3 On 3 Games for Player Development

The Miami Heat have a great reputation for developing players and part of the reason for that sustained success is the use of regular 3 on 3 games. Specifically with the non-starters, the competition usually takes place before home games assuming they don’t have to deal with a back to back scenario. They will even play that game full court at times which feeds into another reputation that the organization carries which involves getting their players into world-class shape when it comes to conditioning. It allows players to improve their skillsets by trying new things and also gives the bench a nice rhythm prior to the game to prepare for their number being called. Generally speaking, the offense should be looking to space the floor while the defense looks to shrink the floor while applying maximum pressure.

Rules: First to 11 using 1s and 2s

General Communication Rules:

Here are four key factors to consider during the course of games to improve our players abilities to communicate effectively. So often we stress the importance of talking on both ends of the floor but it’s just as vital for them to understand why as well as how often. The four keys are Names, Encouragement, Reminders and Discipline (N.E.R.D.). Over time, this will feed into the rest of your teams practices and games which will be huge for your teams culture and productivity going forward.

Side

Pushing the ball along the outside of the floor allows us to work on a small sided game concept. This is a great way to work on entering the ball to a desired area while working on various actions under stress. Here is a link to my version of a three on three small sided game which included numerous entries and actions.

Drive:

Focus on the drive, kick and swing concept. Players must attack immediately on the catch by shooting or driving. They must also stay outside of the three point line to improve at relocating during dribble penetration. The defense must apply ball pressure and isn’t allowed to sag off of the offensive player. The offense will also gain an additional point for every instance that a player gets both feet in the paint. However they must score on that possession in order to add it to their own score. This will teach the defense to help on penetration as much as possible.

Horns/Elbow:

In this game we will focus on the Horns and Elbow concepts. Horns uses a ballscreen entry in which one of the players will roll to the rim while the other pops to the perimeter. Elbow involves a pass entry to the high post that leads to a number of options. The entry passer may cut around the ball or receive a flare screen for example.

Post

With our wings spaced out and our post under the rim, the coach will pass to either wing to start the possession. The defensive post will play on the high side of the offensive player to make the catch inside as difficult as possible. The offense must handle ball pressure to get it inside to the block before looking to either run a screening action or a speed cut action. Both of which are popular within many offenses such as the Golden State Warriors.

Transition

The offensive team starts at half court preparing to attack and they are only allowed one shot. If they score, then they will inbound the ball and look to attack the other defensive team. If they are unable to score, then the defensive team will take the ball the other way. The defensive team should be waiting near half court to improve on stopping the ball early.

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