Three-Speed Walkthrough: Run the Play Walking, Jogging, Then Live

Basketball teams rehearse the play of the day the way pro teams do before tip-off: walking first, then jogging, then at game speed. It warms the body up gradually while locking in the sequence of passes, cuts and screens.

How to play

1. The teacher draws a simple five-step play on the whiteboard (pass, cut, screen, roll, shot) and each team of five traces it in the air with a finger (2 min).
2. Speed 1: each five walks through the play without a ball, saying each action out loud before doing it (2 min).
3. Speed 2: same play at a jog with a ball and half-speed passes; after each rep, the point guard rotates to the next spot (3 min).
4. Speed 3: game speed against two passive defenders who only take position; three reps per team, finishing with a shot (3 min).

Rules

• Nobody moves up a speed until the whole five runs it without a mistake.
• Screens are set standing still, feet shoulder-width apart, no pushing.
• Passive defenders don't steal or touch the ball.
• After each rep, the team walks back along the sideline so it doesn't cross another group.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with visual impairments: a teammate describes each movement and the play's key spots are marked with tactile cones.
• Students with a lower-body injury: act as the play director from the sideline and correct positions with the whiteboard.
• Students who lack confidence with the ball: take a non-dribbling role at speed 3, such as screener or corner shooter.

Learning goals

• Gradually raise heart rate and warm up the joints.
• Memorize and verbalize the sequence of a team play.
• Coordinate pass and cut timing with teammates.

Equipment for a class of 25

• basketballs: 6
• pinnies: 15
• whiteboard: 1
• markers: 2

Teacher tip

No whiteboard? A laminated sheet or chalk on the floor works fine. The usual mistake is running at speed 1: insist they talk more than they move; that's where the memory gets built.

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