Setup and Organization

Three teams of four players are used. One team is on offense, spread around the perimeter in a four-out alignment. One team is on defense, starting with all four defenders in the paint. The third team waits at half court and will be the next offensive group. A coach controls the flow and can dictate specific offensive entries or defensive coverages.

Step-by-Step Progression

The coach initiates play by passing the ball to the offense. The defense must sprint from the paint to their assignments and apply DOC closeouts and gap positioning. Play is fully live. If the defense secures a stop—through a rebound, forced turnover, or preventing a score—they remain on defense, record one point, and a fresh offensive team enters from half court. If the offense scores or draws a foul, they earn the right to switch to defense, while the previous defense exits and the waiting team steps in on offense. The game continues with rapid transitions, ensuring constant action and competitive energy.

Coaching Points

Emphasize defensive communication, positioning, and effort to string together consecutive stops. Offensively, stress sharp spacing, clean entries, and aggressive decision-making. This drill should replicate real-game intensity and reward disciplined execution on both ends. Coaches can add layers by requiring certain offensive entries or calling specific defensive coverages for variety and teaching focus.

Variations

Start with a 3-on-3 format to teach fundamentals before progressing to 4-on-4. You can also adjust scoring emphasis—such as awarding extra points for charges drawn or offensive rebounds secured—to fit your program’s identity. Another variation is to add a shot clock (e.g., 14 seconds) to force quicker decisions under pressure.