Team play / 8 MINUTES

Two elbows, one read

Identify open elbow entries from a Horns alignment and execute a sharp give-and-go basket cut.

ON THE FLOOR

Half court · attack ↑

One example at a teaching pace.

Five attackers form two elbows and two corners against three guided defenders. The example enters to 4; 1 cuts for a return pass while 5 and the corners keep their spacing.

1PlayerXDefenderBallMovePass / shotDribble

Motion is off with your reduced-motion preference. The setup and action paths show the rep.

Players

5 offense and 3 guided defenders: 8–10 players

Equipment

1 basketball, 4 cones to mark corners and elbows

Space

Half court

Set it up

Use five offensive players: 1 at the top, 4 and 5 at the elbows, and 2 and 3 in the corners. Add three guided defenders on the guard and elbow players. Additional players rotate in after each rep.

Run the activity

Player 1 looks at both elbow players and reads which defender is providing more space or denying the pass.
Player 1 delivers an accurate chest or bounce pass to the open elbow teammate, player 4 or 5.
After the elbow receiver secures the ball, player 1 changes pace into a basket cut while looking for a short return pass.
If the cut is open, the elbow player passes for a layup; if defended, the elbow player pivots to face up while Player 1 clears to the weakside corner.
Reset after each possession and rotate positions.

ONE CUE TO SAY OUT LOUD

“See both elbows, hit the open chest, cut with speed!”

Watch for this

Point guard pre-determines the pass before reading the defense, resulting in deflected passes or stalled offense.

Make it easier

Remove the elbow defenders entirely, allowing the point guard to choose an elbow freely and perfect the give-and-go timing.

Add a challenge

Add live defenders on the corner spacers so the elbow player can also read a kick-out pass if the cutter's defender collapses.