Orange = offense · blue = defense · solid line = cut · dashed = pass · zig-zag = dribble · T = screen · dotted arc = shot
Pivot & Layup Race to 21
Two teams race: sprint to a ball on a chair, pick it up, pivot, drive for a layup. First team to 21 made layups wins.
- Time
- 10 min
- Players
- 6+
- Ages
- 8+
- Level
- All levels
Equipment: 4 balls, 2 chairs or cones
How to run the drill
- 1Two teams in lines either side of the basket. A chair just outside the three-point line on each side with a ball on it; a coach or spare player by each chair with a second ball.
- 2On “Go!”, the first player in each line sprints to the chair, picks up the ball, pivots to face the basket and drives for a layup.
- 3The helper puts a new ball on the chair straight away. The next player goes as soon as the layup is shot.
- 4Rebound your own shot, pass it out to the helper and rejoin your line. Count made layups out loud — first to 21.
Coaching points
- It's a race, but pivot properly — no travelling
- Eyes up to the rim as you turn
- Good layup form at speed
More finishing drills
1v1 Blind Start
An attacker starts behind a defender who cannot see the ball. Removing the ball from the defender's back triggers a live chase to the rim.
1v1 No-Dribble Rim Finishing
Finish using pivots and fakes against a defender allowed just one step near the rim. Change the starting angle after every attempt.
Deep Seal and Finish
A post player has three seconds to establish a deep seal and receive the pass, then finishes against a live defender.
Save drills, customise them and build them into timed practice plans. Free forever, no card needed.