Using Small-Sided Games and the CLA in Large Numbers
Since starting Transforming Basketball, a question we’ve received frequently is how to use the CLA with large numbers. This could be for youth camps, tryouts, or simply high practice turnouts. Having multiple side baskets makes this much easier, but some coaches are confronted by a pervasive environmental constraint: only having two baskets.
As such, this is a very short but practical blog to offer some inspiration based on one specific activity idea. The inspiration for this comes from the Spanish basketball coach, Jose Daniel Gonzalo, who worked with Alex during the 21-22 season at College Prep Italy. I made the change of adding an extra basketball to this activity to create an unparalleled amount of chaos, unpredictability and variability!
👉Advance the Ball 3-on-3, 2-on-2, 3-on-3
🏀 This is a creative multi-part SSG we came up with to keep everyone active in a practice, great for pressing
💡x2 balls, but while and blue can only score on their set basket. On possession change, ball must go through the grid 2-on-2. pic.twitter.com/dKUFZcEFrL— Alex Sarama (@AlexJSarama) January 4, 2023
In “Advance the Ball”, the format shown in the video was 3-on-3, 2-on-2, 3-on-3. However, this can be done in multiple formats based on however many players you have available. This is a creative ‘multi-part’ activity which allows for numerous players to be kept active in a practice. It’s also great for developing pressing and handling intense full-court pressure.
Within this game, three grids are marked out. This is simply done be creating a rectangle in the middle of the court. Two balls are used, with the main constrain being that both teams can only score on their designated baskets (e.g. white in one direction, blue in the other). On a possession change, the ball must go through the grid (the 2-on-2), with players attempting to advance the ball onto their teammates in the scoring grid to earn points for their team. Meanwhile, the defenders in this grid are constantly trying to get the ball back to advance it into their respective scoring grid.
After a score, teams can play defense and force a turnover again before the ball gets cleared through the middle grid. If a team gets possession again, they can immediately score. The players must continually move between the grids so they all play different roles (e.g. offense, defense and passers).
With the extra ball in-play, it means if both balls are down one end, you may end up with one 2-on-2 and one 1-on-1. This differs to playing with one ball, but this is the distinguishing factor that makes this game so awesome. Players have to be responsive and adaptive to a rapidly changing environment. Sure enough, without ever having to talk about scanning, we noticed players simply did it at a rate we had never seen before in a practice!
Since starting Transforming Basketball, a question we’ve received frequently is how to use the CLA with large numbers. This could be for youth camps, tryouts, or simply high practice turnouts. Having multiple side baskets makes this much easier, but some coaches are confronted by a pervasive environmental constraint: only having two baskets.
As such, this is a very short but practical blog to offer some inspiration based on one specific activity idea. The inspiration for this comes from the Spanish basketball coach, Jose Daniel Gonzalo, who worked with Alex during the 21-22 season at College Prep Italy. I made the change of adding an extra basketball to this activity to create an unparalleled amount of chaos, unpredictability and variability!
👉Advance the Ball 3-on-3, 2-on-2, 3-on-3
🏀 This is a creative multi-part SSG we came up with to keep everyone active in a practice, great for pressing
💡x2 balls, but while and blue can only score on their set basket. On possession change, ball must go through the grid 2-on-2. pic.twitter.com/dKUFZcEFrL— Alex Sarama (@AlexJSarama) January 4, 2023
In “Advance the Ball”, the format shown in the video was 3-on-3, 2-on-2, 3-on-3. However, this can be done in multiple formats based on however many players you have available. This is a creative ‘multi-part’ activity which allows for numerous players to be kept active in a practice. It’s also great for developing pressing and handling intense full-court pressure.
Within this game, three grids are marked out. This is simply done be creating a rectangle in the middle of the court. Two balls are used, with the main constrain being that both teams can only score on their designated baskets (e.g. white in one direction, blue in the other). On a possession change, the ball must go through the grid (the 2-on-2), with players attempting to advance the ball onto their teammates in the scoring grid to earn points for their team. Meanwhile, the defenders in this grid are constantly trying to get the ball back to advance it into their respective scoring grid.
After a score, teams can play defense and force a turnover again before the ball gets cleared through the middle grid. If a team gets possession again, they can immediately score. The players must continually move between the grids so they all play different roles (e.g. offense, defense and passers).
With the extra ball in-play, it means if both balls are down one end, you may end up with one 2-on-2 and one 1-on-1. This differs to playing with one ball, but this is the distinguishing factor that makes this game so awesome. Players have to be responsive and adaptive to a rapidly changing environment. Sure enough, without ever having to talk about scanning, we noticed players simply did it at a rate we had never seen before in a practice!
check what's trending
What is ecological dynamics and how is it connected to a constraints-led approach?
Dec 8, 2025
George Vaz
Are you searching for the best small sided games (SSGs) to improve your basketball practices? Want to replace boring, low-transfer drills with competitive games that actually develop player decision-making and in-game skills?
In this post, I’m sharing my top 5 favorite small-sided basketball games—designed to teach core concepts like closeouts, pick-and-roll, advantage creation, and transition offense and defense. These basketball SSGs are intense, purposeful, and built around real-game actions.
Whether you're coaching youth basketball, high school, or pros, these top small sided games will make your sessions more effective, more engaging, and more fun—for both players and coaches.
Let’s break down each game and how it can transform your practices.
Aug 4, 2025
George Vaz
Whether you’re coaching in the NBA, EuroLeague, or youth basketball, one thing remains universally true: the worst transition offense is still more efficient than the best half-court offense. Yet, many teams still struggle to fully capitalize on transition opportunities, often opting to slow down the game instead of pushing the pace. The question is, why? By running more intentionally, teams can create easier scoring opportunities. So why do some teams hesitate?
Apr 7, 2025
George Vaz
Spacing has changed the game. NBA offenses today look nothing like they did in the ’90s—more threes, better efficiency, and smarter shot selection. But why? The key lies in how teams use space to create and capitalize on advantages.
Mar 31, 2025
Simon Caret
This article breaks down why pass and cut motion offense limits youth player development, and explores better ways to teach spacing, decision-making, and offensive creativity.
May 1, 2024
Alex Sarama
Approaches within the basketball industry are predominantly based upon experiential knowledge and traditions.
