This isolation play could also be executed to the opposite side (for 03 to isolate his defender in the post on his own side of the court.) This instance has 03 breaking up & then making an “Iverson Cut” to the opposite side’s wing area over the top of 05 & 04. As 03 cuts off of 04, 04 then makes his own “Iverson Cut” off of 05. This places 04 on the offense’s left wing, 03 on the offense’s right wing, 05 on the left side’s high post, 02 on the offense’s right mid-post area & 01 at top of the key. 01 could make initial passes to either 04, 05 or 03 or to 02 on his delayed “Duck-In Cut.”
In this case, 01 makes the pass to 03. At same time, 04 then sets a flare-screen for 01 to flare-cut & 05 flashes to the new ballside high post. This action completely isolates 02 (& X2) on his mid-post position. This play has inverted a perimeter player (this time it is 02) & therefore forces an opponent’s perimeter defender into a defen-sive disadvantage. To further the defensive disadvantage, X2 is com-pletely isolated with the defense’s two big-gest defenders at the high post & at the top of the key. 03 could make a bounce pass to 02 if X2 plays behind him, or 03 could make a lob pass if X2 fronts 02. 03 also has passing options to 05 at the high post, a possible skip pass to 01 now at the WS Wing area or to 04 now at top of key.
If both options are to be used, it is advised to give the 2nd option an entirely different play name. This 2nd particular option is described as “chasing & stagger” with 02 continuing his isolation on opposite side of lane and 03 receiving stagger-screens from 05 & 04. In detail, when 03 reverses ball to 04, 02 ducks in to follow loca-tion of ball. If 04 does not hit 02, 04 swings ball to 01. 02 then continues across lane to post up on opposite mid-post area. After passing to 01, 04 & 05 set stagger screens for 03 to use as he breaks to top of key. This wipes out helpside for 02 to capitalize on. If shots are not taken, all are in ‘3-Out of 2-In’ spot-ups to continue the attack.
Similar play has 01 use 04’s Ball-Screen again, with 04 rolling to basket. Gives 01 space & more opportunity to create for his own scoring & passing opportunities, while allowing 04 to be the new BS Post. 05 & 03 set stagger-screens for 02 to use for potential ‘3-pt.’ shot at top of key. This 3-man action again gives ‘Iso’ opportunities, this time for 04. Same type of inside & 3-pt. shot opportunities-just for different players. All players again are in ‘3-Out of 2-In’ Spot-Ups to maintain various types of attacks.
John Kimble is a respected basketball coach, author, and educator with extensive coaching experience.
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