Hoops Beyond the Huddle Vol. 03

Welcome to the Hoops Beyond the Huddle newsletter! For volume 03, we’re looking at a simple yet effective set to get a shooter a good look. This set was executed perfectly by Bayern Munich - a German team playing in the BBL, which is one of the top Domestic leagues in the world. This clip is from round 6 action against Fenerbahce (Turkey) in Euroleague. Watch the clip and we will break it down below.

There are definitions for all the actions explained in this newsletter, at the bottom. All words that are bolded in black can be found.

This halfcourt set is Screen the Screener action.

Screen the Screener (StS) is an action where one player sets a screen, then receives a screen from a different player. There are many subtle variations of StS, but this one executed by Bayern Munich consists of a cross screen and a pin down screen to get a shooter an open look at the top of the key.

The play starts with the 4 setting a drag screen on the 1. Simultaneously, the 2 (shooter in this action) sets a cross screen for the 5. This action is also known as bulldog action. The 3 is in the weakside corner. (action 1).

The 5 looks for a post touch on the weak side block, and the 1 dribbles over the swing. After the 4 sets the screen, he rotates and sets a pin down screen for the 2. After the 2 set the screen for the 5, he blasts up off the screen from the 4. The defender gets caught in the screen and the 3-pointer from the top is the key is wide open and good (action 2).

That’s this week’s playbook breakdown! This action was very effective for Bayern Munich. Within seconds, they got a wide open and well practiced shot. This result was due to the team’s ability to use the screens properly. The drag screen, cross screen and pin down screen all got contact.

Screen the Screener action is a challenging action for teams to defend. You have to essentially choose what you are going to give up. If the guard does not help on the cross screen, then the 5 will be wide open under the basket. If that defender does help, then they will likely be late on the pin down screen. This action is especially effective if you have a dominant 5 and a great off the catch shooter.

Stay up to date with Hoops Beyond the Huddle by subscribing to the newsletter. If you are interested in joining the WhatsApp Coaches Community, please let me know. It will be active in the coming weeks.

Cheers,

Keevan

Founder of Hoops Beyond the Huddle