Effective Strategies for 3-on-3 Basketball

Sep 24, 2024

3-on-3 Basketball Strategies

Common Mistakes in 3-on-3 Basketball

  • Players often play individually, not as a team
  • Common issues:
    • Passing and standing instead of moving
    • Expecting the ball without creating opportunities

Play Breakdown

Play 1: Passing and Cutting

  1. Initial Setup: Player 1 passes to Player 2.
  2. Cut: Player 1 cuts towards the rim.
    • If open, can receive a pass for a layup.
  3. Screen: Player 2 dribbles to the top; Player 3 sets a pin down screen for Player 1.
    • Player 1 pops off the screen for a potential three-point shot.
  4. Alternate Option: If the three-point shot isn't available,
    • Player 3 sets a back screen for Player 2 to cut to the rim for an easy layup.

Importance of Movement

  • Always be moving off the ball.
  • Set screens for teammates to create scoring opportunities.

Play 2: Triangle Offense

  1. Initial Pass: Player 1 passes to Player 2.
  2. Cut: Player 1 cuts to the low corner.
  3. Post Play: Player 3 sets up in the low post.
    • Options for Player 3:
      • Set a back screen for Player 1 to cut to the rim.
      • Set a screen for Player 2, depending on the defense.
  4. Executing the Play:
    • If Player 1 gets the ball and is open, take the shot.
    • If not, Player 3 can set a screen for Player 2 attacking the baseline.
    • Player 2 can shoot or pass to Player 3 at the high post for a mid-range shot.

Play 3: Wing Play with Screening

  1. Start from the Wing: Ball is passed to Player 2.
  2. Screen: Player 3 sets a screen for Player 1.
    • Player 1 makes a high cut across the free-throw line.
  3. Options:
    • If the lane is open, pass to Player 1 for a layup.
    • If not open, Player 2 can cut using Player 3 as a back screen for a layup.

Play 4: Dribble Hand-off Weave

  1. Execution: Continuous dribble handoffs among players.
  2. Objective: Wait until a defender gets stuck on a screen.
  3. Action: Once a defender is stuck, the ball handler (Player 1) attacks the basket.

Play 5: Sandwich Screen

  1. Setup: Player 1 has the ball and can choose a direction (e.g., left).
  2. Roll: Player 2 rolls towards the basket.
  3. Clear Out: If no options are open, Player 2 clears out.
  4. Secondary Screen: Player 3 sets a screen for Player 1 to go the opposite direction for a layup opportunity.

Conclusion

  • Incorporate these plays to enhance teamwork and scoring opportunities.
  • Practice movement, screening, and passing to succeed in 3-on-3 games.