Master Offensive Decision-Making with the Offensive Cutthroat Drill
Purpose of the Drill
The Offensive Cutthroat Drill is designed to simulate live offensive actions under pressure. It places a premium on spacing, ball movement, and decision-making. With the added scoring incentive system, players are forced to stay mentally engaged and execute consistently.
Setup
Create 3 teams of 3-5 players each. If you have a larger roster, form more teams and rotate them in.
One team starts on offense, one on defense, and the third is on the sideline ready to rotate in.
Set up a full half-court or use a side court depending on your gym space.
Keep score based on criteria you set (e.g., successful offensive possessions, good spacing, ball reversals, etc.).
Execution
Live Play Starts
Begin with the offensive team attacking live against the defense. It’s a full live possession—allow any offensive actions.Scoring and Accountability
After each possession, stop play briefly and award or subtract points based on performance:+1 for successful ball reversal
+2 for a score
+1 for post touch or paint touch
-1 for poor spacing or unforced turnovers
-2 for bad shot selection
Rotation
The losing team (based on possession outcome or score) rotates off. The resting team comes on. The winner stays.Coaching Emphasis
You must hold players accountable for shot selection and spacing.
Encourage communication and help players learn to "read the defense" in real time.
Stop play to correct spacing errors or reward smart decisions.
Drill Variations
Add a Shot Clock: Use a 12-second clock to increase tempo and pressure.
Limit Dribbles: Encourage more cutting and ball movement by limiting players to one or two dribbles.
Add Transition: After a defensive rebound, require a push up court for a fast break and then reset.
Full Breakdown for Coaches
Why It Works
This drill teaches real offensive habits in a competitive and fun setting. Your players will improve their instincts without realizing how much they’re learning. The cutthroat structure forces focus because mistakes have consequences, and effort gets rewarded.
It’s not just about scoring—it’s about executing offense correctly. That includes:
Making the extra pass
Cutting with purpose
Maintaining proper spacing
Reading help defense
Best Teaching Points
Spacing: If players bunch up, pause the drill and reset. Teach them how to "read the floor."
Ball Movement: Reward reversals and passing out of drives.
Shot Selection: Discuss what constitutes a “good” vs. “bad” shot.
Tempo: Encourage players to play fast, but not rush—decision speed matters.
Practice Integration Tips
Use it at the start of practice for energy.
Run it near the end to simulate pressure situations when players are tired.
Use it to transition from individual skill work to team concepts.
Final Takeaways
The Offensive Cutthroat Drill is one of the most effective ways to teach offensive execution in a competitive setting. It blends live game situations with structured scoring and coaching feedback. Players learn how to communicate, space, move, and make quick decisions—exactly what they need in real games.
If you’re looking to build basketball IQ and game-ready habits in practice, this drill is a must. Start implementing it weekly and track how your team improves in ball movement, shot selection, and composure under pressure.
