Challenge ourselves to be more. One of the 'smartest' doctors I ever met is Carl June. Carl is a great teacher, has unparalleled knowledge, musical talent, and was a competitive runner. He may win a Nobel Prize someday for a cancer cure. He synthesized knowledge and creativity.
Develop creativity in our players. Teaching youngsters is a challenge as they have no foundation. Tell a fifth grader on day one, "create separation using a backscreen from the elbow." We're talking gibberish.
Teach using proven concepts from teaching domains. It's deep work.
Apply a definition, an image, and a brief video.
1. "A movement (cut) without the ball to the basketball and away to the basket" defines a BACK CUT.
Use one of the most famous back cut plays ever as historical context.
2. "Make a pass and receive a return pass." GIVE-AND-GO.
Use "easy" or "elite" level to inform the possibilities.
I know you're saying, everybody knows that. If everyone knows it, ask why it still works at every level of basketball? Why do we see so little fundamental excellence at many levels?
3. Advanced concepts might come easier. "BACKSCREEN the SCREENER" is more descriptive than "Spain action" or "Spain pick-and-roll."
Complex video shows how some teams apply and adapt the concepts.
Use your imagination to share about almost anything.
4. "SEPARATE by BLOCKING PLAYERS within 'AREA DEFENSE'"
Offense screens the middle and forces x3 to cover the perimeter or stay home.
5. Screening to separate involves multiple screens, multiple screeners, or both.
In this action, the screener sets multiple screens to create separation.
Other "multiple screens" to consider include staggered with Iverson action a variant, double screens (two players set), sandwich/elevator screens, screen-the-screener (pick-the-picker), and Spain pick-and-roll (shown earlier). Defenses often struggle with multiple actions or secondary options (e.g. slipped/Ghost screens).
Lagniappe. This video discusses zone offense via location (high post, low lane, overload) and types of screens. It's a worthwhile investment.
Lagniappe 2. UCONN vs STANFORD highlight breakdown
What is the pick-and-roll coverage? Stanford plays DROP COVERAGE against Bueckers and she makes them pay.
What about BOB? Stanford sets up an iso for Cameron Brink and the 6'4" sophomore uses solid footwork to score in the paint. "Technique beats tactics."
...a game of separation. Fudd uses the staggered screen to get open for an ON TIME, ON TARGET pass to score in the midrange.
Talent, "there is no substitute." Bueckers comes off the DHO and finds enough blue sky to score.
Modern basketball. Penetrate and kick out for an open three.
WYSIWIG. What looks to be a stagger turns into sequential curls for a hoop by Bueckers.