Perimeter Play

I love the play with the 3 out 2 in I feel that the perimeter game is not as effective in this set. We basket cut, screen away, flare, shallow cut and interchange with the post on a pass to the point. What else can be done to liven up the perimeter game?

Coach Chad Burgett

Coach Burgett,

 I think one of the best and most dramatic changes in the game in the last 10 years has been the increase in use of the staggered screens, and the pick the picker action. Both of these moves have been around for years but because of the increased popularity and effectiveness of the 3 point game I have seen these actions create numerous scoring opportunities. 

Some of the best coaching I have seen involves creative screening involving interior and perimeter players. If your team has an effective inside and outside game, then look to play off of this advantage more. You see this very effectively used at the NBA level with screening actions by John Stockton and Karl Malone, or other big-small combinations. You must be willing to temporarily give us your big or small guy in a position to attempt to force a defensive mismatch. Most teams will switch same size screening but few are taught to switch big-small or vise-versa. Even if these teams don't switch a big-small the momentary help cause by a quick-big mismatch can create your perimeter looks. I especially like running cutters off of back screens by big men all the way through which can open up interior flash cuts, or the staggered perimeter screens off both of your big men which are tough to switch and lead to pick and pop situations, or open perimeter shots.

 To add a little flair you might consider stepping one of your big men out as an option to force a double team of some kind in the post against an effective post player. Any help from the perimeter forces a defensive rotation, and eventually an open perimeter man as well.

 I think you are probably on the right track with your 3-2 offense, just ad a little salsa to it to extend it. How about a staggered double back screen flare, for using a mismatch offensive advantage in the post by putting one of your big guys on the perimeter in the 3-2 and using your most athletic small forward posting up after a cross screen by your point guard leading to a "pick the picker action" by 5 and 1. Somewhere you are going to get a mismatch.

Hope this perked your curiosity.

Thanks for Asking the Coach!