One of the hardest things to do as a coach is to get a point guard open looks to shoot. The point guard has the ball in their hands most often so they have reduced chances to be able to come off of a screen in a catch and shoot scenario. A good shooting point guard needs chances to get away from the ball to utilize their shooting ability. Shooters are best when they have kick out 3-point shots or shots coming off of a screen.
This play uses flex concepts to get the defense helping only for the point guard to come off of a screen back to the ball. The helping defender will be a step or two off of the point guard giving them just enough space to catch and shoot. It is a simple play but it works.
This play starts out in a 1-4 High Set. The initial pass is made to the center(5). The point(1) cuts to the opposite block.
After the cut by the point(1), it sets up the flex concepts. The forward(3) runs a flex cut using a screen by the point(1). This puts the defender is a tough spot. A good screen by the point(1) is going to free up the forward(3) at the basket. The point(1)’s defender then must step off to help to not give up the layup. This defensive help will give the point(1) the space they need for the 2nd action.
And now it is the 2nd part of the flex concept. After the point(1) screens for the forward(3), the big(4) is coming and setting a down screen for the point(1). As the defender steps away from the point(1) on the flex screen, they will not be able to contest the catch and shoot the point(1) will get coming off of the down screen.
If no shot occurs, then this puts the ball back into the point(1)’s hands. The offense now has the chance to do anything it wants. The point(1) has the ball back out front with a somewhat balanced floor. This could lead straight into a flex offense continuity. Or the offense can re-set and go into another quick hitter or continuity offense.
The thing I love about this play is the simplicity of it. It has 3 cuts and 2 passes. While it is simple, it isolates the point defender and forces them to make a choice. If they stay with the point(1), then the forward(3) should be open at the basket. If the defender helps on the flex cut, then the point(1) should be open at the 3-point line. Either way the offense should get a good scoring chance.
If you are a team that runs any type of flex concepts, then this simple addition is a must. It can be that little wrinkle needed to get an open shot once or twice a game. With it being so quick, the defense does not have to time to react before the play is already over. This makes it a great play coming out of a timeout or to start a quarter.
