Color Call Shooting
A fun Mini Hoopers shooting game where players react to color calls, dribble to the correct cone, and finish with simple, confidence building shots.
This 3-on-3 drill builds the habit of attacking the paint before taking shots, helping players collapse the defense and make better decisions.
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.
Play standard live 3-on-3, but with one key rule: the offense must touch the paint before taking a shot. A paint touch can come from a drive, a cut, or a post catch. If the offense shoots without a paint touch, the possession is an automatic turnover.
Start possessions with a simple coach pass or check at the top. Players should look to attack downhill, cut into open gaps, or relocate into driving lanes. Paint touches can lead directly to finishes or kick-out shots. These same advantage reads show up in decision-making drills like 3-on-3 Drive & Kick Decision, where players learn to punish collapsing defenses.
Keep the game fast by rotating possessions quickly. To build movement, reward teams for cutting and replacing similar to 3-on-3 Pass, Cut & Replace. You can also run this game in a “winner stays” format to mimic the competitive feel of 3-on-3 Cutthroat.
• Award two points for a paint-touch kick-out three
• Require two paint touches before shooting
• Limit dribbles to force cutting and spacing
• Begin each rep with a forced drive direction
• Attack gaps with purpose
• Land on two feet in the paint for control
• Cut behind drives to open up kick-outs
• Keep spacing wide to stretch the defense
3-on-3 Must Touch the Paint gives players a clear rule that builds great habits—attacking early, getting downhill, and creating high-value shots. It develops spacing, decision making, and confidence around the rim. The 3-on-3 Must Touch the Paint drill is one of the most effective ways to teach youth players how to create advantages through consistent paint pressure.
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.
