Saturday, June 13, 2020

Basketball: Art and Craft, More of What Works - Sets for Man, Zone, BOB, SLOB, ATO



Every profession combines craft and art. Michelangelo found the sculpture within a block of marble, but learning the craft took him eight hours a day for over a decade. Danny Elfman (above) is a self-taught film scorer, who couldn't read a lick of music when he started.

 "Do more of what works and less of what doesn't." - Michael Mauboussin

 Coaches blend technical (fundamental) and tactical (strategic) elements, seeking a formula that works with our people. No magic formula exists for the ideal division of practice. Without knowing the skill and limitations of our next team, what's the right mix of individual and group teaching? 

 Mix it up but include the simplest actions. If we can't space, screen, cut, and pass what we run doesn't matter.  "Great offense is multiple actions." 

Years ago, we quickly trailed 7-2. Timeout. Three pick-and-roll scores and a steal and score and we're up 10-7 and our opponent is playing zone because they can't defend the ball screen. "Technique beats tactics."
 

Defending ball screens, closeouts, and strong post players challenges most defenders. Help from the "corner 3" provides penetrate and kickout scoring chances. 

Zone busting. Who you gonna call? Ball movement and a paint presence. 


Screening the zone creates high quality scoring chances (see BOB below, too.)

BOB. Multiple options based on response of low defender. 


Play design makes defenders choose their poison. If the ball side defender stays home, it opens a perimeter score. If she covers the shooter, it exposes a high percentage near shot. 

SLOB. "Fall in love with easy." HORNS. 


The key is timing after the inbounds to 4 with everyone getting a potential shot. 

ATO. Back cut with option for best one-on-one player isolation.


Post entry back cut. "Empty and fill an area." 


Serbia 2014. Set one, get one cross-screens. 

Lagniappe: "To get respect, give it." 
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