How it Works

Start two offensive players near half court with one defender positioned a few steps behind them. The coach initiates the action with a pass to either offensive player. On the catch, both offensive players sprint downhill to attack the open floor while the defender chases from behind or angles to contain the ball.

Offense must read the defender’s position—if the defender commits to the ball, make the early pass; if the defender shades the pass, attack the rim. The goal is to create a simple 2-on-1 advantage and finish strong. These same downhill reads show up again in competitive games like 2-on-1 Keep Away, where players learn to protect the ball and move together.

If offense doesn’t like the initial lane, they can delay slightly and force the defender to choose, similar to the spacing and movement patterns seen in 2-on-2 Keep Away. Finish each rep at the rim and reset quickly so players get lots of fast-paced repetitions. The natural advantage moments also carry over into 3-on-3 actions like 3-on-3 Cutthroat, where quick decisions determine possession outcomes.

Progression Or Variation

• Start defender even with the offense to increase challenge
• Require one pass before finishing
• Allow defender to start at different angles to change reads
• Add a trailing offensive player for 3-on-1 options

Coaching Points

• Push the ball early and attack space
• Make the defender commit before passing
• Finish strong off two feet
• Communicate early to decide who attacks

Why This Drill Works

2-on-1 Half Court Attack builds simple, game-ready decision making by forcing players to read a single defender while running in transition. It strengthens teamwork, spacing, and finishing under real pressure. The 2-on-1 Half Court Attack drill is an effective way to teach youth players how to convert advantage situations into points.