Basketball · Level 3: Pre-Intermediate · Sub-level 3.4

Transition Basics

10 tests · 100 facts · updated 22 October 2026 · markdown

Filling the lanes, running the wings, the trailer, the 2-on-1 and 3-on-2, the middle man, when to pull it out, running after made baskets, turnovers into points, and transition drills.

Each test below is ten questions on Insporta. The list under a test is what the questions check: one fact per question, with the source it was written from. Read it before the test, or come back from a wrong answer.

Test 1Filling the lanesTake a test

A middle lane and two wide lanes.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
The ball goes down the middle.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
Wide lanes pull defenders apart.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
Spreading out gives the ball-handler passing options.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
Bunching up makes the break easy to stop.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
A pass ahead beats any dribble.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
Filling another lane spreads the defence.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · applied
Rebound, wide, middle, read.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · applied
Wide, middle, wide.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · applied
A middle lane and two wide lanes.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · applied

Test 2Running the wingsTake a test

Running to the corner keeps spacing.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
He angles in late for a lay-up.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
Speed decides the numbers.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
He gives a safe pass.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
Watching the ball lets them catch a pass.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
Players who run the floor get easy baskets.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
A wing behind the ball is no target for a pass ahead.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · applied
Sprint, look, cut, finish.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · applied
Down the wing, then in.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · applied
A wing runs wide to the corner.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · applied

Test 3The trailerTake a test

He trails the play and arrives late.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
Bigs often rebound and arrive last.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
Late arrivals are easy to lose.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
He arrives in the middle behind the play.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
He can shoot or reverse the ball.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
A hard-running trailer adds a fifth threat.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
The trailer arrives after the defence has set.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · applied
Rebound, pass, trail, shoot.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · applied
Wings first, ball in the middle, trailer last.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · applied
The player who arrives last, behind the ball.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · applied

Test 4The 2-on-1Take a test

He drives at the defender to force a choice.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
The team-mate is open for a lay-up.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
The path to the rim is open.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
Spacing makes the defender choose.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
A numbers advantage should give the best shot.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
An early pass lets the defender guard both.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
Passing before the defender commits lets one man guard two.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · applied
Push, attack, read, pass.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · applied
The surest shot is best.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · applied
The defender stepped up, so the wing is open.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · applied

Test 5The 3-on-2Take a test

The middle gives passes both ways.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
The top man stops the ball, the back man guards the rim.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
A wing is open once the ball is stopped.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
He picks up the ball on the wing.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
The top defender cannot cover the far side in time.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
Spacing stretches the two defenders.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
The far wing is often free.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · applied
Middle, stop, wing, across.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · applied
The fewer defenders per attacker, the bigger the edge.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · applied
Ball in the middle, wings wide.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · applied

Test 6The middle manTake a test

From there he can pass to either wing or shoot.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
Stopping short keeps his passing options.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
The defence decides pass or drive.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
No defender means a lay-up.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
A bounce pass slips under reaching hands.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
It keeps balance and both pivot feet.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
A defender on the ball leaves a wing open.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · applied
Push, read, stop, pass.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · applied
He stops near the free-throw line.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · applied
Near the free-throw line.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · applied

Test 7When to pull it outTake a test

Without an advantage, it slows down and sets up.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
The ball-handler backs out to run a play.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
A lead is safer with time running.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
It is the reason to run.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
A rushed miss gives the other team the run.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
The count decides attack or set up.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
Without an advantage, a team with the lead uses time.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · applied
Push, count, read, set up.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · applied
Push with a big advantage, pull out without one.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · applied
Two against three is no advantage.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · applied

Test 8Running after made basketsTake a test

A quick inbound can beat a slow-moving defence.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
Bigs inbound so guards can run.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
Running all game needs fitness and care.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
After a rebound, defenders are still out of position.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
A high-pace team plays many possessions per game.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
Good early shots come from the break.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
Speed is its advantage.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · applied
Score, inbound, push, run.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · applied
Steals give the best break.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · applied
Inbound fast and run.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · applied

Test 9Turnovers into pointsTake a test

The ball is never dead, so the break starts at once.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
The defence has time to set up.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
Live-ball turnovers give an immediate break.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
It shows how a team punishes mistakes.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
The team that lost the ball is facing the wrong way.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
The break is best in its first seconds.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · recall
An early pass ahead beats the defence back.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · applied
Read, steal, push, finish.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · applied
Live balls first, dead balls last.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · applied
A steal keeps the ball live.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition · applied

Test 10Transition drillsTake a test

It trains both numbers advantages in one drill.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition drills · recall
The ball-handler must read the defender while running.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition drills · recall
Non-stop play builds fitness and reading.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition drills · recall
Rebounder outlets, others fill lanes.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition drills · recall
Attackers learn to finish with pressure behind.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition drills · recall
Transition should end in the best shots.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition drills · recall
Numbers drills train the reads.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition drills · applied
3-on-2, then 2-on-1 the other way.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition drills · applied
From no defence to a continuous live drill.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition drills · applied
Three attack two, then two come back on one.
Source: FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition drills · applied

Sources

FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3 and general coaching references; original questions authored, nothing reproduced. Numbered FIBA rules belong to the Rules category.

FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition90
FIBA/WABC Coaches Manual Level 3, transition drills10