Imagination: Learning to Play 3 on 3

"Imagination is more important than information." - Einstein

All the contemporary great ones - Michael, Larry, Magic - like Einstein, can represent with one name. And if ideas are the currency of the future, creativity is the currency of today.

Although it sounds like a non sequitur, we need to show players how to create because they do not understand the symphony of player and ball movement. By no means is this an encyclopedic review. 

The "simplest" action is high ball screen with usual options as well as penetrate and pass option to 3 if x3 helps. Simple "slip" action for 5 logically comes into play. 

Horns like action on the ball side. If 1 sets the screen on the block, it's easy to envision "Flex" action with ball reversal and 5 downscreening for 1. 

Scissors action after post entry...fantastic mid-range shots if you have the shooters. 

When your 5 is more of a facilitator, she can distribute. When that's not open, it creates excellent dribble drive option for her. 

Dribble handoff into ball screens can be nightmarish to defend. 

Wing entry yields classic UCLA action that everyone uses. 

Post entry into DHO with a wrinkle. 3 gets her options and a backscreen from 1 sets up a lob for 5 or 1 might roll for a corner 3. Switches can create great mismatches. 

Most young players (and many young coaches) don't see the power of 3 on 3 actions. As Pete Newell reminded so many, the coach's job is to help players "see the game". Ball side 3 on 3 yields great scoring opportunities with fundamentally well-schooled players.