Why it's not easy.
Broadly though, the lack of relative offensive success in ATOs is probably attributable to a few primary factors:
- Offenses are forced to play against a set defense in the half-court.
- Given that coaches aren’t miraculously dreaming up new plays, defenses are likely reasonably well prepared for what is coming.
- Depending on the situation, defenses can substitute to optimise their lineups.
- Perhaps less obviously, ATOs are more strictly patterned and may involve a more robotic response than a reading of what the defense presents.
He shows a myriad of innovative actions including this amazing Raptor bite out of a 4-on-4 set with a player in the backcourt. The positional numbers can be flexed.
Here's a diagram...reminiscent of the Spurs' "Hammer"
