3-on-0 Post Feeds into Fan-Outs is an offensive breakdown drill that builds habits for playing through post touches. For us, this is an automatic action in our offense: any time a low post touch leads to an inside-out pass, usually because the defense crowds the paint, it is followed immediately by a fan-out ball screen. This drill teaches players to execute that automatic read in rhythm, making it a natural part of the flow offense rather than just a drill for the sake of repetition. It emphasizes spacing, cutting, reacting, and progressing into fan-out screens. Once players understand the actions in a 3-on-0 setting, the drill can be progressed to 3-on-3 live play to challenge execution against defense.

Setup & Organization

Three lines are formed at half-court. One line is the ball handler starting on the right side of the jump circle, one line is the wing sprinting the sideline, and one line is the big trailing from the opposite side. The drill runs into half-court with the ball handler initiating by pitching ahead to the wing. The big rim-runs to the block for a quick post-up while the guard fills the elbow area. The wing looks inside to feed the post, then cuts through to the opposite corner. The guard fills the vacated spot to maintain spacing.

Step-by-Step Progression

The wing receives the pitch ahead and feeds the big on the block. After passing, the wing cuts through to the opposite corner to clear space. The guard replaces up to the wing. The post attempts to score but, when simulated as crowded, kicks the ball back out to the perimeter. Immediately after the kick-out, the post follows the pass with a fan-out screen, setting a quick on-ball action. The perimeter player uses the ball screen to create a scoring opportunity within one or two passes. The drill repeats with new groups running the same sequence.

Scoring

Normal scoring applies: three points for a made three, two points for a mid-range, one point for a layup. The goal is to score within three passes or less. A team target of 28 points in four minutes is recommended. Any turnover or missed assignment resets the team score to zero.

Coaching Points

Emphasize post players sealing aggressively on the rim run. Passers must use pass fakes before feeding the post to create angles. Reinforce the “vacate and replace” rule—when one player leaves an area, another must fill. Stress that kick-out passes must be on time and on target, allowing immediate shot or attack. The fan-out screen must be set quickly and with urgency to simulate game pressure.

Variations

Run the drill with the kick-out going to the strong side instead of opposite, forcing different spacing reactions. Add a one-more pass requirement after the fan-out to emphasize ball movement. Progress to 3-on-3 live play, with defenders applying ball pressure and post defense. In the live version, defense scores on stops, while offense scores through made baskets using the same rules.