Q: Your videos have helped me greatly as a player. This year I am coaching. I only have 3 hours a week for practice and a group of players I have been with for just 4 weeks.

Although my players are at the University level, I am finding it difficult to install the Read and React, even the first layer. I play 3 OUT 2 IN. With the time and talent I have, how can I make the best of the Read and React?

A: I would work on the first five layers plus advanced post slides. This will allow you to have a good dribble penetration game (see the layer on 3 OUT 2 IN Dribble Penetration Game) and a good pass, cut, and screen game (use the post players as screens when you cut).

I would also add Post Passing because with 2 post players inside, you’ll definitely end up feeding the post. These cuts are pretty easy to learn.

The Pin & Skip layer will be easy with 2 post players inside. The post player who is on the weakside is an automatic Pin Screener. He/she should try to set a Pin Screen on any weak-side defender who is in the lane giving help.

If your post players ever step out onto the perimeter to set a ball screen, the results will be simple circle movement from Layer 1 (for everyone not involved in the pick and roll).

If you move your post players to the high post, it will change your scoring opportunities. Sometimes you can have one post high and one post low. Also try having both posts in the short corners. It leaves a lot of room for the 3 perimeter players to pass and cut and dribble penetrate.

The actions above should give you plenty of scoring opportunities that are pretty simple. Remember, though, the Read & React is built on habits and these habits take time to build. With only 3 hours a week, don’t get discouraged when your players don’t run the system perfectly in the first month. Keep pushing through, incorporating the R&R drills into as much of your practice as possible. When the layers become habits instead of rules, your team will start to look more fluid and become more effective.