Spread the three attackers before the first pass. Keep defenders at a manageable pressure level and stop when the group collapses into a cluster around the ball.
Ask one question between rounds
Ask the passer which teammate was easier to reach. Let players reset their positions and try again. Rotate the defenders so they also practise making an attacking option.
01
Partner overhead passing
Send a controlled two-hand overhead pass toward a ready partner.
Group: 2–16 players · 1 adult per group
Equipment: 1 appropriate practice ball per pair Time: 4–8 minutes
Set up: Pairs face each other three metres apart in clear lanes. Repeat the layout in separate personal or pair areas with full movement clearance. For an odd headcount, one trio swaps the observer after every two attempts.
Receiver shows target hands and says ready.
Passer holds the ball comfortably above the forehead and steps into a gentle two-hand pass.
Receiver cushions the catch and returns with the same technique.
Pause after four exchanges to check reachable height and force.
Coach’s cue: Keep the ball in front of the head. Step toward a ready target.
Make it easier, add a challenge, and safety
Easier: Use a chest pass at a shorter distance.
Harder: Receiver moves one step before showing a new target.
Keep it safe: Use a size-appropriate basketball, dry footing and a reachable basket where required. No contact screens, contested rebounds or reaching into another player; clear spare balls from movement areas. Match challenge to demonstrated skill and comfort, not age alone. Offer rest and shorter turns; the age range does not establish fitness or readiness.
02
Three-on-two passing keep-away
Use an extra teammate to find an open basketball passing option.
Group: 5–10 players · 1 adult per group
Equipment: 2 appropriate practice balls; 8 cones Time: 6–10 minutes
Set up: Eight cones outline two separate five-by-five-metre areas; each area uses three passers, two passive defenders and one ball. For five to nine players use one area, rotating extras after three passes; with ten, use both areas simultaneously.
Attackers spread out and begin with a chest or bounce pass.
Defenders walk to cover passing lanes without contact or reaching into held balls.
Ball carrier pivots and chooses the open teammate; teammates move after each pass.
Pause after five passes or a loose ball and rotate defenders.
Coach’s cue: Spread out to help. Pass to the open teammate.
Make it easier, add a challenge, and safety
Easier: Use one defender who points at a covered lane instead of intercepting.
Harder: Allow gentle interceptions of passes while keeping no-contact rules.
Keep it safe: Use a size-appropriate basketball, dry footing and a reachable basket where required. No contact screens, contested rebounds or reaching into another player; clear spare balls from movement areas. Match challenge to demonstrated skill and comfort, not age alone. Offer rest and shorter turns; the age range does not establish fitness or readiness.
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Recorded with a sample team and demonstration responses. Review activities and plans for your players before using them.
Questions coaches ask
Do we shoot in this version?
No. This catalog activity is passing keep-away. It gives players repeated possession decisions without adding a contested finish.
How many players do I need?
The possession activity supports five to ten players. Use the setup instructions for roles and rotation, and avoid leaving the same players out each round.
Where can I build a practice for my team?
Try the free practice generator for basketball. It uses 10 starter activities per sport. Coach adds the full drill library, saved and editable plans, team calendars and AI coaching help.