Instructional Basketball Guide on Running a 3 on 2 / 2 on 1 Fastbreak Drill.

The "3-on-2 / 2-on-1" fastbreak drill has become one of the most effective practice drills in basketball for developing transition play among teams. This drill is used to help players and teams develop offensive spacing, quick decision-making, and defensive communication in live fast-break situations. This guide explains how to set up and run the drill so that basketball players of all levels can understand and benefit from it.

What you Need:

1. A full court basketball court
2. 1–2 basketballs
3. At least 7 players (3 offense, 2 defense, 2+ waiting in line)

For Safety:

1. In order to prevent injuries, players need to warm up fully and must properly communicate to avoid collisions during the drill

To Setup:

1. Three offensive players start slightly past the baseline with the player in the middle starting with the ball
2. Two defensive players start on the opposite side of the court with one starting on the free throw line and the other starting in front of the basket
3. The rest of the players will line up behind the offensive players

Three-Man Weave Start:

1. Player 1 in the middle will start with the ball
2. Player 2 will then move forward and get the ball passed to them and then player 1 will sprint outside behind player 2 and then start cutting to the middle of half court
3. Simultaneously player 3 will be sprinting forward on the left side ever so closer to the middle and then player 2 will pass the ball to player 3
4. Player 2 will then cut behind player 3 and sprint to the left outside of the halfcourt line
5. Player 3 will then pass the ball in the middle back to player 1 and then cut behind player 1 and sprint to the right outside of the halfcourt line.

When done successfully player 1 will start with the ball in the middle of halfcourt with player 2 and 3 on the outside beside them. The whole offense will be entering halfcourt with fast momentum.

Live 3 on 2:

1. Once the ball crosses halfcourt, the drill becomes live 3 on 2 play.
2. Two defenders (Player 4, Player 5) step in at the top of the key or free-throw line extended.
3. Play continues until the ball is score, rebounded defensively, or turned over.

In the diagram example player 1 passes the ball to player 2 after defender 1 steps up. Then player 2 steps up to player 2 with the ball and then player 2 passes to ball to player 3. Player 3 then drives and lays the ball into the hoop.

Coaching Point: Offense should attack quickly with minimal passes; defense must communicate and protect the basket.

1. The offensive player who last touched the ball (whether making the shot, missing, or committing a turnover) immediately sprints back to the opposite end of the court
2. This player becomes the new defender for a 2 on 1 fastbreak
3. The two previous defensive players during the 3 on 2 now become the offense for a 2 on 1 fastbreak.
4. The two other offensive players remain on the court and fill the old positions of the previous defenders.

Drill transitions into a 2-on-1 fastbreak to the opposite end of the court.

Live 2 on 1 fastbreak:

The two original defenders now become the offense, pushing the ball back up the floor.

They attack the single defender (the offensive player who sprinted back).

Play continues until a basket, rebound, or turnover ends the possession.

The offensive players should spread the floor and finish layups strong; the lone defender should focus on stopping the ball first.

After the 2-on-1 possession ends, the next three offensive players in line begin their three-man weave.

The cycle repeats continuously with players cycling through 3 on 2 into 2 on 1 fastbreaks, with players constantly changing roles between offense and defense.

Tips:

1. Offense should score quickly to simulate a real life fastbreak
2. the ball should mostly be moved by passing
3. defenders must loudly communicate every time
4. players should be sprinting the floor

By keeping these tips importantly in mind and running this drill regularly players will:

1. Develop transition speed and spacing.
2. Learn to make quick decisions under pressure.
3. Improve defensive communication in disadvantage situations.
4. Build endurance while simulating game-like fast-break scenarios.