This quick hitter is one I like because it is having good basketball actions one after another after another. It is layered with multiple actions all in a row. Defending one of these actions can be difficult. Defending 3 in a row is almost impossible if the offense executes well. The execution of the offense can not be subpar. With a high level of execution, the offense will be able to get any number of shots all using one play.
The key to this play is the timing. The screen the screener action at the end of the play has to occur immediately following the ball screen. The 2nd screener must be in position at just the right moment. If they get there to early then the defense has time to adjust and respond. If they get there to late then the spacing is all messed up. This play needs to be repped in practice a bunch of times so the players can get the timing of the movements.
The start of the play is a ball screen set by the big(4). The forward(3) is dropping to the corner to open up space should the point(1) have the ability to turn the corner off of the ball screen and attack the basket. The forward(3) moving down makes their defender have to follow giving the point(1) that little bit more of extra space.
The guard(2) is dropping to the block. The final screen the screener action is dependent on the guard(2) being right there with the 2nd screen. This cut is putting them into the position to be able to move for that screen at the exact moment they need to be there.
As soon as the big(4) sets the ball screen, they are running across the floor to the vacated wing left by the guard(2). The center(5) could set a flare screen as well just to help distract the backside defense even more.
If the point(1) does not attack the basket, then there is a dribble handoff(DHO). The forward(3) is reading the point(1) on whether they turn towards the basket or they stay out around the 3-point line. Once the point(1) stays, the forward(3) is running hard up the 3-point line for the DHO.
After the DHO, the center(5) is coming across to set a ball screen. The center(5) needs to be early so the forward(3) does not have to hesitate or slow down. The forward(3) should get the DHO and come off of the ball screen with all the speed they have picked up coming out of the corner.
Here is where the timing comes into play. The guard(2) must be right there for the screen the screener action so the center(5) can roll to the basket without having to worry about the screen being set by the guard(2). The center(5) is running to the basket trusting the guard(2) is in position to set the 2nd screen.
A defensive team that likes to hard hedge will struggle with this play because the center(5) screen will pull their defender away from the basket on the hard hedge. The guard(2) setting the screen the screener action will be able to get a good screen as the defender is recovering from the hard hedge.
The timing of the center(5) being able to set the ball screen and sprint to the basket with the guard(2) in position for the 2nd screen has to be perfect. Once the timing is perfect then defenses will have trouble guarding this play because the center(5) will be left open by the basket on the screen the screen action.
As soon as the forward(3) clears, they throw a pass to the big(4). The big(4) is catching and immediately throwing the ball to the center(5) sprinting down the lane. The big(4) has to be as quick as possible on their pass. The big(4) cannot wait. Every second the big(4) holds the ball is time the defense has to recover back.
Two quick passes are needed at the end of the play here to leave the center(5) wide open under the basket for a layup. This play will work until the defense makes an adjustment on the ball screen. Either the defense will have to stop the hard hedge and go into a drop coverage or they will have to switch. The drop coverage will open up more space for the forward(3) coming off of the ball screen.
On a switch, now the center(5) will have either the guard(2) or forward(3)’s defender. If a switch happens, the offense will now have the ability to isolate the center(5) down on the block with a wing defender guarding them.
This play has multiple actions and concepts occurring one right after the other. The defense must maintain good defensive rules and positioning or the offense will have wide open shots throughout the play. This quick hitter also has all 5 offensive players involved throughout the play. So, any weak defender is going to show up during the play because each defender will be forced to play quality defense.
