3 on 2 2 on 1 drill diagram
3 on 2 2 on 1 drill step by step
- 1
O1 pushes the ball up the middle while O2 and O3 fill the wide lanes. X1 and X2 wait in tandem, one at the top of the key and one under the basket.
- 2
X1 steps up to stop the ball, and O1 passes to O3. X2 comes out to take the first pass, and X1 drops toward the basket.
- 3
O3 moves it to O2 on the weak side. X1 closes out from the basket and X2 drops back to protect the rim.
- 4
O2 shoots or attacks the closeout. After the score or stop, X1 and X2 go the other way 2-on-1 against O2, and O1 and O3 stay as the next two defenders.
How to set up the 3 on 2 2 on 1 drill
Put two defenders at one end in tandem: one at the free throw line and one under the basket. Three offensive players start at the other end, one in the middle with the ball and one on each wing. The rest of the team waits in three lines on the baseline behind them.
You need at least eight players to keep it running. With more players, the lines get longer and players get more rest between turns.
How to run the 3 on 2 2 on 1 drill
The three offensive players attack the two defenders. The middle player pushes the ball, and the wings sprint wide and then cut toward the basket around the free throw line extended. The top defender stops the ball, the bottom defender takes the first pass, and the top defender drops to the basket.
When the 3-on-2 ends with a score or a defensive rebound, the two defenders go the other way 2-on-1. The player who shot sprints back to defend them alone. The other two offensive players stay at that end and become the next tandem. After the 2-on-1, the next three from the lines take the ball and attack the new tandem.
3 on 2 2 on 1 coaching points
Ball handler (3-on-2)
Get to the middle of the floor early. Make the top defender commit before you pass. If no one stops the ball, keep going to the basket.
Wings (3-on-2)
Run wide to spread the two defenders, then angle toward the rim. Be ready for the pass that follows the first one, since that is usually the open shot.
Tandem defenders
Top defender stops the ball. Bottom defender takes the first pass. Top defender then drops to the basket. Talk on every pass.
2-on-1
Offense stays wide and makes the defender commit before passing. The lone defender fakes at the ball and protects the rim, trying to slow the break until help arrives.
3 on 2 2 on 1 drill variations
Pass limit
Require at least two passes before a shot in the 3-on-2 so the offense practices moving it.
No layups for the ball handler
The middle player has to pass. It teaches them to draw the defense and find the open wing.
Keep score
Give points for scores on offense and stops on defense. Play to a set number, such as 10 points.
Start with a 2-on-1
For younger teams, run only the 2-on-1 half of the drill until they can make the right read, then add the 3-on-2.
Common 3 on 2 2 on 1 drill mistakes
- The ball handler picking up the dribble too early, before a defender commits.
- Wings running down the middle of the floor so one defender can guard two players.
- Both tandem defenders going to the ball and leaving the basket open.
- Slow transitions from the 3-on-2 to the 2-on-1, which stops the drill.
- The lone defender in the 2-on-1 running out to the ball and giving up a layup.
3 on 2 2 on 1 drill FAQ
What is the 3 on 2 2 on 1 drill in basketball?
A continuous full-court drill. Three players attack two defenders, then the two defenders go the other way 2-on-1 against the player who shot.
How do you defend a 3 on 2 fast break?
Most teams use a tandem. The top defender stops the ball, the bottom defender takes the first pass, and the top defender drops to the basket to guard the next pass.
Who goes back on defense in the 3 on 2 2 on 1 drill?
In the common version, the offensive player who took the shot sprints back to defend the 2-on-1. The other two offensive players stay and become the next pair of defenders.
How do you beat a 2 on 1 in basketball?
Stay wide and attack the rim. If the defender stops the ball, pass to your teammate. If the defender stays with your teammate, keep going to the basket.