2024 Offseason Newsletter #2 X's & O's Dump
Coaches, I hope you enjoyed the first edition of the Newsletter last Monday. This edition will be solely an X's & O's Dump. Game Notes from Playoff Games will be coming soon!
Minnesota Timberwolves: Rejecting Flare to a Get
One of my favorites actions to utilize within your flow/motion offense, but can also be a great set like the Timberwolves utilize here.
This double as an off ball switch beater as Walker-Alexander slips the flare. By slipping and rejecting, it makes this action impossible to switch. Which can really put teams in a bind if they aren’t able to execute the “No screen, no switch” principle.
Utah Jazz: Zoom Skips
Hit on this action briefly from a vertical angle that the Pacers run out of stack/spain alignment. Here’s a nice wrinkle to work in if your running more 77 (double ball screen) type of actions
You can see two different coverages in the videos above and how the action is effective against both
First, you have the Clippers who elect to not switch which creates more separation for the ball handler sprinting into the get. “Early separation = Early pitch & slip” Which puts the opposing big in a bad spot in drop coverage where he must guard the ball handler & roller for longer than he would like.
Second you see the Nuggets triple switch this action, but with momentum built up from the first screen you have a flat footed defender being attacked by a guard with some momentum built up
Indiana Pacers: Opening ATO 77 Veer Reject Twirl
Absolutely nasty opening ATO from the Indiana Pacers. Those that know me, know that I am a big fan of inverting actions.
One of my favorites is this twirl screen for a stretch shooting big. This is something that you can incorporate very easily within your motion/flow offense or add something into it as well for a set like the Pacers do here.
Especially vs a team with slow footed/rim protecting big, this is an incredibly effective action.
Toronto Raptors: Opening ATO 2nd side 77 Shallow
One thing I always love about watching the Raptors is that they try some incredibly creative ATO’s.
This is a unique way to spice up your ball screen offense with his second sided action. Can see a well time baseline corner cut really free this look up off the late guard to guard switch.
Washington Wizards: SLOB
Like this one a lot in particularly if you have a stretch big and need a 3.
Utah Jazz: Spain Switch Counter
A common way to defend the Spain P&R is having the big zone up and play a more traditional drop coverage while a switch occurs become the low man in the stack and the ball handlers man.
Here’s a unique counter, does not result in points by how aggressively Golden State switches but could free up the big for a pick and pop 3.
I think the creativity within this action is something that we need to continue to explore even more.
Memphis Grizzlies: Wing Shallow Cut off Middle P&R
45 cuts are very common within P&R offense in particularly to move the nail defender on side P&R’s or to distort a tag on steps ups.
Here the Grizzlies use this wing cut, appearing to be a general 45 cut but have the shooter then clear out to the opposite wing, creating a shallow cut which allows the guard to Nash dribble versus the drop and find a wide open shooter.
Interesting action here, something you can do a lot of different stuff to build off of.
I hope that everyone enjoyed this edition. I will continue to be posting sporadically with game notes throughout the playoffs.
Would love to connect with any and all coaches. I will leave my contact information below. Always looking to hear new ideas and bounce some off others.
Cell: 330-787-1146
Email: connor.harr@westliberty.edu