If the dribbler keeps his dribble alive, this is a sign for the screener`s

If the dribbler keeps his dribble alive, this is a sign for the screener’s defender and a help
side defender to initiate an eventual defensive rotation to interrupt the offensive action
and recover their direct opponents (diagrams 13-14).
It is easy to understand that double teaming the dribbler during a pick & roll is a defensive
technique that must have all five defenders in order to be successful. As soon as O4 rolls
to the basket it is probable that X5 will have to rotate and help (diagram 15), whilst X3
will ensure he helps down on O5. As for X2, I am convinced that it is vital when double
teaming the dribbler to deny the pass to O2, in order to slow any possible rotation of the
ball (diagram 16), leaving the player furthest away from the ball open for a few seconds (O3).
In diagram 17 it can be clearly seen that if X2 drops to the restricted area, leaving his
direct opponent wide open, O2 will after having received an easy pass out of the double
team many passing lanes available to him. In this case,, leaving O2 open also forces X3
and X5 to de at a numerical disadvantage against O3, O4 and O5.
It is also vital for X4 and X5 to coordinate their movements in order to close down O4
turning towards the basket and recover to O5 who will probably try a flash cut to the
middle of the restricted area to receive a pass from O1 or O4 (diagram 18). X5 will help
either more or less aggressively on O4 depending on how good of a mid range shooter he
is, whether he is in position to dribble penetrate, and depending on how good of a passer
he is. At the same time X4 will rotate towards the center of the restricted area, ensuring
he puts his inside arm up in the passing lane from O4 to O5 looking at the eyes of the
player in possession of the ball, anticipating his thoughts as much as possible.
It is incredibly important that O1 immediately after having passed the ball, is defended with a full
frontal to prevent him from getting the ball back.
If the aim of this technique is for a very good player to pass the ball, it would be counter productive
to allow him to play 1v1, particularly against a defense that has extended itself, with defenders
committed in rotations. Anticipating this and taking him out of the play forces the other four
offensive players to create their own shot, possibly with less success and therefore advantage for
our opponents.
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4. FORCE BASELINE
This is a technique that can be used when the player setting the screen is not a good
outside shooter and we wish to force the player with the ball towards a part of the court
where there are not many passing lanes available. In diagram 19 defender X1 is in a
position where he is forcing his opponent towards the baseline, different to what we have
seen up until now. This is done knowing that X4 is in a help position, eventually allowing
O4 to receive a pass near the free throw line. Before explaining what the defenders on
the help side must do, we will look at the technique that X1 and X4 must employ in more
detail.
X1 will be in contact with O1 (in the example illustrate din diagram 19 he could even have
his right forearm on the left hip of O1, forcing him to lower his head and try to dribble
penetrate, without offering him the possibility of shooting, passing or dribbling under
control).
X4 will position himself in a line parallel to the sideline and perpendicular to where O4 is
(diagram 20), with his arms out, ready to stop any penetration by O1 and recover to O4
should he receive the ball.
If X4 were to position himself further back than this imaginary perpendicular line, not only
would his recovery to O4 be more difficult, but it would also allow O4 to cut in front of
him, establishing a dangerous position near to the basket (diagram 21).
When we force the player baseline, the defenders furthest away from the ball are also
vital.
In diagram 22 there is an example illustrated with X2 helping at the high post, for a
moment leaving the player furthest away from the ball open, should O1 dribble towards
the baseline.
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If O1 passes quickly to O4 (diagram 23), the defense assuming that O4 is not a good
shooter will try to take advantage of this, aggressively double teaming to ensure the ball
is not passed back to the best shooter, with X4 closing out and recovering his position in a
balanced way.
Forcing baseline can also be a valid option if O4 is an average shooter, and if O1 is such a
good shooter that we prefer him to dribble penetrate before shooting a three pointer. In
each case I prefer the eventual adjustments on O4 come from the outside players, without
ever involving the low post defender in an improbable rotation between X4 and X5 which
with the ball in the high post would be very dangerous (diagram 24).
The techniques that we have illustrated in the four points above can be applied also for a
middle pick & roll, something increasingly common in recent years (diagram 25).
It is worth looking at the defensive rotations by X4 and X5 after the pick & roll,
independent of the technique used to defend it, always bearing in mind that O2 and O3
will be reasonable shooters. If they were not it would be easy to have their defenders
help in the restricted area therefore complicating O1’s dribble penetration. If O5 turns
towards the basket, we would ask X4 to wait for him at the free throw circle, looking to
eventually take the baseline, whilst X5 once the help is finished would defend O4 along
with X3 (who is defending the player furthest away from the ball), ready for further help if
necessary (diagram 26). X3’s movement will also be decisive when O5 if he is a good
shooter pops to the side inside of rolling to the basket. In this case X4 would be left with
O4 and X5 would recover to his own man, for a moment being helped by X3 (diagram
27).
Our defense will continue to aggressively and with correct positioning look to force our
opponents to make one more pass to find an open player instead of passively following the
screen which would favor O1.
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Although our defensive organization depends on the good will of our athletes, it is not
always possible, particularly due to the quality of our opponents, to cutoff penetration.
The situation that is repeated most often is when the help on the screen for whatever
reason does not come in time. In this situation above all, X1 must have started to
correctly go over the screen. When it is obvious that the help is not coming, I prefer to
“push the opponent into the restricted area”, before leaving him open outside for a shot
(diagrams 28-29). In the case of a mistake I prefer forcing the dribbler towards the
forward who is waiting for him (X5), allowing him only the possibility to stop and shoot a
contested jump shot in the middle of the restricted area. This emergency technique is
also used as a defensive technique by teams who have great shot blockers who can
dominate the restricted area but who find themselves with problems if trying to
aggressively close out perimeter players.
REMEMBER
·
·
Pressure on the ball and the aggressiveness of defenders on both players is
decisive to not suffer the consequences of a pick & roll
Hedge & recover: as a general rule, without switching between the big and the
small
(Video of a pick & roll with hedge & recover defense)
·
·
Go underneath: against outside players who dribble penetrate but do not have a
good outside shot
Double team the dribbler: against a very good player who we wish to force to pass
the ball before finishing the play
(Video of a double team against a very good player)
·
Force baseline: against a screener who does not shoot well from outside
(Video forcing baseline)
·
You cannot effectively defend the pick & roll without the help of the three players
not directly involved in the pick & roll
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LESSON 15 – LOW POST DOUBLE TEAM Aito garcía Reneses
In this lesson we will discuss the double team in the low post. I believe that the low post
offensive player is very important in basketball. From this position players can shoot a
higher percentage than from outside. It is for this reason that my teams often double
team the low post.
In the NBA this type of defense has been used during many years, whilst in Europe its use
began at a later stage. At present there are many teams that use it and the intensity and
mechanics with which it is executed are the keys to its success.
My teams sometimes front the low post, which creates big problems in our defensive
rebounding. In my opinion and based on our experience, the best solution is to combine
sometimes fronting the low post and at other times double teaming the low post with an
inside and outside player.
In diagram 1 we can see a low post double team. I started to defend this way during my
first period at Joventut Badalona when no one else was doing it. I used two defenders to
help the center. Even though we did not achieve everything we wanted to, we were able
to reduce the number of fouls committed by our big men.
The first difficulty we found when practicing this defense was that our second defender
was more of a help defender than double teaming. As soon as the opponents moved our
defender recovered his original defensive assignment. Despite working on this in a large
number of practices and games, we were still incapable of double teaming correctly –
players would still drift towards their assignment.
At FC Barcelona I continued to use this defense. We worked on our low post defense
symmetrically, irrelevant of which side of the floor we were on. We double teamed using
the inside player and a perimeter defender. If the ball arrived at the low post, we would
double team as seen in diagram 2.
This diagram illustrated the situation when O5 receives the ball. X1 leaves his opponent
and double teams together with X5. As X1 is moving, X2 adjusts his position to zone the
two outside players, whilst X3 aggressively defends his opponent. X2’s goal is to prevent
O5 from passing the ball out for an easy score. Should the ball be passed out to either
player, X2 will defend them on the pass.
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If the ball was kicked out from O5, we would do one of two things. One option was to have
X1 recover to his initial assignment (diagram 3), the other was to rotate on defense with
X2 defending O1 and vice versa (diagram 4). In both cases it is very important for good
communication and understanding between the players.
Eventually, the teams we were facing became used to this defense, so we had to change
and use defensive fakes instead. A player faked double teaming and then recovered
immediately to his assignment. The result was that we would defend the low post 1v1.
I advise you to analyze the quality of your team as well as your opponents. You will play
against many different teams, but if for example you are 7 th in your league, your direct
opponents will be those who are 5th, 6th, 8th & 9th. You will have to prepare your games
depending on your opponent, in other words your tactics and style of play.
Once you have analyzed your opponent you will then decide when to double team the low
post, if at all. As an example when I was the coach of Joventut and we faced teams who
we had already played numerous times in the ACB, Euroleauge, King’s Cup, Playoffs etc.
who had a very complete inside game, as well as excellent outside players who were
dangerous on the kick out pass. As a result we would double team the low post in certain
games against them, whilst in other games we would only fake the double team. This way
our opponent was always on its toes.
At a later stage we have practiced this only one side of the floor (double teaming on one
low post, and not on the other). Once we have achieved this it is a lot easier for our
players to decide when to double team and when not to (faking). This will depend on
which side of the floor we have decided to double team and the way the game has played
out. We can vary depending on the players who are on the court, or during the course of
the game. Even when we decide not to double team, the outside defender must fake it, so
that our opponents cannot read our defense immediately. This way the low post offensive
player is confused. I recommend you to double team the low post anytime the conditions
of the game allow it.
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LESSON 16 - TRANSITION GAME 1 Etore Mesina
The evolution of the basketball played in the Euroleague over the past couple of decades
has opened a very wide debate with regards to the use of the transition game by different
coaches.
The domination of defense is definitely tied in to the physical conditions modern players
have, athletes who in few steps can cover the entire court and it is very difficult to beat
1v1. On the other hand there is the desire that many coaches have to control the game
reducing the number of mistakes and the need for offensive sets with numerous options
designed to beat complicated defenses have all caused the European game to visibly slow
down. I am convinced that the best way to combine practical goals with spectacular play is
to employ an aggressive defense and fast break.
During a competitive Euroleague game a team who can convert on four or five
counterattacks has the possibility of creating a margin which will often be decisive.
Paradoxically we can then state that a game with few transition opportunities can be
decided one way or another with the intelligent use of the fast break.
Our players must be very clear in knowing when we would like to definitely attempt to
push the ball in transition:
1. After recovering the basketball (from a steal or a blocked shot and rebound)
2. If an opponent forces a missed field goal
3. If a long rebound is captured by an outside placer who dribbles the ball up the court at
speed
In these situations we need to push the ball looking for our primary break, which will be
possible due to our opponents not being able to balance their defense correctly; in the
case of an open shot not being available due to good defensive transition by our
opponents instead of forcing our primary break it is wise to look for another option using
the trailer (normally an inside player) or sometimes to reverse the ball, our secondary
break.
At the highest professional level it is not possible to constantly look for the transition
game after being score on unless it is with the aim of forcing your opponent to run
continuously to tire one or more of their key players. For example in diagram 1 we can
see that after X have scored, O4 inbounds the ball whilst O5 sprints towards the other
basket, forcing X5 to also run at speed. After a few minutes of play we may have caused
X5 to commit two or three fouls that he may normally, or at least tired him so that he is
less effective on offense.
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Once we have made the situations when we wish to push the ball in transition in order to
pick up the rhythm of the game clear, we will concentrate on two decisive moments when
developing our fast break.
1. The first pass (or outlet pass)
2. The second pass
1. THE FIRST PASS
We have already seen that a defense that does not rely on excessive help and rotations is
far more solid blocking out and capturing the defensive rebound, and in particular has the
possibility of a greater number of “clean” rebounds.
We prefer to clearly establish which player is in charge of receiving the outlet pass
(normally the point guard) and we will ask him to receive the ball slightly on one side of
the court, with this back to the sideline in order to have a good vision of the court at the
moment he receives the ball.
Whilst rebounding the ball, if the rebounder can turn his eyes and possibly his torso
towards the side of the court on which his teammate is located whilst maintaining the ball
above his head, this will allow him to make an outlet pass sooner (diagram 2).
With senior players, I normally make them accustomed to receive the outlet pass above
the free throw line extended (diagram 3), receiving the ball here in motion enables them
to reach the opponents three point line in two or three dribbles.
In general it is beneficial for our point guard to receive the ball in motion heading towards
the midpoint of the court from where he can initiate the transition with numerous passing
lanes (diagram 4). This cut is very efficient against any anticipation by the opponents,
more so than attempting to perform a V-cut away from the rebounder, who will probably
be afraid to attempt a long pass (diagrams 5-6).
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If the rebounder is a player that we believe can dribble the ball under control to start the
break himself (including a tall player), then we ask him to push the ball up the court, this
way surprising the opponent and foregoing the start of the break after an outlet pass.
2. THE SECOND PASS
For the break to finish successfully, this is at least as important as the first pass.
It is vital that at least two players run past the free throw line extended and are capable of
realizing whether it is better to stay outside the three point line (diagram 7), looking for
the three point shot or another pass to a big man (forward) arriving, or perhaps cutting
towards the basket looking to finish the play easily (diagram 8).
A decision should normally be taken once the ball arrives around the free throw line
extended. At the same time, we ask the dribbler if he cannot make a quick pass to keep
his dribble alive and stay close to one of the elbows (diagram 9) from where he can stop
and shoot, pass to the wing, pass to a big man (forward) / trailer, without running the risk
of going into the restricted area forcing the play and potentially turning the ball over.
I am always alert to not overloading my players with excessive instructions and
particularly in transition, they should not be thinking about what they must do, they must
read what their teammates are doing be that cutting to the basket, dribble penetrating or
shooting. The decision making is more important than the precise quality of their
execution. For this reason in the classic 2v1 and 3v2 situations I am merely worried about
my players maintaining good spacing on the court preventing any one defender from
defending two players at once, giving themselves space to be a threat.
In a 2v1 situation (diagram 10), the two offensive players will maintain a distance similar
to that of the free throw line and the player in possession of the ball when near to the free
throw line extended will make a decision based on where the defender(s) are whether to
pass to a teammate or go to the basket. Making a pass later (diagram 11) often allows
the defender(s) to recover towards the shooter and at very least commit a foul sending
him to the free throw line, if not block the shot attempt.
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In a 3v2 situation, I believe that it is best to pass the ball forwards to the offensive player
who is furthest up the court rather than the dribble keep dribbling towards the restricted
area where there are defenders present.
At this point it is a good idea to attempt a dribble penetration and should the defense
collapse look to pass to a teammate who will have taken a position on the court where the
defense do not have time to recover to (diagram 12). If after the initial guard to wing
pass the defenders maintain a position near to the basket (diagram 13), not only will we
see that the space to penetrate is reduced, but also that with quick passes the defense
that already is numerically inferior will be rendered even more inefficient.
We will continue to look at the Transition Game in the next lesson.
Clip 1.- First Pass
Clip 2.- Second Pass
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LESSON 17 - TRANSITION GAME 2 Etore Mesina
In Transition Game 1 a number of simple concepts have been illustrated that are the
theoretical basis of a transition: it is obvious that each concept must be adapted to the
makeup of the players on your team.
If for example we have a point guard who is very good in the transition game such as JR
Holden, we will encourage him to push the ball up the court. If we have a player such as
Theo Papaloukas then we prefer him to pass the ball up the court to then receive a pass
back and take advantage of his three point shot. These are just two examples that help us
remember that theory is nothing until it is applied to real life cases.
Regardless of how interesting a theory may be, if it is not applied then it will always
remain as an intention; one of the coaches tasks is to be as specific and practical as
possible. It is however possible to use various 3v3 fast break situations that can be found
on the court for any team.
I think it is appropriate in this case when not outnumbering the defense, to try to finish
the play before the rest of the offensive players arrive, as that way there are more spaces
on the court to take advantage of. With this in mind I use a drill which I call “3v3
Recovery”, which recreates a specific game situation. In diagram 14 we can see three
circles attacking against three triangles. After the play is over the three circles must
transition from offense to defense whilst the three triangles who were waiting at the
baseline will receive an outlet pass from one of the three triangles currently defending on
the court. The drill continues at both ends of the court, with two teams one made up of six
triangles and the other the six circles, each divided into two groups of three, playing until
one team reaches a particular score.
The effect is that three offensive players run at speed to attack the basket, and almost
immediately have to run back at speed to defend their own basket before the three new
players run down the court. As mentioned above, this recreates a game situation that we
wish to work on.
If sixteen players are available then this drill can be run 4v4 an is very useful both from a
conditioning point of view and from a technical point of view, because it forces the use of
fundamental techniques at high speed. This for me is an efficient fast break drill, and one
that I prefer over the more traditional drills where the defense is stationary in its own half
court and waiting (contrary to what occurs in games).
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Once the initial wave of attack has finished in the 3v3, a big player should make a cut into
the restricted area who most of the time will make this cut down the middle of the court
(diagram 15). The cut can either be straight to the basket (as seen in diagram 15) or
diagonal (diagram 16).
If the defense is very deep and beneath the basket, the player can stop and shoot inside
the restricted area (diagram 17). If a defender is already on the low post ball side
(diagram 18), then the cut can be made to the opposite side of the basket for a lob pass
or perhaps fake there and then cut back strong to the ball side short corner, surprising the
defender with a three meter jump shot (diagram 19).
The basket cut performed by the trailer, even if he does not receive a pass usually causes
the defense to collapse, making the ball reversal easier either via a skip pass (diagram
20) or through the point guard (diagram 21) reaching a shooter located on the help side.
This player can shoot, dribble penetrate or pass to the trailer who could have relocated to
the ball side low post (diagram 22). I am convinced that 3v2, which then becomes 3v3,
the use of a trailer and the shooter on the help side are all vital to the primary break. This
should be attempted in all of the situations described above, and the team should practice
this on a daily basis, together with defensive work, as explained in Lesson 07.
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This conviction implies that we retain an important and valid objective for our fast break
and that is not only to look for a shot by the basket, but also that an uncontested three
point shot by a player with high shooting percentages in these situations is also beneficial.
Finishing a fast break using three outside players and one inside player usually brings a
positive result for our team. On the contrary, if a primary or secondary break is attempted
using all five players, our players tend to lose their killer instinct and the necessary mental
aggressiveness, worrying more about what they should do later in the possession.
A fast break is usually preceded by an error on the part of the opponents, a rebound, two
passes and a scoring action. For this reason I have always given priority to the primary
break based on the arguments previously laid out, to then give the ball back to the point
guard for a set play if necessary. With the introduction of the twenty-four second shot
clock, once a primary break has finished without a basket, it is wise to use the short
amount of time left to finish the play, getting the ball quickly to the hands of the best
scorers so that they can create an advantageous situation for themselves or for one of
their teammates.
The traditional secondary break that took close to 8-10 seconds to run when the thirty
second shot clock was still in place in order to create mismatches in the defense before
running a set play has practically disappeared in the modern game.
Finally I also like to encourage our transition game after having conceded a field goal or a
free throw, in order to stimulate our offensive game using that way all of the possible
seconds at our disposal when we have been unable to run our primary break.
REMEMBER
The fast break cannot exist without a strong defensive play which forces the opponent to
commit an error in their shot or pass
A quick and fast outlet pass, around the free throw line extended is one of the keys for the
success of the action and fast break that the team has started by capturing the defensive
rebound
The fast break can be initiated by the dribble or the pass and the most important
situations are not only those where the offense outnumbers the defense but also 3v3
A strong basket cut by the trailer allows ball reversal and also good positioning for a three
point shooter
2v1, 3v2, 3v3, the use of the trailer, a three point shot after ball reversal are the different
parts of our primary break. Once this action has been finished, we prefer to give the ball
back to our point guard and run a set offense
Clip 1.- Trailer
Clip 2.- 3 Points shoot
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LESSON 18 - OFFENSE INTRODUCTION ETTORE MESSINA
The subject we want to talk about is the construction of an offensive game. It's true that
every coach will try to model his own offense on the individual characteristics of his
players, looking for a system of cuts, screens and spaces that helps the athletes take
advantage of their own abilities. It's also true that a coach can choose a different kind of
offense (the “continuity” game, set plays, the passing game), different rhythms of the
game (a controlled game without fastbreak, a game with occasional fastbreak, a game
with systematic fatsbreak even after an opponent score).
Anyway, when every offense gets into the opponents half court, it is based on four basic
principles:
1.
2.
3.
4.
The movement of the men and the ball (to play 1v1)
The use of screens
Penetration and the outlet pass
The low post game
All the offensive plays are created by the combination of two or more of these principles,
which are then connected to the fastbreak.
Stressing one principle over another, it's possible to build offensive sets which use
different spaces and rhythms, but are very effective if suited to the players'
characteristics. On the contrary, a very effective theoretical game can be unproductive if it
is carried out by players who do not have the necessary technical and/or physical
characteristics.
I think that, when a player is young, he must be instructed on individual basic principles
(ball handling, passing, shooting) as well as in the basic principles of the team’s offense.
When the player has a mastery of these concepts, he could play for every coach, finding
his own position inside different offensive philosophies.
As instructors teaching how to play, we must give the young athletes the knowledge to
contribute to the training of all-around and non specialist players.
To teach team fundamentals (for example, how to set a screen, and how to use it) means
not only teaching the player “how” to do it but also “when” and how to recognize the
different defensive behaviors, especially the right ones so the player can take advantage
of that, taking the personal initiative, that is the basic key of an offensive game.
In the next lessons I'll try to explain the four basic concepts of the offensive game by
analyzing the technique and suggesting some drills to use out in practice.
1v1 IN MOTION
Whatever the offensive philosophy of a team may be, by moving the players and the ball,
we will get a very favorable position with a 1v1, with an offensive player open for a shot
or getting a little advantage over his own opponent; so he can try to beat him off the
dribble, and to finish the play or make a pass to his teammate, who is in a better position
in case of defensive help.
The first concept we wish to keep in mind, is to play 1v1 in motion and not in a steady
position.
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I want to create a very simple idea in my players' mind: “play to receive the ball in a
position where you can shoot with good percentages” (the personal concept of “shooting
range”, that is the distance from the basket in which a player is dangerous with his shot
and therefore is probably guarded by his opponent).
If we teach the players without the ball to take advantages of the space the defender
gives him (due to a mistake for example because the defender is off balance in helping his
teammate) when he receives the ball, he will have three possibilities:
1. To catch the ball, eyes looking at the basket, and shoot (if the defender is very late)
2. To catch the ball, eyes looking at the basket, put the ball on the floor (if the defender is
off balance when recovering: with a shot fake the player could make the defender's
position worse)
3. To catch the ball, eyes looking at the basket and pass without the defender's pressure if
a teammate is open or if the player has lost the space to get a shot off
Working on 1v1 in motion, instead of 1v1 standing still (with a lot of dribble penetration or
shot fakes) we want to emphasize a basic concept of the team offense: to avoid keeping
the ball stationary, not to block the offensive fluidity, trying to play 1v1 against a defense
which is late, rather than against a defense that is already in position.
I really think that the movement of the ball is of primary importance to improve the
offense. Incredibly it is better to have an offense with five players standing still but
passing the ball rapidly than an offense with all of the players moving but with the same
player always holding the ball. This is because the defensive players must adapt their
position to that of the ball, therefore it's probable that at least one of them could do it a
few seconds late in comparison with the quick movement of the ball, creating a space in
the defense in which an offensive player could cut and receive the ball.
In the second case if the ball is stationary, the defensive movement will be easier even if
the players are moving.
A simple drill to prepare the players to play one on one is illustrated in diagram 1. Two
lines of players have the ball, the first player in the right line is without the ball and cuts
to the free throw line to receive the ball from the player in front of him. He must face the
basket while he received the ball, ready to shoot or to play 1v1 according to the
movement of the Coach who will approach him or will step back a step giving him space.
We must take care of our athlete's skill to recognize the situation: while he's receiving and
facing the basket he must look at the defender's movement to always do the right thing.
The first time most of the athletes will have some problems because they are used to
receiving the ball, then to face the basket, then to look at the defense and only afterwards
make a decision.
Our aim is to stimulate the player to make a decision while he's receiving the ball, so to be
able at the same time to recognize the defender's intentions. To do that, we must explain
to the player that he must not stare at the teammate who is passing him the ball, but he
must use his peripheral vision to see also his opponent.
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In the development of the drill, the player in the left line who has passed the ball will cut
towards the top of the key to receive the ball from the teammate in front of him and so
on. I prefer to be the passive defender (or to put my assistant in this position) because as
I know my players, I can attack, for instance, the player who has less talent for
penetrating, so that I can induce him to execute this fundamental; or I can give some
space to the player who is not ready to shoot, as well as it could happen during the game.
A second drill with similar aims is illustrated in diagram 2. Players in pairs, one defender
with the ball, about three meters from his teammate ready to receive the ball in the
shooting area. The defender passes the ball and closes out defending the offensive player,
who is in an obvious advantage. The offensive player has only one dribble, and he must
choose among the shot, the dribble penetration and the shot, the dribble penetration and
the shot fake and penetration, according to the quick recovery of the defender and
therefore to the distance between them, at the time of the reception. The key of the
offensive execution is to receive the ball in a shooting position, with the knees lightly bent
and so ready to shoot or to penetrate.
Like in every drill with a teaching aim (to improve the learning of a fundamental or a
concept) I leave the same player in for five repetitions, for him to concentrate on the
choice of the movement and not on his scored or missed shots. Besides, having five
repetitions the defender will change probably his behavior, (for example he could chose
penetration to the right or the left). He could fake the recovery allowing an outside shot,
forcing the offensive player to perform different movements. Generally all of the defensive
drills that let players work in defensive recovery situations are very good to improve the
ability to read the offensive situations.
Diagram 3 illustrates a help situation on a central penetration and a recovery. In this
simple drill we can emphasize the defender's work, but at the same time we must insist on
the offensive player (in the forward position) to find the right position on the court, to
open spaces, so that the defender's recovery will be more difficult. At the same time,
when the forward is receiving the ball, he must be in a position to choose among a shot, a
dribble penetration, or a pass, according to the position of his opponent. If the player
receives an outlet pass in the “triple threat” position (shot or penetration or pass), he has
the possibility to choose the better solution, so not only him, but all five players can take
the initiative against the defenders.
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A similar situation is reproduced in diagram 4 in which we coach a recovery situation on
one's own opponent after a skip pass. While the defender is trying to “fly” with the ball in
order not to be late, the offensive player must try to receive the ball and to choose as
soon as possible what he is going to do. In every situation where the defender is late, it's
very important that the offensive player has his eyes facing the basket while he's receiving
the ball, choosing to execute an outside shot. In this case, if the defender is off balance,
the offensive player could beat him in penetration. To dribble penetrate as the first choice
without considering the distance of the defender, can cause a charge foul to be called
(diagram 5).
In modern basketball, the players are quicker and also excellent athletes. The use of the
outside shot, and the mentality of use the “triple threat” (shot or pass or penetration) with
a cleverness at choosing every time the best solution, is very important to get the players
the correct spacing (an appropriate distance among different teammates and between the
offensive player with the ball and his teammates).
An offensive game that forces too much dribble penetration in the long run causes
congestion in the paint; while on the contrary, an offensive game that uses only the
outside shot will be progressively like a handball team’s offense, with the ball always
outside the three point line. I am convinced that a balanced offense is based on the
combination of the outside shot with the inside shot in the paint (also by dribble
penetration). On this subject, I think that we often forget that the ball can penetrate in
the heart of the defense both with 1v1 dribbling and with a pass to a player who cuts,
especially against a defense that overplays.
A typical example is the back door cut (diagram 6), or the pass into the low post
(diagram 7). The simple mental approach to the 1v1 I've described until now, will drive
us step by step in the learning of the other offensive game fundamentals: to penetrate
and to kick, to screen, to play with the inside players. Certainly it's very important that
our players learn to be always dangerous when the defense gives them space, in order to
use every offensive solution in the best possible manner: the 1v1 with or without the ball
is the basis of the offensive game.
To receive the ball knowing what to do, reduces the time of execution and allows the
offense to maintain the initiative, also when facing an aggressive defense. On the
contrary, the player who holds the ball, (the worst thing is to keep the ball over his head
so he cannot be dangerous) will suffer whether the defensive provides pressure or not; so
he will have to make a decision depending on his opponent's behavior. At this point, the
defenders will take the initiative, causing serious consequences to the offensive action.
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Before I conclude, I want to underline a situation that often happens with young players.
When a player, generally a center, finds himself on an area of the court area in which he is
not within his shooting range, he is not defended closely by his opponent (diagram 8).
Now the young player has two possibilities to exploit the situation: he can immediately
play a give and go with a teammate because his opponent is between the ball and the
basket, and it would be difficult to be between the offensive player and the ball in a short
time (diagram 9).
Be careful: it is very important that the player makes the first step of the give and go
while he's passing the ball, because if he moves after the pass, he allows his opponent to
react in time to reach the correct defensive position.
Another possibility for the player who is not guarded closely by his opponent is to play the
“pick and roll”. In diagram 10 we can see the player, who is open, passing the ball to a
teammate and at the same time following the pass to set the pick. Even in this case our
aim is to take advantage of the defender's position, who is between the ball and the
basket, so he could not easily step out to help on the player who is being picked for.
The two offensive players will for a moment be in a favorable 2v1 situation (diagram 11).
Good footwork, correct use of a pass and cut will allow us to maintain the initiative against
our opponents.
REMEMBER
·
·
·
·
·
Playing without the ball, don't fix our eyes on the teammates with the ball. Let's try
always to know where is our defender.
We must receive the ball with our eyes pointed to the basket, ready to shoot, to
dribble or to pass.
If my opponent is close, I beat him off the dribble. If my opponent is behind, I shot
or I pass.
If my opponent doesn't guard me and challenges me to shoot: I play and give and
go, or pass and follow, picking for a teammate.
We want always to take the initiative against our defenders, forcing them to react
against our behavior.
(Video of 1v1, shot, cuts & pass and follow)
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LESSON 19 OFFENSIVE PHILIOSOPHY 1 Aíto García Reneses
IMPORTANCE OF MOTION OFFENSE
When we ask players to play motion, they are going to go to their strengths and use
these. A player who is a good shooter only wants to shoot, he will never try to penetrate
or pass. A player who prefers to go right will only go right. This interpretation of free play
is incorrect because it means that everyone will do as they please and will not learn other
technical skills, they will not try new moves.
In a structured offense the same player sometimes will go right, and other times left, and
so he will diversify his game more. He will develop new skills which otherwise would not
be the case.
I have attempted to have motion as the basis of my teams offense however I have not
achieved this and ended up combining motion with set plays. I start the season working
on motion and attempt to go as far as possible with this. I tried to extend this work as
much as possible, because it was beneficial in and of itself as well as serving as a good
transition into our set plays. Most of our set plays were not very long, they had options
around 8 and 12 seconds in, and if we had not created a good scoring opportunity by then
we continued with our motion offense, always aiming for our players to understand the
game instead of play individually.
When you prepare your motion offense, this does not mean that every player does as he
wishes at all times, but you will have to think about your overall philosophy, the rules you
apply within your motion offense once you have decided what you wish to do. When
deciding on these you should keep the following in mind:
1. Whether you are working with a development or performance team
2. The type of players on the team (all small, good big men, poor big men, if you
have few or many big men etc.)
All of these will determine whether the motion offense will be with 5 out, 4 out 1 in, 3 out
2 in, or even 2 out 3 in. As a global philosophy our first intention should always be to
score an easy basket. The easiest basket is a layup, although there can be some
exceptions if for example we have a player or players who shoot very high percentages
from 4 meters or from the three point line, therefore when we talk about easy baskets we
are not only talking about layups.
The first second in a possession are always geared towards scoring an easy basket, as well
as making the defense work hard and drawing fouls. This easy basket can come from a
penetration, a cut or gaining good position inside.
We will start looking at perhaps the most common motion offense: 3 out 2 in lined up in a
1-2-2 (diagram 1). Initial rules for the inside players:
1. They cannot receive the ball unless their defender has helped and so they have
a clear path to the basket
2. They must help their teammates by setting blocks, clearing out and going
.
after the offensive rebound
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The player who is in possession of the ball must do the following:
1. Analyze whether he has an option to score
2. Analyze whether there is a teammate who is in a position with greater
advantage
During the offense the inside players will have the following options with regards to their
position on court:
1. One on each low post, initial alignment
2. Both on the same low post (diagram 2)
3. Both in the high post (diagram 3)
4. One in the low post and the other in the high post (diagram 4)
The aim for the perimeter player on the help side is to make it as difficult as possible for
his defender to see both man and ball. In order to achieve this he should make small cuts
(diagram 5) towards the baseline, or towards his defender. The goal is to prevent his
defender from helping on the ball.
The inside players should help the perimeter players. In diagram 6 the inside player
clears out when the perimeter player penetrates towards the baseline.
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In diagram 7 the inside player sets a screen for a cut from the help side. In diagram 8 a
screen is set to make it more difficult for the defense to recover. With the rules that the
inside players have, they are being encouraged to help their teammates.
The perimeter players can make the following cuts:
1. In diagram 9 the ball is passed to one side and then the guard sets a screen away
from the ball. The player who is being screened for cuts towards the basket, whilst the
screener continues to the wing
2. In diagram 10 the ball is passed to one side and then the guard sets a screen away
from the ball. The player who is being screened for is looking for an outside shot, whilst
the screener cuts towards the basket
3. Pass and cut. In diagram 11 the ball is passed to one side and then the guard makes a
basket cut. After this he can come out to the ball side or the help side
4. Lateral dribble in diagram 12. This can be used to play 1v1. Do not forget that the
minimum distance between outside players must be at least 4 meters
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From these rules 5v5 situations can be created, some of which we will look at below. If for
example an outside player dribble penetrates and an inside defender helps (diagram 13)
the offensive post can either open up to the corner or establish possession inside the
restricted area. If the other inside defender comes as the second line of help, the ball can
be passed to the other offensive post who is also trying to establish position in the
restricted area.
What we must not do is make a lateral lob pass (diagram 14). The exception only occurs
as illustrated in diagram 8 where the outside defender is helping and the post player sets
a screen on him. Otherwise this pass is very risky. Players must work on faking
movements to receive a pass:
1. Individually (diagram 15) inside-out and getting closer-further away
2. Using the post player (diagram 16)
The three outside players is developed using 3v3 drills. In diagram 17 we are working on
the off ball screen, with the offensive wing cutting towards the basket, the screener
continuing towards the perimeter and the passer choosing between his two options.
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Notes:
1. The player who is being screened for should walk his man into the screen
2. If the screener continues towards the wing he should be in a position to catch and shoot
without using any dribbles
3. The basket cut must be made at speed
In diagram 18 after the pass and screen away action, the player who is being screened
for is looking for an outside shot, whilst the screener makes a basket cut. Notes:
1. The timing of the screen is important
2. The player who is being screened for initially cuts towards the basket and then
changes direction when the screen is set
In diagram 19 we practice the pass and cut. The player who has made the pass makes a
basket cut, finishing with a layup if he can get a pass back. Notes:
1. It is important to confuse the defender
2. Create spacing from the ball before making the cut
3. The change of pace is important
Other
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
areas that must be worked on include:
Faking reception of the pass
Facing up to the basket
On the left hand side making a pass with the left hand
In order to learn moves they must be executed exactly as they are described
Back door cuts (diagram 20). The perimeter player makes a cut to get open at the
three point line, and then he immediately changes direction making a back door cut
towards the basket. The pass should be a bounce pass in order to improve the
passing angle
Clip 1 Movements Inside Players
Clip 2 Movements Outside Players
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LESSON 20 - OFFENSIVE PHILISOPHY: PENETRATE & KICK
ETTORE MESSINA
In the previous lesson we underlined the correct mental approach to the subject of the
1v1: the player with the ball must always be absolutely sure if he has to shoot, to drive to
the basket or to pass to an open teammate.
It is clear that the 1v1 is always the key of our offensive team game because if it is played
well it allows us to keep control and be a step ahead of the defense. Also the most
effective plays, if executed well can completely free one of our players for a high
percentage shot.
In other common scenarios, using a play or tactical organization, we can free up another
player because the defense is excessively out of balance on the best shooter, or that
player to whom we want to pass catches the ball only with a little advantage which he
must exploit at his best, driving to the basket, and afterwards shooting or passing the ball.
It is therefore possible to summarize by saying that an offensive player can start dribble
penetration if he is quicker or technically more skillful than his opponent (diagram 1),
having player well without ball, catching it therefore ahead of his opponent (diagram 2),
or having received a good screen by a teammate who has caused his opponent to be
delayed (diagram 3).
In the 1v1, when an offensive player beats a defender, every good defense will act
together to stop the penetration and to force the opponent to pass rather than give up an
easy shot. We know that the basic principle of the team's help wants the remaining four
defenders to go towards the “line of the ball” i.e. they move away from their man, to place
themselves nearest the player who is driving to the basket (diagram 4).
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So we try to make a wall in front of the player who is driving to the basket, in order to
force him to pass the ball to the furthest away player who's left free (diagram 5). If we
are able to stop the penetration, forcing the pass to the opponent furthest away from the
ball, not only will we avoid a basket, but also to “steal” some seconds to allow the player
who had been beaten to recover to his man or eventually rotate to another opponent.
Obviously, if the offensive players crowd together in a small space on the court, while
there is still a penetration and defensive rotation they will help their make their opponents
rotation a lot easier.
In diagram 6 a “border” situation is shown which often happens with young players:
while a player is driving to the basket trough the middle, a number of his teammates go to
the baseline, near the basket, to catch the ball or to capture a possible offensive rebound.
Their position is too overcrowded, obviously favoring the three defenders in their attempt
to make a wall that stops the penetration, making a pass almost impossible, and favoring
the recovery for the beaten defender. In similar cases, the defense won't have any
problem recovering, even if this occurs close to the basket.
If the same penetration came about with the teammates positioned as in diagram 7,
there would be a lot more space to cover by the defenders, and much more evident
passing lanes for the player driving to the basket, who could more easily choose between
a shot or a pass to an open teammate. It is clear that the work without the ball of the
other four players is fundamental to completely exploit an advantage obtained when
beating an opponent off the dribble.
A correct position on the court, with the needed distance among the four players without
the ball makes any defensive rotation very difficult, because it makes the recovery after
any help almost impossible. If there is the correct spacing, the dribble penetration is
doubly dangerous, because the player with the ball will always have the chance to finish
the play or to pass to a open teammate.
A first concept which can help to coach young players is that of the “clock rule”, so-called
by the late Vittorio Tracuzzi, a brilliant Italian coach.
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In diagram 8, we can see that in case of penetration along the baseline, the player on the
opposite side moves in the opposite direction of the line of penetration, giving a correct
passing lane to his teammate and at the same time, moving away from his opponent.
In a similar way as shown in diagram 9, in case of penetration in the center of the court,
it is better to have movement towards the baseline and behind the defense, because often
we can catch the ball near the basket.
The principle to move the ball in a direction opposite to the defensive rotation is the first
basic concept to train young players and it is used particularly for inside players, especially
when there is dribble penetration in the middle of the restricted area.
In diagram 10 we can see that the player in the low post position when his defender
moves to stop dribble penetration down the middle, moves along the baseline to receive a
pass, so making his opponent's recovery impossible, as he will catch the ball exactly
behind the beaten defender and the helping one. Strangely enough, a third defender
would need to help in order to stop the offense.
This kind of movement is obviously an alternative to a step outside the paint to catch and
shoot (diagram 11), which by the way would be impossible if the corner was already
taken by another offensive player (diagram 12).
If the “clock rule” is the basis of the movement without the ball, as it is based on the
fundamental principles to move in a direction opposite the defensive help and to play
behind the defenders, it is also important to remember the behavior of the other
teammates without the ball.
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In diagram 13 a common situation is illustrated. There are two guards on the dribble
penetration side, and they do not have enough space to move. A solution in these cases
can be to have the player closest to the baseline cut when the player makes his first
dribble of the penetration (and not after, to avoid a crowded restricted area). In doing this
he will leave space in the corner to his teammate closest to the ball. The same mechanism
is shown, with a different penetration line, in diagram 14.
As an alternative to the above mentioned idea, a back door cut could take place, always at
the first dribble of the penetration by the player closest to the ball. This cut could also
keep the defender of the offensive player closest to the baseline occupied, helping to open
up even more space (diagram 15).
In case of penetration on the side where the two teammates are, as a last chance the
player closest to the penetration, moves behind his teammate, who is driving to the
basket, clearly opposing the help movement of his own opponent (diagram 16).
This movement, apparently illogical and very similar to the “weave play” used by the
Yugoslav and Russian teams since the fifties, is very effective because it frees a player
without considering the behavior of the teammate closest to the baseline, it could create
an easy three point shot, and it cannot be guarded if the player dribble penetrates with
great conviction, attracting his teammate's opponent in a difficult help situation. I think
that if there is always an offensive player behind the player driving towards the basket, it
is extremely difficult for the defense to defend.
The American concept of a “safety”, used above all against the full court press with double
teams in order to give a sure outlet pass to the player who is in trouble (diagram 17), is
used in a very effective way in the half court.
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Each time our player attacks driving to the basket, it is very important to give some
passing lanes diagonally on the help side (diagram 18) but also behind the penetration
line, in a position that is almost always left uncovered by the defense (diagram 19).
The player who gets behind the penetration line can be on the three point line if he is a
good shooter, or he can place himself at the top of the elbow if he is not a good shooter or
if he is a big man. He can be an immediate or an indirect danger, immediate thanks to a
good percentage shot, indirect because he can offer a quick reversal of the ball allowing to
keep the offensive initiative, without giving the defense time to reorganize after having
absorbed the first penetration attempt.
Therefore it is essential to underline that at a good defensive level, it will be more difficult
for the offensive action to finish with a penetration and kick for a good shot.
The offensive player penetration puts pressure on the defense, forcing it to collapse to
avoid an easy basket, then recover and close out. Therefore, the two concepts of team
offense become essential. The first one: the dribbling player who drives to the basket after
having passed the ball, must continue his cut without the ball, freeing himself immediately
to catch the ball in an area in which he can be dangerous. In diagram 20 a typical action
is shown for many valuable point guards and shooting guards.
The guard, after having penetrated to the baseline and passed to his open teammate
diagonally, continues his cut until the corner. Often when the defense is recovering at a
disadvantage towards the player who has caught the ball on the first pass, does not
defend the player making the initial penetration who can catch and shoot an uncontested
shot. Players such as JR Holden, Trajan Langdon or Ramunas Siskauskas are masters in
exploiting their own 1v1 in this way.
In diagram 21 there is a similar situation in which the two illustrated principles are
combined. After the dribble penetration in the middle and the kick out to the right, the ball
is quickly reserved by a player who is behind the penetration line back to the player who,
having finished the penetration has gone out to the corner, far away from the ball.
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In diagram 22 a combination: dribble penetration in the middle, a kick out to a player
who has followed behind the penetration, new dribble penetration to further pressure the
defense and a quick pass out to the teammate who has gone to the corner.
Then we can see how the completion of the move without the ball has no impact
whatsoever, whereas not stopping in the paint once having kicked out the ball is of
fundamental importance to avoid dangerous jams which would favor the defense.
The second important concept is that often the first penetration collapses the defense and
not necessarily puts the offense in a position to shoot. It is also true that this has obliged
defensive rotation, and therefore the player who has received the pass will probably be
guarded by his opponent, while all the other defenders reoccupying a correct defensive
position.
Right in the moment in which the defense is reorganizing itself, a second penetration can
take place, allowing us to go to the basket or allow a teammate to shoot the ball.
So remember that, at a good defensive level, it's never the first penetration that allows us
to finish the play, but almost always the second or even the third one.
The Yugoslav and Russian teams have for years been masters in this careful work of
penetration, kick out, further penetration, kick out that exhausts the defense from a
technical, but even more from a psychological point of view, because here the offensive
players show their master level not only technically, but also in the rhythm of the game.
The continuous pressing of the offense (with penetration), and pressure on the guards
(with passing), forces the defense to incessantly work on 1v1, collapsing, closing out,
recovering, and after some seconds an error will take place that allows an easy shot. In
the same respect, a dribble penetration where the offensive player does not have his up
almost always leads to a forced shot or a turnover. Patience and rhythm in the offense are
essential to be able to play a “penetrate & kick” game well.
There are many situations that can be reproduced using drills in practice from 2v2 to 4v4.
Over the years I have found that that only allowing small portions of the court to be used
therefore reducing the space available for the offensive players is useful, as it insist on
players catching the ball and playing in a quick way.
A first possibility in show in diagram 23, with 2v2 taking place on a quarter court. After
the penetration, the player who passes the ball will have to quickly spread out to not jam
the small portion of the court at their disposal, risking to block his teammate's action
(diagram 24).
We can further reduce the available space, playing 3v3, always on a quarter court. In this
way, the speed in small spaces, both in cutting and in passing, dribbling and shooting, will
be considerably put under pressure.
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It could also be interesting to diagonally split the half court along an imaginary line
(diagram 25). In this case, we will have to improvise to find an opening for the offensive
movements. The limited space available to the offense is normally needed. This can
among other things stress the use of the pass behind the penetration (diagram 26).
Finally, it is important to distinguish between two situations: the use of the dribble
penetration inside a particular offensive mechanism (for example a set play) where the
offensive player will create an advantage over his defender, and an offensive philosophy
based on the use of the “penetrate & kick”. It is not rare to see teams in the second case
played too much on the perimeter without any real alternatives to the jump shot.
Also in this kind of game, a right balance between the outside game and inside game is
essential: we must teach our players to keep an eye on the inside players, remembering
the need to mix passes around the perimeter with passes penetrating into the restricted
area.
Very often, the moment in which after making a pass outside, the defense spreads out
again is the best moment for our big men to step into the restricted area particularly if
their defender has left them to help (diagram 27).
A right mixture between dribble penetrations and penetrations by a good pass to the
inside players and outside passes to the shooters can make the offense almost
unbeatable.
A last precise definition: a fundamental aid for the player who penetrates in the paint
against an aggressive defense is the jump shot off the dribble. A strong one step stop
(jump stop) allows physical self control, and an almost always perfect choice between
shooting or passing, avoiding a charge foul or a forced solution. The great offensive player
always has this third dimension, besides the set shot and the lay-up in his technical
background.
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REMEMBER
·
A correct spacing among players without the ball makes dribble penetration a lot
more effective, giving different passing possibilities.
(Video of penetration with spaces on court)
· Concept of the “clock rule”: go in the opposite direction of the defensive rotation,
to make their recovery very difficult.
(Video of rotation in the opposite direction of the defensive rotation)
· Move in co-ordination with the player who penetrates but also with other
teammates. Give a passing lane diagonally compared to the penetration and behind
the penetration itself.
· Whoever drives to the basket, after passing must continue his cut running outside
the restricted area, to exploit any occasion to receive a pass and shoot.
· The second penetration, if not the third, kills the defense.
(Video of penetration and kick followed by a second penetration and a basket)
· Mix the penetration and kick with inside-outside passes.
(Video of penetration and kick followed by an inside pass into the low post, an
outside pass and a shot)
· Use a jump shot to finish off the penetration!!!
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LESSON 21 - OFFENSIVE PHILOSOPHY 2 Aito García Reneses
IMPORTANCE OF MOTION OFFENSE – INSIDE PLAYERS ROLES
Continuing with motion offense, we initially were working with three out and two in, but
now we will look at including the inside players as part of the motion offense. The first
thing the centre should do is not to demand the ball, but to gain position inside (dia. 21).
If there is a good ¾ fronting defense, the ball can be passed to the high post in order to
be entered into the low post (diagram 22). The player must initiate contact using his
body and this way can gain an advantage in such reduced space.
If the defender attempts to recover going over the high side, the offensive player should
pivot and gain position along the baseline (diagram 23). At this time a bounce pass can
be made from the high post in order to improve the passing angle.
In the last part of this development, we will modify the goal of the 5v5 situation, by
having the outside players work for the inside players, who in the latter case are trying to
gain position.
Once the ball is passed into the low post, the first thought for the offensive player is to
play 1v1. If help comes and he is stopped will he then look to pass the ball.
INTERESTING SITUATIONS IN THE 5v5
The outside player after passing the ball into the low post should not stay in the same position, as
this will facilitate his defender to help in the low post and recover easily, so therefore he can either
(diagram 24):
1. Create space by moving towards the point (a)
2. Create space by moving towards the corner (b)
3. Make a basket cut (c)
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A good 2v2 drill in order to improve the coordination between the two inside players is
displayed in diagram 25. The ball is passed inside and the centre plays 1v1. His
teammate will look to create a passing lane, reading whether his defender goes to help
inside or not. If a shot is attempted, his teammate has to gain position to go after the
offensive rebound.
An important rule to introduce for inside players in our motion offense is that when the
ball is at the high post, no outside player can be behind him at the point. This is because if
the high post player begins to dribble penetrate, a defender immediately behind him may
steal the ball. Not only this, but if O1 relocates after passing the ball (diagram 26) and
his defender helps, O1 will be open to receive the ball back.
Aside from the details listed above, I would like to remind you that the goal is to improve
the players fundamentals, something that cannot be achieved alone by working on a
structured offense or a motion offense. We want to motivate players learning coherently.
That our words are confirmed with actions. You cannot be a defensively oriented team if
during the game you have your five best offensive players on the court.
Motion offense should be worked on in the preseason. During the season I can use it to
deal with end of possession situation and we have not already created a good scoring
opportunity running a play(s).
We also use this to work on our team defense during practices thanks to the
understanding that our players gain of motion offense.
REMEMBER
Respect spacing: The minimum distance between outside players is 4 meters. If players
are any closer to each other there is a limitation to the amount of space in which players
can dribble penetrate, and facilitate defenders to help.
Use of the dribble: The dribble is used to penetrate. If this is not the case, it should only
be used to improve passing angles. Two dribbles in the same position is useless.
Shoot if your defender has sagged: If a penetration and kick occurs or the ball is passed to
a cutting player, the player receiving the ball must shoot if his defender is sagging off. In
this situation the offensive player should not dribble penetrate.
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LESSON 22 - PICK & ROLL - Ettore Messina
In modern basketball the pick & roll is used by all teams, usually by having a big man
setting a screen for a guard who is in possession of the ball.
Until relatively recently the pick & roll was used almost always in the last seconds of a
play, if the set play had not reached a positive conclusion. Now it is an action that is used
often, and not only as a last hope.
A good execution of the pick & roll game should foresee both the play on the ball side and
also what happens on the help side with the three players not directly involved in the pick
& roll.
The classic hypothesis of the pick & roll wants a player with the ball on the free throw line
extended, and a teammate who runs and sets a screen for him. I do not like the action to
occur very close to the baseline, because I think that it is more effective to give the
dribbler two penetrations lines rather that only one (diagrams 1-2).
It is important that the screener waits for the ball to get to the player being screened and
he will quickly set the pick. Speed is necessary to surprise the defense, and to prevent
that they take the correct help position.
I want the picker to take a position very close to the defender, with his toes pointing
towards the corner of the court, with the defender's inside shoulder perpendicular to his
chest, and so with his shoulder he can “surround” the defender (diagram 3).
When the pick is set in a good way, I want the ball handler to fake a little towards the
opposite direction (to make his own defender off balance), and then to start dribbling
towards the pick.
As in the case of a screen for a player without the ball, the ball handler will have different
possibilities according to how the defense behaves.
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In diagram 4, we can see that if the defender is screened off and there is no help, the
dribbler can directly turn the corner and attack the basket. If there is a defensive switch it
is vital to spread the court with the dribble and to create a passing angle to get the ball to
the big man who is being defended by a guard, as he rolls to the basket (diagram 5) or for
the guard to play 1v1 against a defender who is usually taller and slower.
In this second case some guards if guarded by a big man, and if they have enough time, prefer take
a central position to play 1v1 with the possibility of different passing lanes, in case of defensive help
(diagram 6).
As an alternative to the defensive switch, the dribbler's defender can pass between the screeners
and the screener’s defender (diagram 7), or even go behind both the screen and his teammate,
especially if the ball handler is not a good outside shooter (diag. 8).
In both cases we ask the dribbler to be ready to take his jump shot behind the pick, or we will teach
the picker to “re-pick” and immediately set another pick (diagram 9).
The use of this new pick usually opens a penetration lane towards the basket or, in the
worst case allows the dribbler to at least finish with a jump shot from a closer distance
compared to the position he was originally. It is fundamental, especially with younger
players to teach how to “re-pick” the defender who attempts to take advantage of our
teammate's poor shooting ability.
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The last choice the defense have is to “hedge and recover” in order to delay the ball
handlers dribble, giving his teammate the possibility to recover (diagram 10). In this
case we teach the dribbler to keep the ball with at least two dribbles, opening spaces on
the court with a backwards dribble, then to dribble penetrate so the helping defender will
be uncertain about how and when he must recover to his direct opponent. I also ask the
picker to keep the pick until his teammate goes past his outside shoulder, and then to turn
quickly (with a forward or reverse roll according to his own characteristics) towards the
basket (diagram 11).
The right moment to pass to the player rolling towards the basket will vary according to
his skills, to his shooting range, to his dribbling ability, and finally, to the behavior of the
help side defenders.
If there is a center on the help side, and the defense makes a rotation with X5 and X4
switching it is clear that if X4 begins far away from the basket the defensive rotation will
be almost impossible (diagrams 12-13).
If the ball handler does not have the patience to wait until O4 goes towards the basket, or
spreads out for a shot or if, even worse, he does not go to a more central position as in
diagram 13, there will not be the possibility to spread the offense and so the defense will
have an easier job to recover.
Having looked at a first simple defensive rotation, we reach the subject of the other
players' position on the help side. I must say that I prefer to see very open players on the
help side. These should be ready to take advantage of the spaces given by the defense,
instead of setting screens of their own as in diagram 14. The action illustrated in this
diagram is certainly effective, but at the same time it causes a crowded restricted area. If
the ball handler drives to the basket, he might be stopped by the crowded situation,
effectively helping the defense.
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Now that it is clear that the shooters spot up on the help side, let us look at the
possibilities for the second big man. If the pick & roll action is on or under the free throw
line extended, we can use the second big man in a high post position. This makes a
defensive rotation between X4 and X5 almost impossible should the defense double team
or play the pick & roll very aggressively (diagram 15). In the illustrated diagram, the two
guards without the ball will have to get to the help side in the wing and corner positions,
and not the high post, thus allowing the defense to adapt (diagram 16).
Maybe it is unnecessary to point out that the action in question is even more effective if
the two big men are good shooters from the high post position, because this can open big
spaces particularly in the restricted area for cuts or penetrations.
Another change is to have the second big man close to the basket, especially if he is a
powerful player. In this case the two guards positions on the help side and the penetration
lines with and without the ball will change (diagram 17).
Once we have decided which is our favorite formation based on the characteristics of the
available players, in practice we can work both 3v3 (for example a guard and two big
men, as in diagram 18 and 4v4 (diagrams 19-20) to improve the “reading” of the
defense and to play without the ball.
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In diagram 19 we can see, for example, a situation in which the defense, having defended
the pick & roll well, strongly denies the receiver. In this case, the player closer to the
action if overplayed can go backdoor, creating therefore space for dribble penetration of
the ball handler, or for a catch by the player in the corner who will go up towards the free
throw line extended.
If the defense decides to force the dribbler towards the baseline, away from the pick,
keeping the inside help position with the picker's defender (diagram 21) this forces a
different read by the offense. In this case, I think that the offense will surely be more
effective if O1 makes two or three dribbles towards the baseline, to bring the defense
towards him. This is the automatic signal for O4 to cut towards the basket behind his
defender. Obviously X5 will have to help on O4, leaving O5 free to flash towards the elbow
on the ball side. O2 and O3 will stay on the help side to catch the ball, thanks to a quick
reversal, and then they can shoot, drive to the basket, or pass to a big man in the paint
(diagrams 22-23).
This allows good spacing to take the initiative, so making the defense help and a solid
defensive rotation more difficult. To get favorable spacing, we can use a pick & roll in a
central position with two shooters in the corners (diagram 24).
The game amongst O1, O4 and O5 can change if we prefer to reverse the position after
the pick & roll (diagram 25) or if we prefer the contrary (diagram 26). In this case the
two shooters will exploit any help on the big men by their defenders.
Also in the case of a central pick & roll, the dribbler's action will depend on the defense. If
the defense goes behind or over the pick or switches, the ball handler will decide to shoot,
drive to the basket or to spread the court using a pass.
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The pick & roll position is important, in this case, to be more dangerous, because the
defense cannot clearly set a strong side and a help side, so the help defenders will be in
trouble.
REMEMBER
·
Position on the court: free throw line extended. Picker’s position: perpendicular to
the shoulder of the defender “surrounding” him with his own body.
(Video)
·
Does the defense go behind? Shoot a jump shot or re-pick the defender on the other side.
·
·
Does the defense go over? Drive to the basket.
Defensive switch? Spread out for 1v1 (guard against big man) or pass to the big man being defended by
a guard.
(Videos of each situation)
·
Does the defense hedge and recover? Keep the dribble alive and give time to the picker to roll towards
the basket or to the wing for a shot.
(Video)
·
Does the defense force baseline? Big men switch and reversal of the ball.
(Video)
·
Help side: it is better for our shooters to spot up and to choose which position we prefer for the second
big man (high post or low post).
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LESSON 23 - PICK & ROLL Aíto García Reneses
The day that FC Barcelona won the Euroleague title in 2003 I wrote an article analyzing
the details that I considered vital in order to understand why they had defeated Benetton
Treviso.
I remember that one of the most important details was the way that Sarunas Jasikevicius
(then the starting point guard for FC Barcelona) read the pick & roll during the game. He
was able to see everything that happened on the court very well, which was very good
considering that the goal of the defense was to take away his scoring options in the pick &
roll.
Benetton attempted this by double teaming him when the pick & roll took place
perpendicular to the three point line (diagram 1), and forcing him to go baseline
(diagram 2) when he was already close to one of the sidelines. If the pick & roll took
place in the center of the floor and the defensive inside player was quick, they would
hedge & recover (diagram 3).
These three defensive options were very well executed by Benetton as they were able to
take Jasikevicius out of the game, finishing with 8 points and 1/6 from the three point line,
where he normally is more effective.
Jasikevicius was however able to pass the ball to the player rolling from the screen
(diagram 4) for the most part Gregor Fucka but also Roberto Duenas, or to his
teammates who were left open due to the defensive rotations following the double team
(diagram 5). Rodrigo De La Fuente, the least offensive player on the team and therefore
the one who the defense tended to leave open more often was one of the main
beneficiaries of this, scoring more points than he averages.
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This example is useful to highlight the two main goals of the pick & roll:
1. The pick & roll can be a move leading directly to a score, depending on how the defense
reacts. I am taking for granted that everyone is familiar with how to setup the pick & roll,
and what the two players should do in order for the action to succeed. The ball handler
can finish with a jump shot (diagram 6) if his defender goes under the screen. He can
finish with a layup (diagram 7) if his defender chases over the screen. In the 2003 Final
Benetton Treviso took both of these options away from Jasikevicius thanks to their
excellent execution.
2. Over the course of time and with the improvement in advance scouting at the elite level
it is increasingly difficult for the pick & roll alone to lead to a direct score. The use of an
isolated pick & roll is only really at the end of the shot clock if the play has not lead to a
scoring opportunity. It has now become an integrated part of offensive sets in order to
create an advantage from which the offensive team will then look to score. Most
professional teams have different sets in their playbook that includes the pick & roll.
The pick & roll is usually included in the first few or last few seconds of the offense
depending on the goal. This may be for example to create an advantage on one side of the
court, forcing the defense to be off balanced and then pass the ball into the help side low
post thanks to a good ball rotation, with the defense unable to recover in time (diagram
8).
It can also be used towards the end of the possession in order to get the ball to our best
shooter for a high percentage shot on his preferred side of the court opposite the pick &
roll (diagram 9).
It is also possible to run a pick & roll preferably in the center of the court, or at most in
the wing position forcing the defense to react and then depending on the way they defend
it finding the best way to score.
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This last option has always been a preferred choice of mine in order to help educate my
players. Using the pick & roll without being under pressure to score at the end of the
possession, reading the defense and then applying the taught concepts has been good for
my teams.
The motion offense concepts that I have reiterated must always be worked on regardless
of the level of the team, age and quality of the players can be applied in the pick & roll
because our players will have to apply their knowledge depending on how the defense
reacts.
I believe it is very important for the offense to take the initiative in order for the pick & roll
to succeed. This means:
1. The two players directly involved in the pick & roll must technically execute it well.
2. The two players must correctly read the defense and see which options (there always
exist) the defense leaves open.
3. The other three players must move in order to find the open spaces so that the ball
handler has the largest number of passing lanes available.
As you know I always demand that my team work to their limit, always. As a result I like
to apply concepts that force my players to be concentrated and working at a high
intensity. A few years ago my team started working on a defense named “blue” which
involved an aggressive run and jump double team (diagram 10) on the ball handler
anytime he was involved in a pick & roll and he was a player who we did not want to be
handling the ball as we believed him to be the most productive offensive player (either a
scoring guard or a very good passing guard). This defense was intended to take the
initiative away from the offense and was very effective.
In fact it was not only beneficial to our defense but also our OFFENSE! When other teams
began to use it against us, our guards were accustomed to seeing it in practice and so
were able to read the defense and without losing the initiative continue with our offense.
Finally, I would like to talk about one way to defend the pick & roll which tends to take
away an immediate scoring opportunity, but creates the possibility of having great
advantages later, and that is the switch between the inside and outside defenders
(diagram 11) which many teams currently use.
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If executed correctly, this defense prevents the ball handler from finishing the play
immediately, but if the offense maintains the initiative and waits for the correct moment it
can find an inside player defended by a guard in the low post (diagram 12) or one of our
outside players able to play an isolated 1v1 against a bigger, slower defender (diagram
13).
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LESSON 24 - USING SCREENS
When teaching how to use screens, it is very important to progressively teach the
progressions used in the explanation of the fundamentals, and take care of the details,
especially by emphasizing the correct foot work, the right use of spaces and the rhythm of
the action.
When we set a screen for a player, our goal is to obtain an advantage with regards to
space or time, to take a shot or to play 1v1 against an opponent who is late. If we do not
shoot immediately, it is very important to keep this advantage over the defense, not
wasting anything that we have achieved.
The “main concepts” in our teaching of using screens are two:
1. When we set a screen, we always want that both the screener and the player being
screened for to create two passing lanes to their teammate who has the ball.
2. Often the player setting the screen will be open if he takes advantage of the right
defensive movement that wants to prevent an easy reception of the ball for the player
being screened for. In fact, many offensive sets require that a good shooter starts the
action screening for a teammate, then quickly turns towards the ball and receives it.
The player being screened for must work without the ball; this is very important for the
success of the action. At the beginning I want him to take a position far from the screener,
where his defender cannot see him and the ball at the same time (diagram 1). After
trying to catch the ball, he could change direction and speed, to exploit his teammate's
screen (diagram 2).
Some players, such as the excellent shooter Trajan Langdon, while they are coming off the
screen temporarily check their movement so the defender following them will be closer,
and just in that moment they start again with a burst of speed and a distance advantage
(diagram 3).
This technique, during the hesitation moment allows a clearer reading of the defense, but
it is a useless choice if the offensive player is already far from and with a great advantage
over his opponent.
How should the player being screened for behave? Everything depends on the behavior of
the defense. If his defender gets screened off and the screener's defender does not
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switch, our player must stop behind the screen, catch the ball and shoot, while the
screener moves to a good position for the rebound (diagram 4).
If there is a defensive switch, (diagram 5) we ask the player being screened for to spread
out towards the three point line, to give some space to the screener to turn towards the
ball, keeping an advantageous position over the defender who has been screened off.
It is really important that the screened player, in the case of a defensive switch, does not
stop, not to overcrowd an area on the court in which there are at least three offensive
players and their respective defenders. If he spreads out towards the three point line, he
has the possibility to make a back door cut in case the screener catches the ball (diagram
6).
If the defender of the player being screened for decides to “follow” him, we must teach
the “curl” move, which is to turn around the screen to catch the ball or to give some space
to the screener who, afterwards has stepped out (diagram 7).
If the defense “runs after” the shooter, the payer should go to the top of the restricted
area, allowing the screener to take a step towards the baseline to receive a lob pass
(diagram 8) or a pass from the ball handler in the case that his own defender has faked
the switch (diagram 9).
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In diagram 9 we notice that if the defense runs after the shooter, the screener changes
the angle of the screen. Pivoting away from the shooter's defender (diagram 10) he
takes a position that is perpendicular to his teammate. This way he has more space to
make a curl and a quick step towards the baseline or towards the basket to receive a
pass.
We might teach similar footwork to the screener when the shooter's defender decides to
go over the screen or between the screener and the screener's defender. In this case we
teach the shooter to stop a second behind the screen, then to step out to the corner, with
his back to the corner and his feet already towards the basket while he is catching the
ball.
We insist a lot that the shooter does not receive the ball with his back to the baseline
because in this case once he has the ball, he must face the basket before he shoots,
allowing his defender to recover (diagram 11).
When the screener sees that his teammate stops behind him to go to the corner, he must
change the screening angle pivoting away off his left foot (diagram 12). This way he is a
greater obstacle to the defender, can offer a possible passing lane to his teammate with
the ball, and only when the ball is in the corner will he try to roll to the basket to offer his
teammate a new passing lane (diagram 13).
Using the screen it is very important to offer the player with the ball two possibilities to
pass, but the position of the screen is much more important.
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If the defender follows the shooter, this one and the teammate should try to set the
screen as close as possible to the baseline, to give the player, who probably will make a
curl inside the restricted area more space (diagrams 14-15). If the defender chooses to
go “through” or “over” the screen, the action will be further away from the baseline to give
the shooter enough space for a fade away movement (diagrams 16-17).
To take the correct decision it is essential that the two offensive players read their
opponent's defense, avoiding looking only at the teammate with the ball. One of the most
important components of the game without the ball, (unfortunately very neglected in all
age groups), is to avoid looking too much at the ball, and to read the defense. The timely
reading of the defense is very useful also for the player with the ball, to choose which kind
of pass to execute.
In diagram 12 (fade movement of the shooter) the pass is a two handed (skip) pass over
the head: this pass must start when the shooter is working to get open.
If the player with the ball begins the passing action when the shooter is already open, the
ball will arrive late, allowing the defender's recovery. The secret of good execution is to
move the ball quickly, while the teammate is finishing his cut. We use very simple drills to
train our players to correctly read screening action.
In diagram 18, there are two lines of players, a support and an assistant coach who has
a clear defensive behavior when he is screened: he either stays close to the screen, goes
over the screen or he follows the shooter.
The support (who is always a player) must choose therefore the right pass to make to the
shooter who, depending on the defense, will curl or fade.
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A similar drill must be done with a defender on the screener to stimulate the player being
screened for, to pay attention to the other defenders and not to his own (diagram 19),
the passer could also throw a lob pass to the screener, who goes to the basket if his
defender helps too much on the shooter.
The teaching progression goes on with 2v2 and a support player who passes the ball, until
we arrive to play 3v3. The methodology we have used for the vertical screen (the game
for the screened player, for the screener, two passing lines for the passer) can be used for
every kind of screen, allowing therefore a simplification of the didactics.
In case of a pass and “screen away” action the footwork of the player being screened for
will be key again, and the behavior of the defense will dictate how the action should
continue.
If the defender is screened off, our player should step out to shoot, or in the case of a
defensive switch (diagram 20) leave room for the screener who will roll to the basket. If
the defense runs after the shooter (“chases”), our player should curl with the screener
who steps back to the ball (diagram 21).
Finally, if the defender wants to go between his opponent and the screener, it will be
suitable to fade with the screener rolling to the basket (diagram 22). In this case as well,
the screener might change the screening angle to help the shooter coming off and fading
away.
The teaching progression with situations of 2v0, 2v1 (the defender on the screener or on
the player being screened for), 2v2 always with a support who passes the ball, and finally
3v3 is similar to that we saw before.
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Only in the case of a back screen must we take care of one detail. Differently from what
happens in the other situations of a direct screen, the screened player will turn his first
steps towards the ball, to provoke a greater defensive aggressiveness, and then he will
change direction and speed, to go to the basket (diagram 23).
This lesson has been dedicated to the teaching of screening without the ball, whilst pick &
rolls will be addressed in another lesson. In the lesson dedicated to the tempo of the game
and to spacing, I will analyze how the use of some screens rather than others influences
the fluency of a team’s game.
REMEMBER
·
When we have set a screen we always want to give two passing lanes because
often the screener will be open.
·
When faced with a defensive switch the defense should be spread and the screener
given space to turn and catch the ball.
·
Does the defense “follow” or “chase”? In this situation we change the screening
angle and curl.
·
Does the defense go over the screen? In this situation we change the screening
angle and fade.
·
The player who has the ball has to look at the defenders of both of his teammates
involved in the screening action, the player being screened for must read what his
defender and the screener's defender do.
Clip 1
Clip 2
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LESSON 25 - OFFENSIVE CONCEPTS 1: 2 OUT 3 IN Aito García Reneses
GENERAL CONCEPTS
The idea of playing with three inside and two out is not new. Depending on the
characteristics of the 3 this can be used more or less during a game. Basketball has
evolved a great deal, particularly in the improvement of players physical conditioning and
defense. A few years ago the inside players were the offensive focus, but this has changed
due to improved defense, more anticipation and help, double teaming and triple teaming
etc.
The center has evolved to become the typical big man with few skills who rebounds or
receives the ball inside to pivot and shoot. Basketball has become less spectacular over
the years as defenses have been keyed to shut down the opposing center. The three point
line when it was introduced offered more space to the inside players due to the increased
spacing among players.
When playing with a big 3 (in the past I had Andres Jimenez at FC Barcelona and now
Carlos Jimenez at Unicaja), the goal is not only to score from the three point line but also
create more space for the inside players. This way our inside players can have a wider
repertoire.
The reality is that we are trying to score from the three point line, and if they do not allow
us then pass the ball inside. If the defense collapses, then we will pass the ball out again
looking for a three point attempt. In the case of being in a good position, capturing an
offensive rebound and kicking the ball out quickly another three point attempt can be
made, whilst maintaining good offensive rebound positioning.
TEAM CHARACTERISTICS
1. Outside players who are good shooters from long range
2. Small forwards (3) who can play in the low post and are good passers
3. Inside players who are good passers and have a back to the basket low post game
An important reason to develop this type of game is that it is different to what other
teams execute. When any team is faced with “something different”, they are obliged to
prepare specifically for this and this causes them an inconvenience.
The opposing small forward has to defend in the low post and this is something he is not
used to. At the same time one of our “bigs” has to defend the perimeter, but we can work
on this during the entire season so that it becomes a habit and is only a minor problem for
us.
OPTIONS
At the start of the season we have to use our motion offense as much as possible, and
then gradually reduce the freedom of our players depending on what they are able to take
on. We can then focus on two different types of play:
1. Motion offense for the three inside players
2. Motion offense for the two outside players
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FORMATION
O3, O4 & O5 all operate around the restricted area, in the high post, mid post or low post.
Their positions are interchangeable. O1 & O2 are always outside the three point line. They
can both be on the same side of the floor, although this will not be the case very often.
When one of them approaches the baseline he should change sides (diagram 1).
MOTION OFFENSE FOR THE THREE INSIDE PLAYERS – CREATING SCORING
OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE OUTSIDE PLAYERS
The three inside players can move freely, however they should create scoring
opportunities for the outside players. There are fundamentally two ways to do this:
1. Off ball screens on the help side. This involves screening off the help side defender and
skipping the ball quickly (diagram 2).
2. On ball screens. This involves setting an on ball screen once or several times (diagram
3).
With these simple movements it is possible to create good three point shots. We are
always looking for the shot and not dribble penetration. With one or two inside players it is
possible to dribble penetrate, but with three it should be avoided because there is a lot of
traffic underneath the basket.
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MOTION OFFENSE FOR THE TWO OUTSIDE PLAYERS – CREATING SCORING
OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE INSIDE PLAYERS
This is easier to achieve if your opponents are concerned about giving up three point
baskets. The outside players should work to pass the ball inside, generally to the mid post
which is the best position to pass to.
If the inside player cannot receive the ball because the perimeter defender is sagging,
then the bal handler must shoot the ball. If he cannot receive the ball because his
defender is fronting him, then both he and the ball handler have to move in order to
create a better passing angle. This will force the help side inside defender to move, and so
by skipping the ball quickly it can be passed into the mid post on the help side (diagram
4). If the ball is passed inside the offensive post should play 1v1 whilst his two inside
teammates look to gain good offensive rebounding position.
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LESSON 26 - LOW POST GAME Ettore Messina
One of the most frequent offensive action is to give the ball to a player in the low post
position. This player cam be a center or a power-forward, therefore used to playing with
his back towards the basket, or he can be a forward guarded by a smaller or a physically
less powerful opponent. This last possibility, (usually called mis-match) has been even
more exploited by many teams, since the defensive “no hand-checking” rule has been
stressed.
Not being allowed to use the hands and arms to oppose an offensive player near the
basket, many coaches, in their own offensive system, have looked for frequent
possibilities of post-up for the players who are technically and/or physically stronger.
In case we get the ball to these players in the low post position, we have two main goals:
to play at or on one with a high percentage scoring opportunity or, in case of defensive
helps, to give the ball to the guards for an easy three points shot.
In 1984, the introduction of the three points shot increased the big men participation at
the game creation; and if there is defensive help or doubleteam, they must be ready to
read the defensive rotation with an effective out let pass.
The ball can get to the post (or to the player in low post position) in static or dynamic
situations.
In the first case the post is already on the wanted position, and with a small footwork,
using above all his physical power, he keeps the defender in a position where he cannot be
denied from receiving the pass. In this case the ball, is “brought” ti his side, so he can
catch the ball where he prefers (diagram 1 and 2).
In the second case, the player goes towards the ball with quick cuts to surprise the
defense, or a teammate sets a pick for him (diagram 3 and 4). Also in this case, the
coach must rely on the knowledge he has of his players' technicals and physical
characteristics to use the most effective system: generally, also for high level players, I
prefer to limit standing one on one situations, and therefore, I like better actions in which,
while men and ball are moving, we try to give the ball to a teammate in low post position.
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Apart from the fact the low post is already taking position on the ball side, or that he cuts
towards the ball, I always teach my players to look for a lining up among the ball, the
basket and their position (diagram 5).
The reason is very simple: if the offensive player takes position over or under this
imaginary line, the defender can easily place himself to one side, obstructing an easy
catch. The player with the ball will have to dribble or to use a passing triangle with a
teammate, in order to find the right passing angle (diagram 6 and 7).
In case the defender is on the side, the lining up of the low post with the teammate with
the ball and the basket guarantees an immediate passing angle, making the move quicker
(diagram 8).
In practice I use a simple drill shown in diagram 9.
Two lines, balls in the central one: the first player moves dribbling on the low post side, he
finds the right lining up and passes the ball while he's passively stopped by a teammate or
by an assistant.
If the dribbler moves to the position opposite the team-mate's, this one will cut a towards
the ball and so he'll guarantee the lining up (diagram 10).
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I insist on the fact that, in this second case, both movements are not done at the same
time, but always one after the other, in order to make the lining up more simple, because
a player will have a clear reference points in his teammate's position.
If the post's defender chooses to stay in side position, the lining up among the ball, the
low post and the basket, guarantees that the pass becomes a scoring pass, that is to stay
a pass that takes straight to the basket, with a simple receiving and continuation to the
basket along the side not covered by the defense.
To avoid that, the low post's defender will be able to choose to place himself behind or in
front of his opponent.
In this second case, we have two possibilities to give the ball to our center. In the first
case, (diagram 11), the low post makes a “sealing” movement (whose techniques is not
subject to debate in this moment) to receive a lob pass towards the baseline. This solution
can bring to an easy scored basket, but in my opinion it has a big handicap: the low post
concentrates his attention on the ball, turning his back on almost the entire court, risking
not to notice how the defense behaves, in case of defensive help on the weak side,
making therefore charge fouls, or however, taking shots from difficult positions (diagram
12).
In diagram 12, obviously when the low post is catching the ball, he can be closed in a
grip by the defender of the low post on the weak side, finding himself with his back turned
to most of his teammates, and therefore he will have a lot of difficulty both to shoot and
to pass the ball. So, in case the low post is frontally guarded, I think it's easier to try to
give him a “side” at the top of the key or at the guard position in order to create a passing
triangle.
The advantage of a situation as in diagram 13 is clear: making a passing triangle, the
low post, after making and offensive box out on his defender, will catch the ball having an
overview of the whole court, neutralizing possible defensive helps, and being to drive to
the basket with major chance of success.
The need to make an extra pass, giving the ball to the low post, is widely balanced out by
the major change, guaranteed by the better spacing at the offensive players' disposal.
The passing triangle can be formed with a big man or a guard. If the last pass is from the
central position, this triangle can be very favourable, because, with the ball in this position
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