Step 1/2A1 and B1 dribble in separate lanes; only one runner per team
Orange = offense · blue = defense · solid line = cut · dashed = pass · zig-zag = dribble · T = screen · dotted arc = shot
Games drill
Tic Tac Toe Relay
Dribble to a shared grid and place your team's markers. Be first to make a row of three, then reset for another race.
- Time
- 7 min
- Players
- 4+
- Ages
- All ages
- Level
- Beginner
Equipment: 9 floor spots for a 3-by-3 grid, 3 bibs per team in two colours, 1 basketball per team
How to run the drill
- 1Setup: mark a 3-by-3 grid with flat floor spots. Two equal teams line up about 5 metres away in separate lanes. Each team has three matching bibs and one basketball. The first player carries a bib.
- 2Start: on the call, the first player from each team dribbles to the grid, stops outside it, places their bib on an empty spot and dribbles back. Hand the ball to the next player before they leave.
- 3Rules: one active runner per team. The first three runners place the three bibs. Later runners move one of their own bibs to an empty spot. Never move the other team's bibs. If both reach a spot together, stop and let the coach resolve it before continuing.
- 4Scoring and reset: the first team with three bibs in a horizontal, vertical or diagonal row wins 1 point. Stop both teams, collect the bibs and reset an empty grid. Play first to three wins.
- 5Rotation: players rejoin the back of their line after every run, so teammates alternate turns. Change the first runner each game.
- 6Progression: use the weaker hand on the dribble, or require a made layup at a separate basket before approaching the grid. Keep the running lanes clear of the grid and the other team.
Coaching points
- Look at the grid while dribbling
- Plan your move before reaching the markers
- Stop under control and leave space for the other runner
More games drills
Animated
Games · All levels
1v1 Ladder (Move Up, Move Down)
1-on-1 games at every basket: winners move up a court, losers move down. Check ball, three dribbles maximum.
15 min6+ playersAges 10+
Games · All levels
21
Every player for themselves: 2 points for a basket, then free throws worth 1; first to exactly 21.
10 min3+ playersAges 8+
Games · All levels
3-on-3 Winners Stay
Half-court 3-on-3 games to 3 baskets; the winning team stays on, the next team comes in.
15 min9+ playersAges 8+
Use these drills in your next practice
Save drills, customise them and build them into timed practice plans. Free forever, no card needed.