Finding a common language or terminology advances player thinking. "Seeing the game" makes for faster hands and feet. This includes knowing historical offense and defense.
For example, a defender familiar with a UCLA cut anticipates what is coming, just as 'Princeton' might foretell backdoor actions. Don't rediscover 'fire'; use it.
Coach Nick illustrates common cuts. For example, in our SLOB series, we initiate many actions with "Zipper" cuts. He explains why the cuts do or don't work, often related to setting up the cut or cutting urgently.
Here, we enter the ball on the SLOB with a Zipper cut. But instead of the screener setting a high ball screen, the receiver returns the ball to the inbounder who finds the screener for a layup.
Youth coaches telegraph spread offenses with terms like 5-0, 50, "Open" or Spread. Expect give-and-go, backdoor cutting, pass and screen away, and a cutter going through to open a gap for dribble penetration. You reply, "everyone knows that." Most of our players and many of yours do not.
What defense are they playing? Dean Smith advocated a two number system including the specific defense and the extent. 14 could indicated man-to-man full court, 1 for man and 4 for all four quarters of the court. Some coaches use a "hundred" system where the court is divided into percents, so '50' is half-court defense.
"Lock and trail." Defenders must contain the ball AND cutters. If the defender plays tight and follows closely around an off-ball screen, that's "lock and trail" defense. Some coaches prefer its use more on the ball side but that's a matter of preference.
If a defender doesn't lock and trail quickly, the offense has a huge advantage. Pentucket used this Iverson action versus Melrose (below) in the postseason to open up a tight game.
"Execute the coverage, trust the protection." Under, Weak, ICE/blue, Drop, Switch, etc.
Coach Shaughnessy shares some of the ways the Celtics defend the pick-and-roll. It begins with communication and defensive calls. Videos like these help inform players about clarity of communication and coverage options.
"Spain." If I hear Spain, I'm anticipating screen-the-roller action, devilish to defend, opening up layups or inducing confusion to find uncontested perimeter shots.
Chris Oliver shares video at BBallImmersion.
Lagniappe: And this doesn't include the signature moves of players - McHale (Up and Under), Sikma (baseline drive or pop), Dream Shake (Olajuwon), Abdul-Jabbar sky hook, Iverson crossover, and many more.
Iverson wide, quick crossover was a nightmare for even elite defenders.