Pylon Exchanges

How to run the drill

1. 1Setup: make a square about 5 metres across with a cone at each corner. Four players stand one step inside the corner cones. A fifth player starts in the middle. Begin without basketballs.
2. 2Start: any two corner players make eye contact and agree to exchange. As soon as they leave, the middle player may race to either open corner. Use clear routes and run past each other without contact.
3. 3Rules: only one pair exchanges at a time. A corner is claimed when a player arrives beside its cone. No player may push, block a runner or stand directly on a cone. Call for an exchange within five seconds of the previous one.
4. 4Scoring and reset: a successful exchange gives both runners 1 point. If the middle player takes a corner, they earn 1 point and the runner left without a spot becomes the new middle player.
5. 5Rotation: play 45-second rounds, keeping individual scores. If nobody loses a spot in a round, put a different player in the middle before the next round.
6. 6Progression: all five players dribble throughout. A runner who loses control of their ball gives up the corner and goes to the middle. Change the square size to adjust the time available.

Coaching points

• Connect with your partner before leaving
• Watch the middle player as well as your destination
• Win the space with your feet, without contact