Equipment Needed
- One basketball per pair
One ball per pair, no sharing
A multi-pack of training basketballs means every pair can rep the triple-threat attack at the same time.
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- Partners face each other about 15 feet apart; one has the ball to start as the passer.
- The receiver sets up on the wing in a ready stance.
Instructions
- Passer feeds the receiver, who catches in triple-threat position: knees bent, ball at the hip, eyes up.
- On a defender's high closeout (partner raises a hand), the receiver drives past them to the rim.
- On a low, passive closeout, the receiver rises for a quick shot.
- Reset and repeat, alternating which closeout the passer gives.
Coaching Points
- The catch itself should already be in triple-threat shape — no wasted extra dribble to get there.
- Read the defender's hands and hips, not just their feet, to decide whether to shoot or drive.
- Keep the first dribble on a drive quick and low to beat the closeout before it recovers.
- Sell the shot fake with the eyes and shoulders, not just the ball, on a shot-fake-and-go.
Variation
Add a live, full-speed closeout defender instead of a partner cue, or require a shot-fake before every drive to build the habit.