Short and Long Passing is a full-court transition passing drill that emphasizes quick, accurate outlets and long pitch-ahead passes. It requires sprinting, timing, and precise passing while finishing layups under control. All three players involved must run the floor at full speed, simulating live transition play.

Setup & Organization

Divide the team into three groups. One line starts under the basket (rebounder/outlet). The other two lines start at half-court, one on each sideline. The first player under the basket (Player 1) begins with the ball. The first players in the sideline lines step onto the court (Players 3 and 4).

Step-by-Step Progression

Player 1 tosses the ball off the backboard to simulate a rebound. At the same time, Player 3 sprints toward the rebounder to receive an outlet pass, while Player 4 sprints the opposite sideline toward the basket. Player 1 outlets to Player 3, who pivots and immediately throws a long pitch-ahead to Player 4 for a layup. Player 1 sprints the middle lane to collect the ball from the net before it touches the floor. A cone is placed at the opposite elbow extended for Player 3 to curl around and fill the opposite wing on the return trip.

After the layup, Player 1 inbounds from outside the backboard area to Player 4, who has filled to the wing. Player 3, after curling, sprints downcourt for the long pitch-ahead from Player 4 and finishes with a layup. Player 1 again sprints the length of the court to take the ball out of the net before it hits the floor. To complete the rep, Player 4 trails the play and crosses the baseline as Player 1 retrieves the ball.

Scoring

The team must complete six consecutive successful trips down and back. A possession is only successful if the ball never touches the floor, all layups are made, and the ball is collected cleanly out of the net each time. A drop pass, missed layup, or ball hitting the floor resets the sequence.

Coaching Points

Stress sprinting at full speed in every lane. Passes must be on time and on target, with outlets delivered outside the backboard—not directly underneath. Players must communicate clearly, call names on every pass, and give clear targets. Finish layups under control even at top speed. The rebounder must sprint the floor hard to keep the tempo alive.

Variations

Use bounce passes for outlets. Require one-handed pitch-ahead passes. Add a trailing defender to pressure the layup finisher. Challenge the group to complete more than six trips in succession or to complete the drill under a set time limit.