Written by Rick Torbett on July 24, 2009 – 9:27 PM
Q: We run mostly 3 OUT 2 IN, but we will go with a 4 guard lineup at times. Also, on a dead ball, our quick hitter is temporarily run in the 5 OUT set, so we do touch on all formations at some point. Do you think that is too much for my team to handle or should we stay in the 3 OUT?
In the 3 OUT, when the point guard passes to the wing and cuts, if my posts screen for the cutter doesn’t that take them away from posting up? I am having trouble getting my bigs to screen for cutters. So I am guessing DRILL, DRILL, DRILL right?
One thing that may be helpful to other coaches is that when we speed dribble in the 3 OUT, we have our bigs cross screen block to block. Do you see any problem doing this?
A: Regarding staying only in 3 OUT 2 IN: I vote you continue mixing the formations. The R&R is built to allow you to flow easily from one to the other and it makes things difficult for defenses.
Second question: Your post players can screen for cutters and then immediately “post up” to receive the ball. This is the easiest way to feed your post players. Make their defenders help on the cut and it will be easier for the post to get open for the ball. And you’re right – just drill it, drill it, and drill it. If the post just stands there, then don’t throw him the ball. If he must screen for a cutter first, and that’s the only way he’ll receive the ball, then he’ll get good at it.
Regarding Speed Dribble = Post Cross Screens: The reason cross screens are not in the Read & React is the same reason ball screens and flare screens and down screens, etc, are not in the Read & React. I did not need them as reactions to the ball in order coordinate the offense. THAT DOES NOT MEAN THAT YOU CAN’T USE THEM. When I created the offense, if I didn’t need a particular basketball action as a reaction to what the ball handler does, then I left it in the “Freedom Area” for coaches to use or not use at their discretion.
Most of this “Freedom to Adjust and Tinker” comes with your Post Players. All they must do is react correctly to dribble penetration. Otherwise, you can do almost anything with them. And your example is a good one! I like it! Think of other things that can be done with your post players in concert with perimeter actions that are not North-South drives.
What about a Power Dribble? Someone’s going to be rolling to the basket. Why not have your post player step out and screen-the-screener (the Power Dribbler who rolls to the basket). What if both post players (when they see a Power Dribble occurring) sprint to the weak side and look to set a Double Pin Screen for the other perimeter player? Wouldn’t this clear out the lane for the roller and perhaps occupy weak-side defenders? So much fun to be explored, so little time to do it…