Off the Dribble Shooting: cone clear side pull ups

This drill trains off-the-dribble three-point shooting with lateral separation and side-angle closeout contests. The offensive player chooses a direction, clears a cone, and shoots, while the defender reacts by navigating the opposite cone to contest. Setup 2 players: one offensive player, one defender 1 basketball 2 cones placed outside the three-point line: spacing depends on skill level: wider = easier closer = more difficult Offensive player starts inside the three-point line facing the defender Defender starts outside the three-point line facing the basket How the Drill Works Live Dribble The offensive player begins with a live dribble, facing the defender. Choose Direction At any moment, the offensive player chooses a side (left or right cone). They attack and must go fully around that cone. Clear & Shoot After going around the cone, the offensive player must: clear past the cones, and shoot a three-pointer outside the opposite cone area They cannot shoot directly behind the cones—must create true separation. Defensive Reaction Once the offensive player commits to a direction: the defender must go around the opposite cone, then recover and contest the shot from the side. Shot Attempt Offense shoots off the dribble. Defense contests from a side angle. Reset & Rotate Switch roles and repeat. Key Training Focus Off-the-dribble three-point shooting Creating lateral separation Footwork into pull-up shooting Reaction-based decision making Defensive closeouts from non-traditional angles Game Translation This drill simulates situations where players must create space laterally (like in pick-and-roll or transition) and shoot while defenders recover from the side. Many real-game contests are not straight-on—this prepares players for side and trailing contests. Coaching Emphasis Offensive players should: commit decisively to a direction fully clear the cone before shooting get into a quick, balanced shooting motion Emphasize no drifting into the cone space Defenders should: react immediately to the move sprint around the cone and close out under control contest without fouling Stress game speed and rhythm Recommended Usage Best for: off-the-dribble shooting development guard and wing workouts reaction and decision-making drills defensive closeout training Effective for players who struggle to shoot off the dribble but are comfortable catch-and-shoot shooters. Equipment Basketball 2 cones