Basketball: The UTAH Advantage and a Bonus Recipe from Quin Snyder

Enjoying cooking doesn't mean easy reproduction of another's gourmet recipe. The viral "Feta Pasta" is as good as it gets. But you have to like feta. 

Basketball is about creating advantage (offense) and taking it away (defense). Which begs us to examine Quin Snyder's "Advantage System" which he began over four years ago. Remember, we don't have to adopt an entire system. Choose what works for our players. 

Here's the original Zach Lowe breakdown with ample video. "Utah's players need a head start -- an advantage." Snyder's system runs so that whenever a player catches the ball, he has one. If your premium is speed, then you probably don't emphasize ball screens, handoffs, and off-ball screens. But if you're more plodding with shooters, you do. 

Before reading, think about how to create advantage via personnel, system, and physical and mental training. 

Coach Daniel examines the Jazz offense. 

1. Spacing is always vital and NBA spacing usually is exemplary. 

2. NBA fans know that filled corners are expected, flattening the defense.

3. The Jazz take advantage of cuts from the corners. 

4. Gobert creates mismatches with screens and has a high shooting percentage and elite rebounding rate. 

5. The Jazz are efficient in the pick-and-roll using a variety of usual actions including Spain action (screen the roller). 

Don't take my word for it. Among high volume (possessions) rollers, Gobert has a high points/possession 1.38 and is in the top 10 by percentile. (Data from NBA.com)

Coach Nick did his own breakdown of the early origins of the Snyder system. 

There was plenty to like including the old Spurs (Daly Pistons first) "Loop", horns actions, double stagger screens on the helpside, and even homage to the ancient Celtics high post split. 

We can't duplicate their system and shouldn't try. Our edge might depend on personnel. If we have a threat of the corner cut, then that might hold the defender allowing paint touches and drives. If we have a strong roller, that might invite drop coverage, opening up foul line jumpers. If we have excellent passing bigs, then maybe we get inside-outside actions for perimeter shots. It's not about a one-size-fits-all approach. 

Lagniappe. Slappin' Glass shares high level actions to create separation.

Lagniappe 2. Quin Snyder Ice Cream Pie. You might forget the wing ball screen into reversal and roll, but you won't forget Quin's cuisine.