Triple Threat Series is a great drill for the beginner or elite basketball player. This drill teaches the player three fundamental moves: dribble drive lay-up, the pull-up, and the jab step. The triple threat series also works on footwork, quickness, and is the foundation for counter moves.

Execution

1. Dribble Drive Lay-Up

Start on the wing in a triple threat position. Take one hard dribble toward the basket and shoot a lay-up (depending on age and skill level the player may need to take more than one dribble). Concentrate on ripping the ball through and staying low and going hard toward the basket. Repeat 10 times.

Emphasis

• Low hard dribble toward the basket
• Go full speed
• Concentrate on ripping the ball through
• Practice going middle and baseline

 2. Pull-Up Jumpshot

Start on the wing in triple threat position. Take one or two hard dribbles toward the basket as if you are going to shoot a lay-up. Instead come to a jump stop and shoot the pull-up jumpshot. Repeat 10 times.

Emphasis

• Go hard like you are trying to get to the basket
• Go full speed and stop on a dime to shoot
• Have good balance and elevate on your pull-up

3. Jab step

Start on the wing  in triple threat position. Jab hard toward the baseline and then go to the middle of the floor and finish with a lay-up. Repeat 10 times.

Emphasis

• Your jab step should be short, quick, and always toward the basket.
• Be sure to have good balance when you jab.

Other Thoughts

Try mixing it up some when you perform this drill. If you have a partner, start under the basket and cut to the wing and receive a pass. This will give additional practice on footwork. Try receiving your pass after cutting from the corner or the top of the key. This drill can also be done off the dribble. The triple threat series can also be a good conditioning drill if performed at full speed and with little rest in between reps. Finally, be sure to get equal amount of reps with your weak hand as you do your strong hand. If you are right handed and you perform this drill on the right side of the floor for a total of 30 reps, then you should do the same on the left side of the floor with your left hand.

  Tip of the Month

What every shooting workout must have

1. Shooting off the dribble: Being able to shoot off the dribble makes you a more complete offensive player.  A player that can shoot off the dribble is more of a threat to the defensive because he/she is not a one dimensional player.
2. Catch & Shoot: Some of the best shooters in the world are great spot up shooters. Working on spot up shooting gives you a chance to concentrate on form and shooting with a quick release. Be sure to work on catching passes from different areas of the floor and not just under the basket.
3. Off the move: Basketball is a game of constant motion. Incorporating drills into your workout that has you moving to different spots on the floor not only helps with your shooting but it also helps with conditioning. The drill can be as simple as running to halfcourt after every shot.
4. Cut, catch, & shoot: You want to make practice simulate game situations. Standing in one spot and moving in straight lines are not game like situations. Working on the different cuts like the V-cut, L-cut, backdoor cut, flare, high post flash, etc will only make you a better shooter.
5. FT's: If you want to increase your scoring average, then you should shoot free throws at a high percentage. When you are in between drills and you are a little winded, step up to the line and knock down two. At the end of your workout be sure to get some free throws in.
6. 3 G's (game shots from game spots at game speed): If your coach is not calling any plays for you to shoot from halfcourt then don't waste practice time shooting them. If you are a post player and you don't shoot past 15 ft, stay away from the 3pt line. A shooting workout is a time for you to improve on your shooting skills. Go full speed, take the same shots you would take in a game, and take shots from the same spots you shoot in a game. So save the 20 ft, falling out of bounds, shooting over the backboard, fadeaway for the game of HORSE.
7. Off screens: All great shooters know how to read and use screens. The use of cones, chairs, or even trash cans can simulate screens. Be sure to pay attention to your footwork and being in balance.
8. Chart your shots: How good was your workout? Did you get as many shots up as you think? Charting your shots will answer those questions and many more. It gives you a visual to see how you are doing and what you need to improve on.
9. Contest all shots: Most shots you take in a game will be contested. Some one will throw their hands up, run at you, or jump to block your shot. Working on shooting while your shot is contested will help improve your concentration and focus. If you don't have someone to contest your shot, shoot behind a cone, chair, or any other object that will make you concentrate on the basket.
10.  Have a plan: If you ever go to the gym to shoot around and you don't have a plan of what type of drills you are going to do, how many shots you are going to take, or what you need to work on then you will be wasting your time. Take some time before you get to the gym and think about what you want to get accomplished. Know how many shots you want to make before you move on to the next drill. Putting it down on paper will keep you focused and on track throughout your workout.