Written by Rick Torbett on May 29, 2009 – 8:19 PM
Let’s pretend your team has learned all of the reactions to the ball necessary to run the Read & React from any formation. But your players don’t yet understand all of the types of basketball actions that can occur depending on their own formation and defensive schemes that they’ll encounter. In other words, they don’t yet have the basketball IQ to match certain R&R actions against certain defensive scenarios. What follows is a crutch for this intermediate stage that will help them bridge the gap between the weapons of the Read & React and the ability to use them effectively.
Red = emphasize all dribble weapons: Layers 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10
Blue = emphasize all pass and cut weapons in Layers 3 & 12
Green = emphasizes all screening actions: Layers 6, 8, 9, 11, 14
5 = Five Out
4 = Four Out, One In
3 = Three Out, Two In
With numbers and colors, the coach can change formations and the basketball actions that are to be emphasized:
5-Red = Five Out Dribble Attacks
5-Blue = Five Out Pass & Cut
5-Green = Five Out Screening Actions
4-Red = Four Out Dribble Attacks
3-Green = Three Out, Two In Screening Actions
Etc…
For higher level teams, add Post locations when using formations 4 OUT or 3 OUT to “dial” even more specific actions:
Low = Post(s) set up in the short corner
Mid = Post(s) set up in the Mid-Post
High = Post(s) set up in the High Post
Now the coach can call something like: “3-High-Green” which would mean a 3 OUT, 2 IN formation with the posts at the high post and the emphasis of action would be Setting Screens. This action might imitate John Wooden’s high post offense or a “High-High” Blocker Mover offense.
How would the coach use these calls to help the team learn about effective formation and effective actions? An example would be the end of the game situation: you have a one point lead with 2 minutes to go. “5-Blue” would be the best call. Your opponent must pressure you on the perimeter or they will lose. So empty the post, spread the floor, and use Layer 3 to Rear Cut them for lay-ups. Take nothing but a lay-up. If the team understands the code, 5-Blue is all you have to tell them.
I came up with a sytem that is a little differnet, but keeps the same idea in mind.
3up would be a 3 out 2 in and one post would be allowed to step out to the perimeter. Likewise 3 down would be both stay inside.
4up would be the post at the high post and 4 down would be at the low block.
5 is just five out.
I felt that this way we could take advatage of a situation better and be on the same page as well. I just did not specify what types of attacks we would use.