Transition 4v4

How to run it

Four against four over the full court without a break. The team that concedes starts straight away the other way. It trains transition in both directions: getting back, picking up the ball, running the lanes and using the numbers advantage.

Set-up

The full court, two teams of four. Blue starts on offence in one half. Play for time (3–4 minutes) and keep score.

Instructions

1. 1Blue attacks in the half court, red defends player to player.
2. 2No. 1 passes to no. 2 on the wing. The defence shifts towards the ball.
3. 3No. 4 flashes to the high post and gets the ball. No. 3 pulls their defender out high.
4. 4Backdoor: no. 3 cuts behind the defender and gets the pass.
5. 5Lay-up. Now red has to go straight away.
6. 6Red takes the ball out of the net and steps out behind the baseline. Blue sprints back – except no. 3, who stayed.
7. 7Quick inbound to the red player by the side line. The wings run their lanes.
8. 8Long pass ahead to the red player in the right lane.
9. 9Red dribbles to the basket. No. 2 picks up the ball and no. 1 protects the rim.
10. 10Red passes to the team-mate coming down the middle. No. 3 is too late – 4 against 3.
11. 11Pass to the player cutting along the baseline.
12. 12Lay-up.
13. 13Blue takes the ball straight away and inbounds. Now red has to sprint back.

Coaching points

• After a basket: the nearest player grabs the ball and inbounds at once – don't wait for everyone to be set.
• Getting back: sprint towards your own basket first, then look for the ball and your player.
• Pick up the ball early so the dribbler has to slow down.
• Fill the lanes: two wide, one in the middle and one trailing.
• Numbers advantage: play fast before the defence is organised.

Variations