"Switch!": Talking Defense Against Screens in 3v3

3v3 games where the offense uses ball screens and the defense must decide out loud whether to switch or stay with their player. It works man-to-man defense, communication and defensive teamwork.

How to play

1. Key words for defensive pairs: "screen left", "screen right", "switch" and "stay" (3 min).
2. Half-court 3v3: the offense sets ball screens and the defense always switches (5 min).
3. 3v3: the defense always stays with their player, going over the top of the screen (5 min).
4. Free 3v3: the defense chooses and must call it out loud; each possession defended while talking earns a point (5 min).
5. Group talk: when was switching better, and when was staying better? (2 min).

Rules

• The screener's defender always calls the screen before it arrives.
• No pushing the screener to get through.
• Legal screens only: screener set and arms crossed.
• Balance teams by height so switches are fair.

Variations

Adaptations

• Deaf or hard-of-hearing students: calls are paired with agreed gestures (fist for switch, open hand for stay).
• Wheelchair users: always switch on defense, and a teammate warns them of the screen.
• Students who struggle to talk during play: start as a sideline coach shouting the calls to their team.

Learning goals

• Defend the assigned player through a screen.
• Communicate defensive actions out loud.
• Coordinate with a teammate so nobody is left open.

Equipment for a class of 25

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

Teacher tip

Teach the legal offensive screen first or run this after working on it. The usual problem is a silent defense; if they don't talk, the point goes to the offense even without a basket.

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