I have this love/hate relationship with dribble handoff actions. I love the concept and hate the way we've historically executed. Spacing can be an issue as well as helpside defense...
Key concept 1: find the advantage
Key concept 2: be 'downhill'
Key concept 3: the weakside can provide solutions
We all teach the ballhandler on 'pick-and-roll' (DHO analogy) to look to score. If the defense switches you may get a speed advantage. If they don't you may get separation. If they get confused, then you simply score. If the on-ball defender starts to cheat, then the ballhandler can cut back.
Assure a clean handoff. When going left, the ballhandler should dribble with the left hand. This is NOT an automatic. The basic action is downhill drive or pass to the roller. We can add complexity.
As offense, we can bring the weak side (5) into play via the pass, or secondary screening, which could be on either the ballhandler (serial screen) or the screener (modified Spain pick-and-roll...screen the roller). This isn't rocket science.
Alternatively, there is the 'rejected' DHO. You can look for overplay into backcut (left) into reverse action (right)...if you don't get an immediate pass for a backcut by 3 (dribble at).
You can even reverse the ball and turn it into a continuity set.
You could use the weak side to set up a perimeter shooter.
I don't necessarily advocate it as the primary offense, but DHO action presents defensive challenges in ATO situations.
Summary:
- Hand off on a "platter" (no bad exchanges)
- Downhill action
- Drive to score
- Punish the help
- Be aware of versatile options
