Master These 3 Cone Series Drills to Become a More Shifty Basketball Player
Goal
This drill series is designed to develop quick footwork, sharp change-of-direction skills, and improved control off the dribble. By practicing these cone drills daily, players will become more shifty and explosive, better able to create space against defenders.
Setup
Use any three markers to create your drill spots: cones, shoes, water bottles, anything works.
Set the three spots in a line or slight arc, spaced roughly 3-5 feet apart depending on player size and skill level.
Step-by-Step Execution
Drill 1: Speed Stop Exchange
Start at the middle cone facing forward.
Attack to the right side with a quick left foot, right foot step sequence, maintaining space from the cones.
Open your body frame by turning your shoulders and head, initiating a turn dribble.
Pull your right foot behind your body frame, landing softly in a “drop” position that sets you up to attack downhill at an angle.
Push off to the next cone and repeat, using a right-left-right foot sequence.
Reverse direction and repeat on the left side, pulling the left foot behind your frame on the turn.
Perform 30 continuous reps, alternating sides and focusing on smooth, explosive footwork.
Drill 2: Ball Screen Refusals
Start at the middle cone again, preparing to simulate a ball screen situation.
Drop your left foot across your frame, stepping left-right while opening your body to the defender’s side.
As you turn right, float back slightly as if “refusing” a ball screen (when the defender goes under or over the screen).
Execute a push cross dribble, landing with control and pushing back downhill.
Incorporate left-right footwork to maintain balance and control.
Combine this move with the speed stop and hip rotation from Drill 1 to attack at an angle.
Perform 30 reps alternating between attacking off the screen and refusing it with the push cross.
Coaching Tips
Emphasize maintaining proper spacing between cones to mimic on-court spacing.
Encourage players to keep a low, balanced stance during turns to maximize control and explosiveness.
The foot that “pulls behind” the frame is crucial — make sure it lands softly and allows for an immediate push off.
Remind players to rotate their hips behind their frame to protect the ball and set up downhill angles.
For youth players, start slower and focus on technique before increasing speed.
High school players can push reps faster to build stamina and game-like intensity.
Challenge players to keep their head up during drills to simulate reading the defense.
Full Breakdown
Becoming a shifty player who can change directions explosively and maintain control is essential for effective scoring and playmaking. This three cone series drill focuses on developing the precise footwork and body mechanics necessary to excel in game situations, especially off ball screens and on quick drives.
Understanding the Speed Stop Exchange
The speed stop exchange is a foundational move that teaches players how to quickly decelerate, change direction, and explode toward their next target. By emphasizing a left-right-right or right-left-left foot sequence, players build muscle memory for smooth transitions that avoid telegraphing their next move.
Key to the move is the “pull behind” footstep where the player turns their body and pulls the foot behind their frame to land softly. This creates a stable base to push off from and launch downhill at an angle, ideal for beating defenders off the dribble or attacking a closeout.
Ball Screen Refusal Mechanics
Ball screen refusals are critical when defenders attempt to cheat under or over screens. By mastering the push cross dribble, players learn to “refuse” the screen, effectively staying in control and finding a new lane to attack. The footwork combines drops and floats to reposition the body and create separation.
This drill also incorporates hip rotation behind the player’s frame, protecting the ball from defenders and optimizing angles of attack. Doing 30 reps of these refusals develops endurance and sharpness for real-game pressure.
Progressions and Variations
Start by doing the drills without a basketball to master foot placement and body positioning.
Add a basketball once comfortable and focus on ball control during the footwork.
Increase speed gradually as skill improves.
Combine with reaction drills, where a coach calls out directions or simulates defensive actions.
For younger players, reduce the distance between cones for better control.
High school athletes can perform multiple sets with short rest to build conditioning.
Common Mistakes and Fixes
Landing too heavy on the pull-behind foot: Teach players to land softly and absorb impact to prepare for the next push.
Not rotating hips behind the frame: This leaves the ball vulnerable. Emphasize hip rotation drills separately if needed.
Head down during turns: Encourage players to keep their eyes up to simulate game awareness.
Feet too close or too far apart between cones: Adjust spacing to mimic realistic driving lanes and optimize footwork flow.
Youth & High School Application
For youth coaches, focus on teaching the footwork slowly and emphasizing balance and control. Use cones or markers to visually guide players on proper spacing. Keep drills fun by incorporating competitive elements like timed reps or footwork challenges.
High school coaches can push intensity by increasing speed and incorporating these moves into live 1v1 or pick-and-roll drills. Emphasize reading the defense and choosing when to attack or refuse a ball screen based on defender positioning.
