Three-Lane Passing Waves to a Shot
A fast-break drill in groups of three that run down three lanes passing without dribbling and finish with a shot against a goalie. It works on passing and catching on the run, leading a teammate and shooting off the last pass.
How to play
- Use the full gym with a small goal at one end. Mark three lanes with cones and form three lines at the opposite end; one student starts as goalie (2 min).
- The first player in each line goes at once, with the ball in the middle. They run their lanes passing without dribbling, at least 4 passes before the 6 m line; whoever catches the last pass shoots.
- They grab the ball and jog back outside the court to the end of a different line. The next group starts when the previous one crosses midcourt. Block 1 (4 min): lead passes into the space ahead of a teammate.
- Block 2 (4 min): pass and cut; the passer runs behind the receiver and switches lanes.
- Block 3 (4 min): one defender waits at the area for a 3-on-1 with a goalie. The class adds up its goals to beat the previous block; the goalie changes every block.
Rules
- Pass at chest height and never to a teammate whose back is turned.
- Groups return outside the court so they never cross the attackers.
- Foam balls only, and nobody shoots from inside the area.
Variations
Easier
Allow one dribble per player and only 3 passes before a shot.
Standard
Three lanes, 4 passes with no dribbling and a shot against a goalie.
Harder
Require 6 passes and a jump shot, or finish with a 3-on-2.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: stands in the center lane at midcourt as a fixed passer for every group.
- Autism: always starts from the same line and lane, and walks the route first.
- Lower endurance: runs only half the court and rests one wave out of three.
Learning goals
- Pass and catch on the run without slowing down.
- Lead a teammate by passing into open space.
- Finish the play with a shot in sync with the group.
Equipment for a class of 25
- foam balls: 6
- cones: 12
- small goals: 1
Teacher tip
The usual mistake is passing backward or at the feet, so tell students to look ahead and pass into space. Stick to the midcourt start rule so groups never overlap.
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