pass only counts if the receiver has just made a V-cut or L-cut. It works getting open, changing pace without the ball and communicating with the passer.

How to play

1. V-cuts and L-cuts with no defense: stop, change direction and call for the ball with a target hand (5 min).
2. 2v1 with a fixed passer: the receiver must cut before catching while the defender tries to deny (5 min).
3. Half-court 3v3: a pass only counts if the receiver is coming off a cut; a standing catch turns the ball over (10 min).
4. 3v3 with no restriction, but a basket off a cut counts double (5 min).

Rules

• Man-to-man defense with no holding or pushing.
• A cutter who doesn't get the ball clears to an open spot so nobody gets stuck.
• The defending team may call "standing" when the receiver didn't cut; the teacher settles close calls.
• Switch opponents every five minutes.

Variations

Adaptations

• Wheelchair users: make cuts with chair turns and pushes; their defender stays an arm's length away.
• Students with visual impairments: the passer says their name when passing, and they play with a sound ball at a separate hoop.
• Less experienced students: be the fixed passer in the 2v1 before moving to the 3v3.

Learning goals

• Get open with changes of direction and pace.
• Tell the passer when and where you want the ball.
• Fill space after a cut.

Equipment for a class of 25

• basketballs: 6
• basketball hoops: 6
• pinnies: 15

Teacher tip

Chalk a V and an L on the court to show the paths. The usual mistake is a slow, straight cut, so ask for a sharp plant before exploding out.

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