3-on-3: Clear & Counter

Scrimmage/finisher

Half-court transition: switch immediately from defence to offence after a rebound or steal, using a clear beyond the arc as the half-court transition.

10 min 6+ Half court

PassingTeamworkDefenseU12U14U16

Game guide

6+ · 1 ball, 1 hoop, half court, 2 colours of bibs, 2 flat markers

Speed

Get everyone ready

● Player / attack■ DefenceGold: ballGreen C: coach

Illustrated steps · 5 seconds per step at 1×

Set up

Two teams of three: P1–P3 attack P4–P6. P1 starts with the only ball above the arc. Coach stays off the sideline. Place two flat markers outside the arc as a reminder, safely inside halfway. Players may clear anywhere beyond the arc, not only between the markers. There are no waiting players in the six-player example.

A coached example. In live play, players make their own decisions; the outcome can change.

Look for: On the change, one player shows an outlet and one makes width.

Playback options

Pause between chaptersIllustrated steps · 5 seconds per step at 1×

Coach’s notes & group organisation

Play live 3-on-3. On a defensive rebound or steal, the new team must pass or dribble the ball outside the arc. The ball is clear when a player controls it with both feet outside; the other team reacts immediately and can contest the clear.
After a made basket, the other team collects the ball under the rim. For this practice adaptation, allow an uncontested first pass outside the lane, then play live; the ball still must be cleared beyond the arc.
Once clear, attack the same basket within eight seconds. Spread early, look ahead and take an open chance; do not force a shot into a set defence. The diagram shows one possible rebound-and-outlet, not a required passing pattern.
Stop after the counter-possession ends in a shot, turnover, foul or ball out. After a shot the nearest defender retrieves; otherwise the ball-holder returns it to the coach. Swap which team starts on offence and rotate each team’s three starting positions.
Next repetition begins with P4 at the top, P5 left and P6 right against P1–P3. Coach supplies P4. With nine players use A attacks B, then B attacks C, then C attacks A for each two-possession round; waiting players stay outside the sideline. With fewer than six use the same rules 2-on-2.

Suggested reset

Stop after the counter-possession ends in a shot, turnover, foul or ball out. After a shot the nearest defender retrieves; otherwise the ball-holder returns it to the coach. Swap which team starts on offence and rotate each team’s three starting positions. Next repetition begins with P4 at the top, P5 left and P6 right against P1–P3. Coach supplies P4. With nine players use A attacks B, then B attacks C, then C attacks A for each two-possession round; waiting players stay outside the sideline. With fewer than six use the same rules 2-on-2.

Coaching cues

On the change, one player shows an outlet and one makes width.
Former attackers protect the basket while locating the new ball.
Call “clear” only when the receiver controls the ball outside the arc.

Adapt the challenge

Easier: Defenders allow the clearing pass; play live once it is caught outside.

Harder: Use six seconds after the clear and allow pressure on the outlet.

Equipment

1 ball, 1 hoop, half court, 2 colours of bibs, 2 flat markers

Setup

Steps

1Play live 3-on-3. On a defensive rebound or steal, the new team must pass or dribble the ball outside the arc. The ball is clear when a player controls it with both feet outside; the other team reacts immediately and can contest the clear.
2After a made basket, the other team collects the ball under the rim. For this practice adaptation, allow an uncontested first pass outside the lane, then play live; the ball still must be cleared beyond the arc.
3Once clear, attack the same basket within eight seconds. Spread early, look ahead and take an open chance; do not force a shot into a set defence. The diagram shows one possible rebound-and-outlet, not a required passing pattern.
4Stop after the counter-possession ends in a shot, turnover, foul or ball out. After a shot the nearest defender retrieves; otherwise the ball-holder returns it to the coach. Swap which team starts on offence and rotate each team’s three starting positions.
5Next repetition begins with P4 at the top, P5 left and P6 right against P1–P3. Coach supplies P4. With nine players use A attacks B, then B attacks C, then C attacks A for each two-possession round; waiting players stay outside the sideline. With fewer than six use the same rules 2-on-2.