Three line passing is the warm-up for a fast-break offense. Players run, pass, catch, finish. It builds conditioning and chemistry at the same time. Most teams use this every practice.
What you need: A full court, basketballs (one per group of three), six or more players.
Setup: Three lines at one baseline. Middle line slightly behind the two outside lines. First three players step up.
How to run it:
- Middle player has the ball. They pass to either outside player.
- The trio runs forward. Middle player gets the ball back, then passes to the other outside player.
- Continue passing back and forth, running full speed down the court.
- Last pass goes to the player in front of the rim, who finishes with a layup.
- Three new players step up. Repeat down the other direction.
What to watch: Are they passing on the move? Stopping to pass kills the rhythm. The ball should be in the air more than in any one player’s hands.
If they’re struggling: Walk through the pattern at half speed. Just work on the timing of passes.
If they’ve got it: Add no-look passes or behind-the-back passes. Or finish with a kick-out instead of a layup (last pass goes back to the trailer for a jumper).