If you have to keep yelling, “Make a decision!” during 3v3, the drill probably isn’t doing enough of the teaching.

Players rarely make slow reads because they do not care. Usually, the game gives them too many comfortable options and too much time.

Instead of adding another explanation, change the rules.

The right constraint makes the read clearer, forces action, and gives players immediate feedback. Here are three constraints you can use immediately.

On every catch, the player has one second to shoot, drive, or move the ball.

This forces players to scan the floor before the ball arrives instead of catching first and thinking second. Do not stop the possession every time someone hesitates. Let them play, then address the hesitation between reps.

You want players recognizing their next decision earlier—not simply rushing once they receive the ball.

Give each player no more than two dribbles every time they touch the ball.

Now the ball cannot stick. Players have to attack open space with purpose, and off-ball players must stay connected to the possession.

The limit also helps players see the gap, help defender, and next pass sooner. If two dribbles are too restrictive for your group, begin with three and work your way down.

Make a normal basket worth one point. Award two points when the offense creates a paint touch and scores through the next decision.

That could be a kick-out, extra pass, cut, or finish after the defense rotates.

Players quickly learn that getting into the paint is only the beginning. The real advantage comes from recognizing how the defense responds.

Faster basketball is not rushed basketball.

The goal is to eliminate wasted time while preserving good decisions. A useful constraint makes the right read easier to recognize—not harder to execute.

Choose one of these constraints and use it during a four-minute 3v3 segment. Remove the rule afterward and watch whether the behavior remains.

That transfer is the real test.

Want more practical 3v3 coaching resources?

Written by Jarryd Dent (“Coach J”), founder of 3on3 Hoops Nation. Presented to Indiana Basketball Coaches Association members.