The Hoops Geek Drill Library | 3-man Fastbreak (4 Options)

Basketball Drills
3-man Fastbreak (4 Options)

James Chang

Published 01 April 2026

3-man Fastbreak (4 Options)

Do this during the early phase of practice (preferably after the 2-man Fastbreak). This drill helps players understand their lanes, timing, and spacing in transition. With repetition, they’ll naturally know when to cut and when to screen during games. Fastbreak situations are key because the game moves fast and there’s not always time to set up a full play, and teams often rely on motion offense in these situations. These habits and movements can carry over to any motion offense.

100

Setup

All players line up on the baseline in 3 groups. The wings are ball-handlers or forwards, and the middle group is the bigs.

Coach (C1) throws the ball off the backboard and 5 grabs the rebound. 1 sprints toward the ball and 2 runs the lane.

Key Detail: 2 must arrive at the 45° spot to be a threat offensively.

5 outlets to 1, and 1 begins dribbling up the floor.

Key Detail: 1 dribbles through the middle first, then toward 2 before passing.

1 passes to 2, then cuts hard toward the ball and finishes in the opposite corner.

Key Detail: 1 must call for the ball during the cut.

Meanwhile, 5 sprints to the top of the key to trail the play.

100

Option 1

1 receives a pass from Coach (C3) and shoots a catch-and-shoot 3.

5 sets a screen for 2 and they run a pick-and-roll.

Key Detail: 5 must reach Coach (C2) first, then set the screen from the correct angle.

Key Detail: 2 should make a pocket pass to 5.

100

Option 1

2 recieves a handoff from Coach (C2) and shoots a catch-and-shoot 3

100

Option 2

1 receives a pass from Coach (C3) and shoots a catch-and-shoot 3.

5 sets a GHOST screen for 2 and slips to the rim.

Key Detail: 5 must reach Coach (C2) first, then set the ghost screen from the correct angle.

Key Detail: 5 must get close enough to 2 that it looks like a real screen, then slip at the very last second.

100

Option 2

2 recieves a handoff from Coach (C2) and shoots a catch-and-shoot 3

100

Option 3

1 receives a pass from Coach (C3) and shoots a catch-and-shoot 3.

2 passes to 5 and then backdoor cuts

Key Detail: 2 must make a strong v-cut before going backdoor.

100

Option 3

5 receives a handoff from Coach (C2) and shoots a catch-and-shoot 3

100

Option 4

1 receives a pass from Coach (C3) and shoots a catch-and-shoot 3.

2 passes to 5, then runs into a handoff.

100

Option 4

2 dribbles past 5, receives a re-screen, and they run pick-and-roll.

Key Detail: Both the handoff and the re-screen should be shoulder-to-shoulder.

Key Detail: Instead of going tight off the screen, 2 should create space with the dribble to pull the defender out and open up the passing angle.

100

Option 4

2 recieves a handoff from Coach (C2) and shoots a catch-and-shoot 3

100

Video 1

Option 1 - 0:34

Option 2 - 5:44

Option 3 - 10:35

Option 4 - 12:44

100

All players line up on the baseline in 3 groups. The wings are ball-handlers or forwards, and the middle group is the bigs.

Coach (C1) throws the ball off the backboard and 5 grabs the rebound. 1 sprints toward the ball and 2 runs the lane.

Key Detail: 2 must arrive at the 45° spot to be a threat offensively.

5 outlets to 1, and 1 begins dribbling up the floor.

Key Detail: 1 dribbles through the middle first, then toward 2 before passing.

1 passes to 2, then cuts hard toward the ball and finishes in the opposite corner.

Key Detail: 1 must call for the ball during the cut.

Meanwhile, 5 sprints to the top of the key to trail the play.

100

3-man Fastbreak (4 Options)

Draw Your Next Play. It's easy!