- Hoops Beyond the Huddle
- Posts
- Hoops Beyond the Huddle Vol. 20
Hoops Beyond the Huddle Vol. 20
FC Barcelona: Inverted Iverson
Keevan Veinot
March 28, 2024
Welcome to the 20th issue of Hoops Beyond the Huddle!
This week we’re taking a look at a classic set but starting off with a twist. FC Barcelona executed this set several times in the first half against Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos with various reads and a high level of success. This play comes from week 31 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 Inverted Iverson.
We previously looked into a few sets coming out of an Iverson action (Vol 01 and Vol 14). Barcelona starts this set off in a different way but once the ball is entered, it turns into an Iverson set - very misleading.
This set starts with 1 up top with the ball. The 3 is in the right corner (as if he were to make the bottom cut on the Iverson). The wrinkle comes from the 2 going off a stagger set by the 4 and 5 under the basket (action 1).
action 1
ction1The 2 receives the ball at the wing. The 1 cuts through and clears out to the strong side corner. The 5 clears out and the 4 comes up to set an empty side pnr with the 2 (action 2).
action 2
The 2 uses the screen but the real action in this set is for the 3. Since the 1 relocated to the strongside corner, the 5 and the 3 are the only players on the weak side of the court. The 5 sets a wide pin down screen on the 3 (action 3).
action 3
The Pro’s Insight
What worked so well in this set is by having the 1 clear out, it opens up so much space on the weak side. The defender of the 3 is playing off of his man in case he needs to tag a roller or cutter. When the 3 comes off of the screen, his defender is caught off guard and is late to the screen.
The other times Barcelona ran this, the 1 stayed high. This is the typical Iverson setup and allowed for many more options including:
pocket pass to rolling 4 (empty side pnr)
2 to penetrate and drop off the 5 (on the dive)
2 to penetrate and dish to 5 (on the pop)
swing to 1 for step up screen with the 5
other possible reads
Key Terms & Definitions:
Iverson - cut from wing to wing with posts setting screens at elbows (horns alignment)
Stagger: two screens set for cutter
Empty Side PnR - empty side corner ball screen
Wide Pin Down Screen: off ball screen for player to cut from baseline to perimeter (with more space)
Step Up Screen - ball screen with screeners back towards baseline (often set at slot)
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