35-Second Transition is a conditioning and execution drill that challenges a five-man unit to complete six consecutive trips up and down the floor in just 35 seconds. It emphasizes speed, precision, spacing, and finishing under pressure, forcing every player to be involved and every possession to end in a score.

Setup & Organization

Place a full five-man unit on the baseline in realistic game positions. One forward begins by tossing the ball off the backboard to simulate a rebound and immediately outlets to the point guard cutting back (“banana cut”). Wings sprint wide into the corners, and the five-man runs the rim. The drill requires the team to run six trips (down and back three times) within 35 seconds, with each possession ending in a made basket. The player who makes the initial outlet is always responsible for taking the ball out of the net on the next possession, without letting it hit the floor, and sprinting as the trailer.

Step-by-Step Progression

1. The drill begins with the rebound simulation and outlet pass. The team runs its primary break, looking for a quick score within one or two passes.

2. After the make, the original outlet passer retrieves the ball from the net, steps out cleanly, and inbounds to the point guard. The unit sprints into lanes again, pushing the ball for another quick score.

3. This process repeats for six consecutive trips within the 35-second window. On the first five possessions, every player on the floor must score once. The sixth possession can be scored by any player, but must still result in a made basket before the clock expires.

4. Any missed layup, turnover, mishandled pass, or violation ends the attempt immediately, and the unit must restart from the beginning until they successfully complete all six trips.

Scoring

The drill is only successful if the unit completes six consecutive trips in 35 seconds with no mistakes. All five players must record a score, and the sixth basket must be made before the clock expires. There are no partial points—anything less than six clean makes ends the drill with a reset.

Coaching Points

Emphasize absolute sprint effort from every player on every trip. Precision is critical: sharp outlets, clean pitch-ahead passes, and efficient finishes. Teach players to play at top speed without losing control. The inbounder’s urgency after each make is essential to completing the drill in time. Demand discipline in spacing and roles—wings wide, rim runner hard, trailer filling correctly.

Variations

Increase pressure by reducing the time to 30 seconds or by requiring specific finishes such as only layups or only threes. Rotate units and compare completion times to build competitiveness. For advanced groups, add defensive stoppers at half court on later trips to force decisions under simulated pressure.