Introduction

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.

How it Works

Set up three offensive players spaced on the perimeter and three defenders matched up. Play starts with a coach pass to any offensive player. On the catch, that player attacks the paint with a strong drive. The defense must collapse naturally, and the offense must read whether to finish, kick to a teammate, or immediately move into a catch-and-shoot.

Keep possessions short so players get clean reps. Emphasize driving with purpose—get two feet in the paint before making a decision. If the ball is kicked out, the offense plays live from that new advantage. These reads connect directly to quick-action games like 3-on-3 Must Touch the Paint, where players learn to value paint touches before creating shots.

As players improve, encourage extra movement on the weak side. Simple actions like fill cuts, drifts, and relocations mirror the patterns seen in 3-on-3 Pass, Cut & Replace. Finish each possession naturally—score, turnover, or defensive stop—then rotate teams quickly just like in 3-on-3 Cutthroat.

Progression Or Variation

• Require two feet in the paint before passing
• Add a “must kick once” rule to emphasize movement
• Bonus point for assisted baskets
• Allow only one dribble per player after the kick

Coaching Points

• Attack downhill with purpose
• Land on two feet to stay balanced in the paint
• Keep eyes up for shooters on the drift and fill
• Make simple, fast decisions under pressure

Why This Drill Works

3-on-3 Drive & Kick Decision helps players understand how penetration creates scoring opportunities. By blending live play with simple structure, players learn to read collapsing defenders, move into open space, and make quick decisions. The 3-on-3 Drive & Kick Decision drill is a reliable way to build game-ready reads and team spacing.

Want to See More 3-on-3 Cutthroat Variations?

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.