Squeeze the Shooter
Baseline out of bounds play creating three shot options through stagger action, a double screen, and a roll to the hoop.
A movement-based 3-on-3 drill that builds passing, cutting, and spacing habits without relying on screens or set plays.
Everything starts from a standard 3-on-3 Cutthroat setup. You can view the full breakdown of 3-on-3 Cutthroat by clicking here or by watching the video below. Once you are familiar with the drill, you can then add this variation to your daily practices.
Set up three offensive players spaced around the perimeter with three defenders matched up. Play starts with a coach pass or check at the top. Every time the ball is passed, the passer must make a hard cutāeither through the lane or to spaceāwhile a teammate fills the open spot on the perimeter.
As the ball moves, the pattern continues: pass ā cut ā replace. Players learn how to read defenders, time their cuts, and create natural movement without needing a set play. These same cutting habits carry directly into advantage situations like 3-on-3 Drive & Kick Decision, where spacing matters most.
The action stays live after each pass and cut. If the offense gets a good cut or forces defensive help, they can drive, shoot, or kick out. This movement structure also connects well with competitive games like 3-on-3 Cutthroat, and it reinforces the emphasis on paint pressure seen in 3-on-3 Must Touch the Paint.
ā¢ Require every cutter to touch the paint before replacing
ā¢ Allow backdoor cuts only for the first 10 seconds
ā¢ Add a dribble limit to emphasize movement
ā¢ Bonus point for assisted baskets
ā¢ Cut hard and with purpose after every pass
ā¢ Fill the open spot quickly to maintain spacing
ā¢ Stay wide to create clean driving and passing angles
ā¢ Read defenders before deciding to curl, fade, or backcut
3-on-3 Pass, Cut & Replace develops timing, spacing, and natural off-ball movement. Players learn to play with rhythm, flow into open space, and create advantages without needing set plays. The 3-on-3 Pass, Cut & Replace drill is a great way to build a connected, smart-moving youth offense.
3-on-3 Cutthroat is one of our absolute favorite small-sided practice drills. It can be tweaked infinitely to teach specific game-like skills. Click here to see all 11 variations of 3-on-3 Cutthroat that you can add to your practices today.
