Cone Combo Attack

Skill drill

String combination moves together attacking a cone like a live defender, then finish.

8 min any Half court
Ball-handlingFootworkU12U14U16

Technique guide

Any group size · 1 ball each, cones

Get everyone ready

Attack the coneCome at the cone at game speed like it's a defender. 1

● Player / attackGold: ball

Illustrated steps · 5 seconds per step at 1×

Set up

A cone at the wing or top; players line up to attack it.

Look for: Sell the setup move before the counter.

Playback options
Illustrated steps · 5 seconds per step at 1×
Coach’s notes & group organisation

A cone at the wing or top; players line up to attack it.

  1. Attack the cone at game speed.
  2. Combo move at the cone: hesitation into a crossover, or cross into between-the-legs.
  3. Explode past into two hard dribbles.
  4. Finish with a layup, floater or pull-up.

Suggested reset

Each shooter collects their own ball and returns outside the cone course to the back of the start queue. The next player waits until the working lane and basket are clear. Change sides after everyone has had turns; use a second basket for a larger group.

Coaching cues

  • Sell the setup move before the counter.
  • Change speed — slow, then explosive.
  • Keep the ball tight and low through the combo.

Adapt the challenge

Harder: Add a live, token defender at the cone.

Easier: Use one move at the cone instead of chaining two.

Second-cone read: Place a second cone two metres behind the first and make the finish depend on which side you cleared.

What this drill teaches

Turning tricks into attacks. Chaining two moves at a cone — a setup to sell, a counter to escape, then two hard dribbles and a finish — bridges the gap between stationary handles and actually beating a set defender.

In games: Fixes the player whose fancy dribbling never goes anywhere on game day — moves become a means to get past someone and score, not a performance on the spot.

What good looks like
  • Real change of speed: slow into the cone, explosive out
  • Ball kept low and tight through the combo
  • A committed finish every rep — layup, floater or pull-up

U12: one move at the cone is plenty — chaining two comes later. U14–U16: add a token defender and expect the combo to genuinely change their feet.

Equipment

1 ball each, cones

Setup

A cone at the wing or top; players line up to attack it.

Steps

  1. 1Attack the cone at game speed.
  2. 2Combo move at the cone: hesitation into a crossover, or cross into between-the-legs.
  3. 3Explode past into two hard dribbles.
  4. 4Finish with a layup, floater or pull-up.

Coaching points

  • Sell the setup move before the counter.
  • Change speed — slow, then explosive.
  • Keep the ball tight and low through the combo.

Why kids love it

Bridges stationary handles to real attacking — combining moves is what beats set defenders.

Variations

Harder

Add a live, token defender at the cone.

Easier

Use one move at the cone instead of chaining two.

Second-cone read

Place a second cone two metres behind the first and make the finish depend on which side you cleared.

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