Basketball · Defending · Fast break
Sprint back in transition defence
After a shot, three defenders sprint back past the ball, protect the rim, stop the ball and match up.
Start / 5
- Time
- 12 min
- Players
- 7–13
- Age
- U12+
- Area
- Full court
- Equipment
- 2 basketballs6 bibs
Setup
- Three defenders stand inside the three-point line at one end, three attackers under the basket.
- The coach has the ball under the basket.
How it runs
- The coach outlets to an attacker; the three defenders turn and sprint back.
- The first defender back protects the rim, the next stops the ball, the last matches up.
- Play 3v3 to the far end until a score or a stop, then the groups swap.
Coaching points
- Turn and sprint: eyes over the shoulder, never backpedal from the start.
- Get below the ball, then into the paint first.
- Stop the ball before the three-point line, then find your player.
- Talk the whole way: 'I've got ball!', 'I've got the rim!'.
Common mistakes
- Jogging back or watching the outlet.
- Everyone running at the ball and leaving the rim open.
Say it: “Sprint to the paint, stop the ball.”
Make it harder
- The coach shoots and plays the rebound live.
- Four attackers against three defenders.
Make it easier
- Attackers must make two passes before crossing halfway.
- Defenders get a two-step head start.
Pairs well with
Reviewed by the Sportdify coaching team.