Sideline Trap: Double-Team to Win the Ball
Basketball 3-on-3 situations in which the defense tries to pin the ball handler against the sideline with two defenders to win the ball. Students practice winning back the ball: steering the attacker toward the sideline, trapping at the right time, and covering the outlet pass.
How to play
- Use two half courts and mark a 6 ft strip along each sideline with cones. Form groups of 3 on 3 in pinnies; two groups play and one waits at each hoop (3 min).
- Phase 1, two minutes in pairs: a defender steers the dribbler toward the sideline with slide steps, without stealing.
- Phase 2, 3 on 3: the attacker dribbles up from half court. When they enter the sideline strip, a second defender jumps in to trap and the third covers the nearest pass.
- A steal or intercepted pass on the trap is 2 points for the defense; a basket is 2 points for the offense. Each possession lasts no more than 15 seconds.
- Switch roles every 4 possessions; the waiting group replaces the defense (10 min).
- Wrap-up for 3 minutes: when should you jump the trap, and when is it better to wait?
Rules
- In the trap, only use arms and body to wall off; no grabbing or slapping the ball.
- A trapped ball handler has 5 seconds to pass or loses the ball.
- Safety: defenders do not lunge from far away, and nobody pushes the attacker out of bounds.
Variations
Easier
The attacker may only dribble with the weak hand, and the sideline strip is 10 ft wide.
Standard
Three on three with a trap in the sideline strip.
Harder
After the trap, the defense must win the ball within 3 seconds or the offense's basket counts double.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student plays the third defender covering the pass from a set spot.
- Hearing impairment: the trap call uses a two-finger signal as well as the voice.
- Fitness level: rotate more often and start on offense.
Learning goals
- Steer the attacker toward the sideline to cut down options.
- Coordinate the trap and pass coverage to win the ball.
- Call out defensive switches loudly.
Equipment for a class of 25
- basketballs: 2
- basketball hoops: 2
- cones: 12
- pinnies: 9
Teacher tip
A trap without talking leaves an attacker wide open; require the code word before jumping in. Keep the hoops well apart so loose balls do not roll into another court.
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