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Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Basketball: Offensive Actions on the Weak Side

"I can't think for everyone." - Bill Parcells

Everyone likes to be involved but offense is not a democracy. Find balance by involving players on the weak side. At the very least, it occupies weakside defenders. Foremost, we attack opposing defenses to create advantages.

Good options:
Weak side single screens
Weak side stagger screens (e.g. Iverson)
Weak side sequence screens
Weak side cutters with or without screens
Elevator screens




After "standing" (not advised), the simplest (and non-aggressive) approach is cutting through and rotating. At least that preserves driving options for 5 (if that applies).



Consider simple weakside single screening actions, "Hammer" left and what I'll call "Tongs" right. 



Many teams defend pass and screen away actions poorly. Defenders are usually not well-versed in hedging, switching, or going through (we're no exception). 



Double staggered screens while emptying the ball side adds another level of opportunity.



Pay homage to past glory? How about double staggers to free a driver with an Iverson setup? 




Have a player who needs a confidence boost? How about a 1-4 Elevator screen for a shot.

And we have a myriad of choices to bring players to the ball from the weakside.



The Pistons burned the positionless basketball scheme with a simple small on big cross-screen. 



Bring a cutter to the ball from the weak side and feed the sealing post if you have the right personnel. 



The Celtics ran this beautiful zipper back cut catching a team "ball watching" as an end-of-quarter action. 

I don't intend this as comprehensive analysis, rather as a few of the possibilities. I'd rather execute 'spontaneously' than have an endless series of set plays. Running tens of plays disallows creative development for youth. But like writing, demonstration favors 'character development' (skill) and dialogue (creativity).