Around the world basketball drill diagram
Around the world basketball drill step by step
- 1
O1 starts at spot 1 on the right baseline. After a make, move to spot 2 on the right wing, then spot 3 at the right elbow.
- 2
Keep going around the key with each make: spot 4 at the free throw line, then spot 5 at the left elbow.
- 3
From the left elbow, move to spot 6 on the left wing and spot 7 on the left baseline.
- 4
After a make at spot 7, turn around and work back to spot 1. The first player to get all the way around and back wins.
How to set up the around the world basketball drill
Pick five to seven spots in a half circle around the key. A common set of seven: right baseline, right wing, right elbow, free throw line, left elbow, left wing, and left baseline. Mark them with tape or cones for younger players.
Set the distance to fit the group. For beginners, keep every spot inside about 10 feet. For older players, use mid-range spots or move the whole circle out to the three-point line.
How to play around the world
Start at spot 1. Make the shot and move to the next spot. Miss, and you stay where you are and the next player shoots. When you make it from the last spot, turn around and come back the other way. The first player back to spot 1 wins.
Many players use the chance rule. After a miss, you can choose to take a second shot. Make it and you keep going. Miss the chance shot, and you go back to spot 1. As a solo drill, count how many shots it takes to get around, and try to beat that number next time.
Around the world coaching points
Same form at every spot
Square the feet and shoulders to the rim at each spot. Players often rush the angle shots and drift sideways.
Use the backboard on the angles
From the wing spots, a shot off the backboard is often the easier make. Aim for the top corner of the square.
Game-like shots
Have players catch or step into each shot with their feet ready. Standing still and flicking the ball doesn't carry over to games.
Right distance
If players spend the whole game stuck at spot 1, move the spots in. The drill should give lots of makes.
Around the world basketball variations
Around the world with a rebounder
A partner rebounds and passes to the shooter at each spot, so every shot is a catch-and-shoot.
Three-point around the world
Move the spots out to the three-point line. It fits older players and shooting practice before games.
Timed around the world
See how fast a player can get around and back. It adds pressure and conditioning.
Layup finish
Require a made layup to finish the game after the last spot.
Around the world for younger players
For 8U and 9U players, use five spots close to the basket and skip the chance rule, since going back to the start can be frustrating. Let players shoot until they make it from each spot and count their total shots.
Common around the world basketball drill mistakes
- Spots set too far out for the age group, so players rarely make it.
- Rushing shots at each new spot without squaring up.
- Only playing from right to left, so players get used to one direction.
- Long lines at one basket with a single ball.
- Treating it as a free-for-all with no rebounder, which wastes time chasing balls.
Practice it at home
A one-player drill for the same skill, with a video clip, steps and a rep count.
Around the world basketball drill FAQ
How do you play around the world in basketball?
Set up spots in a half circle around the key. Shoot from the first spot, move to the next spot after each make, and work around to the last spot and back. The first player to finish wins.
What is the chance rule in around the world?
After a miss, a player can take a second shot. If they make it, they keep going. If they miss, they go back to the start.
How many spots are in around the world?
It varies. Five to seven spots in a half circle around the key is common, and some versions add a layup or free throw.
Is around the world a good shooting drill for kids?
Yes, as long as the spots are close enough for players to make shots with good form. Keep the spots inside about 10 feet for beginners.