Three-Dribble Limit 3v3 Mini Basketball
3-on-3 half-court games where each player may dribble no more than three times before passing or shooting, and a basket is worth more if all three teammates touched the ball. Students work on passing, getting open and team involvement.
How to play
- Split the gym into 4 half courts with a basket each and make 8 teams of 3 with pinnies; any extra student rotates in on a team.
- Two teams play on each half court; every possession starts with a check at a cone at half court.
- Each player may dribble a maximum of 3 times; on the fourth dribble, the ball goes to the other team.
- A basket is worth 2 points, or 3 if all three attackers touched it; after a basket or rebound, the new offense checks at the cone.
- Games last 4 minutes; then winning teams rotate to the half court on the right.
- After 4 games, bring the class in and ask for examples of how they got open.
Rules
- Attackers count their dribbles out loud.
- Player-to-player defense with no holding or pushing.
- Never run into another half court to chase a ball.
Variations
Easier
Allow 5 dribbles and no steals until the attacker has dribbled.
Standard
Maximum 3 dribbles, 3 points when all three touch the ball.
Harder
Maximum 1 dribble, and baskets only count after a pass to a cutting teammate.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student is a fixed passer in a corner, with no dribble limit and no steals allowed.
- Hearing impairment: start and end games by raising a pinnie, and count dribbles on fingers too.
- Lower skill: their basket or assist earns an extra point.
Learning goals
- Pass and catch safely without over-dribbling.
- Cut to open space to create a passing lane.
- Involve the whole team before shooting.
Equipment for a class of 25
- youth basketballs: 4
- basketball hoops: 4
- pinnies: 12
- cones: 4
Teacher tip
At first teams bunch up around the ball: freeze play and set the three players in a triangle. Balance teams so the all-three-touch rule matters.
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