Three-Player Weave Basketball Warm-Up
A classic basketball warm-up where three players move down the court passing without dribbling: the passer always cuts behind the receiver, creating a weave that ends in a layup. It builds passing on the run, coordination and teamwork.
How to play
- Form 8 groups of three on the baseline (one extra student joins a group and rotates in on the next trip). The middle player has the ball and the other two spread toward the sidelines, about 4 m (13 ft) apart (1 min).
- Walk it first: the middle player passes to one side and runs behind the receiver to take that lane. The receiver passes to the other side and does the same. Cue: pass and go behind (2 min).
- Jog it on a half court: groups start every 10 seconds, and the last player to catch the ball shoots a layup. Walk back along the sideline (3 min).
- Run it full court: reach the basket in 6 passes or fewer with no dribbling. If the ball drops, the group stops and restarts from that spot (3 min).
- Final challenge: each group counts how many baskets it makes in 3 straight trips without the ball touching the floor (1 min).
Rules
- No dribbling: the ball moves only by passing; bounce passes are allowed.
- The passer always runs behind the teammate who receives the ball.
- Safety: groups start in waves and return along the sideline, away from players on offense.
Variations
Easier
Walk or jog lightly, and allow one extra pass before the layup.
Standard
A three-player weave with no dribble, at running speed, in six passes or fewer with a finishing layup.
Harder
A defender waits in the lane, forcing the group to choose between a layup and a pass to the open teammate.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student stays in the middle lane without crossing, catching and returning passes while teammates cut behind them.
- Autism or shy students: show the weave with cones on the floor and let the student walk it with the same trusted group.
- Lower skill level: use a softer ball and allow one extra step after the catch.
Learning goals
- Pass and catch on the run without losing speed.
- Coordinate your movement with two teammates.
- Warm up with gradually increasing basketball-specific effort.
Equipment for a class of 25
- basketballs: 8
- basketball hoops: 2
- cones: 6
Teacher tip
The most common mistake is the passer cutting in front of the receiver; lay out the weave with cones and keep repeating pass and go behind.
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