Q: I’ve always liked to have an offensive player at the point to help prevent easy transition points from the opposition. I’m considering a 3 OUT 2 IN formation, but have a question regarding dribble penetration by the wing following R&R principles. During any dribble penetration by the wing, the point rotates to the wing position leaving the point position vacant. This seems to be more of an issue during baseline penetration since the point rotates further to the baseline to the safety position and the opposite wing rotates to the opposite baseline. Any thoughts on this subject? Thanks.

A: I would go back and watch Layer 13 Three Out Two In Dribble Penetration Game. I’m pretty sure I cover these two, but here they are anyway:

1. During dribble penetration (to the middle) by a wing player, the point is supposed to Circle Move all the way to the opposite wing according to Layer 1 rules. However, it’s not necessary for the point to circle move that far and if he does (like you point out) there’s no one back if the wing turns the ball over. Therefore, the adjustment is for the point to only go halfway between the point and the opposite wing. This is enough spacing to create good separation in case the point’s defender tries to stop the drive, but at the same time, the point has a “head start” on the other team if there’s a turnover.

I know that’s not a very elegant solution, but players don’t seem to have a problem with the adjustment. They’re still circle moving for the Natural Pitch, just not all the way to the opposite wing.

2. If a wing drives baseline, the point must circle move to the wing and become the penetrator’s safety valve. At the same time, both posts are sliding up to the FT line elbows. If there’s a turnover on the drive, the posts are responsible for getting back on defense. If there’s not a turnover, but the wing takes a shot of some kind, or passes the ball somewhere like the opposite corner, this is a signal for the point to release his responsibility on the wing as the Safety Valve and get back up top where you like him to be. In other words, if the penetrator takes a shot or makes a pass, the point can leave the wing and take over “get-back-on-defense” responsibilities.

I guess you’ve noticed that with the Read & React, you can’t give one player “back-on-defense-all-of-the-time” responsibility. My rule was: anyone who is FT line and above is responsible for getting back on defense. But, I didn’t include it as a rule in the R&R. I would rather leave it open for the individual coach to decide. Someone like yourself might come up with something better!