Hoops Beyond the Huddle Vol. 15

Real Madrid: Diamond Shuffle

Author

Keevan Veinot
February 21, 2024

Welcome to the 15th issue of Hoops Beyond the Huddle!

This week we’re taking a look at the top Spanish team, Real Madrid. Madrid ran this set late in the game while being in a “need a three” situation. With great execution and a misdirection leading to an open three pointer, but ultimately they couldn’t climb back. Olimpia Milano handed them one of their four losses this season In Euroleague competition. This play comes from week 26 of Euroleague action.

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 action is called Diamond Shuffle.

This set stars out in a typical diamond formation - as stated in former newsletters (volume 6). The 1 dribbles the ball up the floor and the 3 pops out to the wing to receive the entry. The 2 comes off a screen set by the 5 to the same side (action 1).

After the 1 passes to the 3, he cuts through and creates some interference before clearing out to the weak side corner. The 3 swings the ball to the 2 (action 2).

action 1 // action 2

The 3 then cuts through the key to set a screen for the 4. At the same time, the 5 comes up to set the second of a stagger screen. The 4 runs off the first screen, but instead of running off the second, he curls hard before reaching the second (action 3).

The 4 curls and sets a screen on the defender of the 3, who just set the screen. This action is called shuffle. The 3 then cuts off the stagger screen of the 4 and the 5 to catch the ball up top before knocking down the timely 3-pointer (action 4).

action 3 // action 4

Side Note: the shot counted, cutting the lead to three. The ref called a technical foul on the shooter for kicking his leg out. Milan got to shoot a free throw and get the ball back.

Key Terms & Definitions:

Diamond: offensive set that starts in a diamond alignment

Stagger: two screens set for cutter

Shuffle (twist/twirl):  player curls after screen and sets screen for initial screener

Hammer Screen: weakside flare screen from wing to corner

Wing: location on court where foul line extended meets 3 point line

Corner: location on court where the baseline and sideline meet

That’s this week’s playbook breakdown! Stay up to date with Hoops Beyond the Huddle by subscribing to the newsletter. Please reach out if you have any sets you would like to see more of!

Cheers,

Keevan

Founder of Hoops Beyond the Huddle