Beat the Defender Layups
A live, game-like layup drill that teaches young players to finish under pressure while reacting to a recovering defender. Simple, competitive, and highly effective.
A high-pressure, one-possession drill that builds focus, execution, and resilience in game-winning scenarios.
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.
Split players into teams of three. Two teams play live 3-on-3 while the next group waits on the sideline. Each possession is simple: whoever wins the next play stays on the court. A score, a stop, or a turnover ends the possession instantly. The losing team rotates off and the next team steps in right away.
Start each rep with a coach pass or a quick check at the top. Keep the pace high so players donāt have time to dwell on a mistake. This format builds the same competitive rhythm players experience in 3-on-3 Cutthroat, where urgency and communication drive the action.
As play continues, encourage players to make simple, fast decisionsācutting, driving, spacing, and talking on defense. You can layer rules to shape behavior, such as requiring a paint touch like in 3-on-3 Must Touch the Paint or forcing strong defensive closeouts similar to 3-on-3 Closeout & Recover.
ā¢ First to three possessions instead of single-play wins
ā¢ Add a paint-touch requirement before shooting
ā¢ Bonus point for assisted baskets
ā¢ Start each rep with a forced action like a drive or ball screen
ā¢ Move on from mistakes immediately
ā¢ Communicate early on both ends
ā¢ Make quick, simple decisions
ā¢ Sprint into each new possession
3-on-3 Next Play Wins builds a competitive mindset while keeping the structure simple. Players learn to reset quickly, play with urgency, and stay focused on the moment rather than the last mistake. The 3-on-3 Next Play Wins drill is a great way to develop toughness, communication, and game-ready decision making.
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.
