Setup and Organization

Divide the team into two, three, or four groups, each forming a line on the baseline between the lane line and corner. The first player in each line starts without a ball, while the rest hold basketballs. A cone is placed at half-court directly opposite each line. The first player sprints to half-court, circles the cone, and returns toward the slot area. As the runner approaches, the next player in line rolls out a ball (or delivers a low bounce pass) for the shooter to pick up in stride and rise into a shot. Immediately after releasing the ball, the passer becomes the next runner, while the shooter rebounds and returns to the back of the line. The drill continues in this continuous cycle.

Step-by-Step Progression

1. First player sprints to half-court, circles the cone, and cuts back toward the slot.
2. Next player in line rolls a ball forward or bounces it low to the runner arriving at the spot.
3. The shooter must pick up the ball cleanly on the move and rise into a balanced catch-and-shoot or one-dribble pull-up.
4. After the shot, the shooter rebounds and returns to the line; the passer immediately becomes the next runner.
5. Continue in this flow until the target score is reached.

Scoring

Every made shot is worth three points. Any error (fumbled ball, travel, poor footwork, falling over) counts as minus one for the group. Play until a team reaches 12 points. Adjustments can be made by requiring pull-ups before a certain score, catch-and-shoot afterward, or restricting shots to certain zones (only threes, only pull-ups, etc.).

Coaching Points

Stress balance and clean footwork when picking up the ball, avoiding extra steps or shuffles. Encourage sprint speed into the catch to simulate game pace. Close attention should be given to shooting mechanics under fatigue and contested balance. Emphasize quick transitions from passer to runner for continuous flow and competitive pace.

Variations

Require one-dribble pull-ups before a team reaches five points, then allow catch-and-shoot. Restrict shot locations (inside arc only, threes only, or no shots in paint). Add a defender closing out late to simulate pressure. You can also lengthen the distance or change the pass type (rolled vs. bounced) to challenge pickup mechanics.