NBA Lingo: Sorting It Out - Chicago, Pistols, Ram, Elbow Get, Iverson

Actions for experienced, skilled professionals may fail miserably for young players. Fundamental skills come first. But train the skills needed to execute.

Every team needs to have a common language so everyone lives on the same page. 

Ability to execute matters most. Simple is almost always better. 

Chicago action/Zoom (pin down into a DHO)

Virginia Tech used the same set to score 11 points in yesterday's ACC Championship, including 9 of Cattoor's 31 points. The "Chicago Action," pin down into a DHO, gave Duke nightmares.#XsAndOs | #NCAA #ConnectLearnShare pic.twitter.com/MiZorYtE1b

— Doug Brotherton (@CoachBrotherton) March 13, 2022

Need more confusion? Then substitute your own name. Some teams call "Chicago Action" Zoom Action. Here's a link to examples. 

Pistols. "A three-man game early in the shot clock." Many options can happen.

• Pass and give and go.
• Wing sets screen for the ballhandler. 
• Screen the screener action. 

If we wanted to implement, we could practice with 3-on-3 inside the split. 

Ram Screen (downscreen into a pick-and-roll)

From Vegas Summer League

Wrinkle to the ram screen to ball screen clearing corner for the high low versus the switch. @LuceoSports assist app for the animated drawing pic.twitter.com/XU54JrpYOG

— Marc Hart (@CoachMarcHart) October 13, 2022

Elbow get. Entry to the elbow with a screener for the elbow. Many options include shot, drive, roll pass. 

Iverson action. Iverson action uses a staggered screen to open a cutter and many secondary options arise.  

What's important is "we can't run what we can't run." Fundamentals and skill development should be the focus for younger players. A basketball coach and a basketball blogger shouldn't have the same priorities.