A scoring point(1) is a great thing to have on a team. However, a scoring point(1) can create problems if they are not involving their teammates in the offense. A scoring point(1) can get blinders on at times and come right down and create their shot without ever giving up the ball. If this is an issue, then you need plays to get the point(1) moving without the ball before coming back to get the ball and take a shot.
This ATO gets players moving and cutting but finishes with the point(1) having the ball and coming off of a ball screen. At times a ball screen can be used early where the point(1) does not have to make a single pass to start. But teams also need plays where the ball screen is used after some cutting so the defense can not load up to defend the ball screen.
A good scoring point(1) needs help at times to either get a shot or create a shot for somebody else. An offense can pass and cut to get the defense moving to give the point(1) more space to create later in the play. This play can really help a point(1) out by create space on the floor for the point(1) to attack after they have moved the defense with cuts and screens.
This ATO starts in a 1-4 High Set. Guards are on the wings and post are on the elbow. The point(1) enters the ball to the center(5) who steps up to receive the pass. The center(5) will catch and turn. The forward(3) on the wing is running a back cut. The point(1) is running a smash cut off of a screen by the big(4).
While these two cuts may not score often, a lazy defender could get caught and one of these two cuts will be open for a layup. These cuts are not going to score often but getting an easy layup every once in a while is a good trade.
Both of the cuts by the forward(3) and point(1) are stopping on the block. These two cuts need to finish at the block to keep them in position as the play moves into the next action.
Another option is a sneaky pass is out to the guard(2) for a 3-point shot. If the guard’s(2) defender is staying in the lane then a skip pass to the guard(2) has them catching either open for the shot or driving on the closeout. This is a read by the center(5) that is a good pass if the defense is trying to clog the middle of the court.
The big(4) sets a screen for the point(1) and then steps up to catch the reversal pass from the center(5). This pass is needed to get the ball into a position for the point(1) to come back and receive it with as much space as possible to attack.
The first scoring chance for the point(1) is coming off of a stagger screen. The forward(3) is stepping into the lane to get a good angle for a screen. The center(5) is stepping down to the foul line to set the 2nd screen in the stagger. The point(1) is running off of the stagger screen to the 3-point line. The big(4) is making the pass as the point(1) clears the 3-point line.
The point(1) has a chance to catch and shoot right here for a 3-point shot. If their defender gets caught in the stagger screen then the point(1) should be coming to the top of the key wide open. This is a chance for the point(1) to be able to get a good shot off without having to create it themselves. Plus the forward(3) and center(5) are in good rebounding position if the point(1) does shoot.
The final action is the big(4) following their pass to set a ball screen for the point(1). The point(1) has the option to take the shot off of the stagger or wait and use the ball screen. This gives a good point(1) the ability to create a scoring chance without them having to do it all on their own.
A big key to the pick and roll working is the forward(3) and center(5) clearing out of the lane. The forward(3) clears out to the corner while the center(5) moves to the block waiting for a dump pass by the point(1). The big(4) is setting the ball screen and popping either to the foul line or 3-point line depending on how well they can shoot. The guard(2) is waiting in corner for a potential kick out 3-point shot. The point(1) can pass out off of the pick and roll.
The point(1) has the freedom to attack the defense and get the shot that is most open. They have the ability to drive to the basket or pull up. They have passes to the guard(2), big(4) or center(5) easily available to them. The defense will be unable to guard all options throughout the entire play.
Final Thoughts
A good scoring point(1) needs to be given chances to lose their defender through cuts and screens at times. A good cut or screen can give the point(1) a chance to lose their defender and get an easy basket. This play gets the defense moving so they are not completely set up waiting on the point(1) to make a play.
This is a great play to give the point(1) the ball in open space and let them attack the defense. Their teammates are in good positions to catch and shoot throughout the play. This play also has scoring chances early and often. The initial back cut by the forward(3) may only be open one time but that one time is 2 points.
This is a great play to have in the playbook with a good scoring point(1). It may not be a good play every season but when the right point(1) comes along, then use it while they are on the team. Point(1) guards are going to love this play and will be wanting to run it all the time.
