Setup and Organization

Cyclone Warm-Up is a 3-on-3 multi-skill drill designed to combine key offensive and defensive fundamentals in a single sequence. It can be run as a half-speed dummy warm-up or as a live competitive drill. Set up three lines of players at half court — left wing, middle lane, and right wing. The first player in each line steps on as the defender, and the second player in each line becomes the offensive player. The left-side player (1) starts with the basketball. On the coach’s signal, 1 zigzag-dribbles down the left sideline while his defender works on containment footwork. Simultaneously, the middle player (4) banana cuts into the mid-post to receive a post entry, while the right-side player (2) sprints to the weak-side corner with his defender assuming help position. This sequence ties together live angles, positioning, and communication at game pace.

Step-by-Step Progression

1. On the whistle, 1 zigzag-dribbles from half court down the left side, guarded by his defender in dummy containment.
2. 4 cuts into the mid-post; his defender fights for three-quarter deny positioning.
3. 2 sprints to the weak-side corner, establishing spacing and help-side balance.
4. 1 post-feeds 4, then sinks into a dig position as his defender adjusts.
5. 2 lifts from the corner to the weak-side slot; 4 passes out of the post to 2, then follows with a ball screen.
6. The defense reacts — 1 drops to become the low man, 4’s defender prepares for ball screen coverage.
7. 2 uses the screen to attack; 4 rim-runs, and 2 kicks out to 1 for a long closeout and catch-and-shoot opportunity.
8. Rotate new players into each spot after every full rep to maintain tempo.

Scoring

This can be a non-scoring warm-up or a competitive segment. For scoring variations, count each completed action (successful containment, clean post feed, successful ball screen execution, and made shot) as one point. Defensive deflections or stops can also earn points to increase focus. Run the drill for 5–8 minutes total, alternating offensive and defensive units.

Coaching Points

Focus on technical precision — controlled dribble containment, clean footwork on closeouts, proper post angles, and communication during rotations. Reinforce balance and spacing after the post feed and clear, quick coverage calls during the ball screen sequence. The goal is clean execution, not speed. When running it live, emphasize game tempo, realistic contact, and defensive accountability on every action.

Variations

Progress from half-speed dummy reps to live 3-on-3. Add situational scoring (e.g., late-clock reads or weak-side rotations). Alternate sides to rehearse both left- and right-handed sequences. For advanced groups, build up to 4-on-4 by adding a shooter in the corner to incorporate closeout and extra-pass reads. You can also script different coverages — hedge, switch, or under — to reinforce defensive variety.