Three-Player Weave to a Layup
A classic drill where three players move down the court passing the ball without dribbling and cutting behind the receiver, finishing with a layup. It works on passing on the run, catching, and team coordination at speed.
How to play
- Form groups of three on the baseline: one in the middle with the ball and two on the wings. Explain the golden rule: pass and go behind the person you passed to. Walk one group through it (3 min).
- Weave at a walk and then a jog to half court, no dribbling. Each group waits until the one ahead reaches the free-throw line before starting (3 min).
- Full-court weave at game speed, with the player who catches the last pass finishing a layup while the other two crash the boards. Return along the sidelines (4 min).
- Weave with a 2-on-1 back: the layup shooter stays on defense and the other two attack the opposite basket. Then the next group goes (3 min).
- Challenge: each group counts how many weaves they complete in 2 minutes without the ball touching the floor and ending with a basket (2 min).
Rules
- No dribbling: the ball moves only by passing.
- The passer always cuts behind the receiver.
- Safety: staggered starts and returning along the sidelines so groups don't run into each other.
Variations
Easier
Go only to half court and allow one dribble per catch.
Standard
Full-court weave with no dribbling and a layup at the end.
Harder
Allow a maximum of 4 passes to reach the basket, then return in a live 2-on-1.
Adaptations
- Students with limited mobility: act as a stationary passer at the free-throw line; the group must pass through them before shooting.
- Students who are deaf or hard of hearing: agree on a visual signal for the last pass and start each group with an arm signal.
- Students with lower fitness weave half court; group students by ability for the final challenge.
Learning goals
- Pass and catch on the run without slowing down.
- Coordinate running paths with two teammates at speed.
- Finish with a layup after catching on the move.
Equipment for a class of 25
- basketball: 9
- basketball hoops: 2
Teacher tip
If they get tangled up, have them call out the receiver's name and the word behind. Passes should lead the teammate at chest height, not land at their feet.
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