Virtus Bologna: Stagger Pin

Welcome to the 22nd issue of Hoops Beyond the Huddle!

This week we’re taking a look at a set Virtus Bologna had success with in the play-in game win against Anadolu Efes. This play comes from the Play-In ‘B’ Game of the Euroleague Playoffs.

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 Stagger Pin Down.

This set starts off the 4 and 2 in the corners. The 4 comes off a stagger screen set by the 3 and the 5. The 1 makes the pass. (action 1).

The 4 receives the ball and hands it back to the 1. (action 2).

The 4 continues his cut and runs into a pin down screen with the 2. The 2 sets up his defender and comes off to receive the ball. On the weak side, the 5 sets a decoy pin down on the 3. (action 3).

The 2 comes off the screen looking for a quick shot. Noticing the defender of the 4 is in between him and the 4, he hits the slipping 4 who gets to the rim for the finish. (action 4).

The Pro’s Insight

Although this is a simple set, it can be very effective if you have the right players - which Bologna does. They are running an empty side pin down screen with a knock down shooter and NBA veteran in Marco Belinelli, along with EuroLeague star, Tornike Shengelia.

If Belinelli has a small advantage, he can get off a high percentage shot. If you show too hard, then you have Shengelia barreling towards the basket. Bologna clears out the weak side to confuse the tag defender to let them operate in a two-man game.

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