Q: On Dribble Penetration/Circle Movement, I am confused about where the Penetrator goes after he or she has kicked the ball out, but no shot is taken.

A: Good question and welcome to the Read & React Tribe.

When the penetrator passes, the action has changed from Layer 1 Dribble Penetration/Circle Movement to Layer 3 Pass & Cut. The “channel” has changed for the penetrator. Layer 3 trains passers to basket cut and fill out to an open spot. This is what the penetrator will do after passing.

If you continue developing the Read & React, eventually the passer can post up, back-screen his/her way out, or set or use a Pin Screen.

Perhaps this is a good reason to teach Layer 3 BEFORE teaching Layers 1 and 2. You could teach Layer 3 first followed by Layers 1 and 2; then pick up with Layer 4 and continue. It would not mess up the progression. It’s not until Layer 5 that you’ll need the habits of Layer 3 in order to be able to continue one action into another.

Example: Player #1 Speed Dribbles #2. Player #2 basket cuts. What does player #2 do if the pass is not thrown? Player #2 “changes channels” from Layer 5 to Layer 3 - he/she is a basket cutter; therefore, he/she fills out to an empty spot, etc.