Hoops Beyond the Huddle Vol. 19

Virtus Bologna: Hammer Action

Author

Keevan Veinot
March 21, 2024

Welcome to the 19th issue of Hoops Beyond the Huddle!

This week we’re taking a look at a very good Italian team, Virtus Bologna. This is one of my personal favorite teams to watch due to their intricate offensive tendencies and actions. I usually find myself in awe at least once a game when Bologna gets a wide open look after completely breaking down the defense. This play comes from week 30 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.

Take a look at this hammer action below.

Bologna starts this action off with a stagger for the 2 set by the 4 and the 5. The 2 curls the first and sets an brush screen on the defender of the 4. The 4 comes off the screen set by the 5 and receives the pass from the 1 (action 1).

The 4 pitches the ball back to the 1 and clears out. While the 1 has the ball up top, the 5 and 4 set pin down screens for the 2 and the 3. These actions are live (action 2).

action 1 // action 2

The 1 passes to the 2 who created an advantage coming off the pin down. The 2 dribbles into his curl and the defender of the 1 jumps to the ball and clogs the penetration. The 1 creates space by sliding to the slot and the 2 quickly swings it back to him.

The 4 and 2 hold corner and wing on the weak side of the court (action 3).

action 3 // action 4

The 1 drives to the rim as he realizes there is no defender in front of him. When he puts the ball on the floor, you can see the 5 initiate some weak side action. He signals to his teammates and sets a hammer screen for the 2.

The defender of the 2 turns his head to watch the drive and gets blindsided by the screen. The 2 drifts to the corner and the 1 hits him right in the hands for the open 3 and bucket. What a beautiful set (action 4).

Key Terms & Definitions:

Stagger: two screens set for cutter

Brush Screen: interference cut that occupies defender

Pin Down Screen: off ball screen for player to cut from baseline to perimeter

Hammer Screen: weakside flare screen set 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