Monday, March 11, 2019

Basketball: Simplifying Ball Screens (Ballhandler Perspective)

"Do more of what works and less of what doesn't." What's hard to defend? Well-executed screens, long closeouts, and defending good post players wreak havoc for defenses. 

 Let's examine the "ballhandler perspective" for ball screens. We can discuss the screener's job more thoroughly in another session. 

In this screen capture of a wing ball screen, Steph Curry (MasterClass, subscription required) shows the three PRIMARY options for the (invisible) defender. Curry responds to the defender's "choices."
1) Defender runs into the screen...opening up space for both him and roller.
2) Defender chases over the top (creating a 2-on-1)
3) Defender goes under the screen or shoots the gap...opening up the maximum shooting space

 Yes, there's more...skip if you want the most simplicity. The screener's defender can switch, creating mismatches for both Curry and the screener. The screener's defender can overcommit (time and space) early allowing the screener to slip to the basket. The screener's defender can overcommit late allowing him to split with a crossover. 

 Emphasis:

 Key point 1. Go tight to the screen. In the movie, The Pistol, Pete Maravich's dad says B to B (butt to butt)...we say hip to hip. Some coaches teach the ballhandler to touch the screener's thigh with the inside hand to lock the defender out. My girls sometimes don't want to touch another player. 
Key point 2. If defenders 'cheat' the screen, Curry can reject it with a crossover.
Key point 3. See the floor. Help defenders expose their assignments and create openings. 

 Tips: 
Curry says "practice with a chair" if you don't have another teammate. 
Practice multiple finishes: layups, floaters, jumpers. 

Lagniappe: via Chris Oliver..."the pick-and-roll is music"
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