5v3 + 2 Fast Break Drill
Purpose of the Drill
The 5v3 + 2 Fast Break Drill is designed to teach youth players how to exploit numerical advantages in transition, make quick decisions under pressure, and recover on defense after being outnumbered. It’s an excellent way to condition players while simulating high-speed game moments.
Setup
5 offensive players line up near the baseline.
3 defenders are set at the opposite free throw line.
2 recovering defenders are behind the offensive baseline, trailing the play.
A coach or manager starts the drill with a pass to the offense.
Execution
Offense Begins
Coach initiates the drill with a pass to any of the 5 offensive players.
The offensive group sprints down the court in a fast break against 3 defenders.
Defense Response
The 3 on-court defenders must contain the break with urgency and communication.
The 2 trailing defenders sprint to recover into the play, trying to turn the 5v3 into a 5v5 before a shot is taken.
Offensive Goal
Read the floor, exploit the 5v3 advantage quickly, and look for high-percentage scoring opportunities.
Emphasize attacking before the defense recovers—kick-ahead passes, extra passes, and layups.
Defensive Goal
Communicate and cover the paint first.
Stall or delay the offense until help arrives.
Once recovered, scramble into your man or zone coverage.
Reset and Rotate
After a possession ends (make or miss), players reset with new roles: switch offense, defense, and trailers.
Full Breakdown for Coaches
Why This Drill Works
This drill replicates game-realistic chaos: the offense often outnumbers the defense for a few seconds, and defenders must think fast to avoid giving up easy points. Offensively, it challenges players to capitalize on transition mismatches while developing vision, spacing, and timing.
It’s one of the best ways to reinforce fast decision-making, floor spacing, and defensive communication—three things youth players struggle with but must master to be game-ready.
Key Teaching Points
Offense
Sprint wide and fill lanes immediately.
Look for early layups or drop-off passes.
Don’t settle for contested jumpers with a numbers advantage.
Reward the first big down the floor.
Defense
Prioritize stopping the ball—force a pass rather than an easy drive.
Paint protection is non-negotiable—rotate to contest layups.
Recover with urgency and talk through coverage as trailing defenders re-enter the play.
Drill Progressions and Variations
To keep players engaged and the drill evolving, here are a few variations:
Add a Shot Clock: Use a 6-second countdown to force a quick offensive read.
Start From Half Court: Offense begins from the half-court line to simulate mid-game turnovers.
Change Numbers (4v2 + 2, 5v4 + 1): Use different combinations to train different recovery speeds.
Add a Rebound Rule: Only offensive rebounds result in a reset. Misses with defensive rebounds trigger fast breaks in the opposite direction.
When to Use This Drill
Great midway through practice after warm-up and skill work.
Ideal for transition-focused practice days.
Use it as a “competitive challenge” segment—track successful conversions vs. stops.
Works well in both half-court and full-court gyms.
Final Takeaways
The 5v3 + 2 Fast Break Drill is a must-have in any youth basketball practice. It teaches valuable lessons on transition speed, spacing, communication, and playing under pressure—all in a fast-paced, game-like environment.
Players develop both offensive IQ (when to pass, attack, space) and defensive grit (stop the ball, rotate, recover).
Pro Tip: Film the drill and show players where they made fast decisions or froze—this helps them grow faster.
When run consistently, this drill builds habits that translate directly to fast break execution and transition defense in live games.
