Thursday, February 14, 2013
Harvard Education
The "Harvard" set play has been a staple for many years for Melrose basketball. Unfortunately, teams around the league have scouted the base options and have, for the most part, prevented it from achieving its full potential.
It is vital to understant that in basketball, "seeing the game" has paramount importance in order to optimize execution. And assiduous practice of fundamentals, combined with putting players in the best position to succeed, matters.
The "base formation" is the so-called 1-4, with a one guard front and twin high posts. In its purest form, initiating the offense creates defensive problems as there is no intrinsic 'helpside' defense available. The power of the offense comes from multiple options AND from its moving defenses away from the basket. This offense has been around for a long-time, for example, having been run for well over 40 years.
What one sees, day-to-day, is "wing entry" illustrated above, followed by ballside cutting, and the attempt at running a 'side screen' into a screen and roll. There's nothing wrong with this, but it diminishes the power of offensive creativity. How can this offense be unleashed? I'm going to list, rather than illustrate each possibility, for time's sake. These are just some of the opportunities.
1. Initial give-and-go cut to the point guard (seldom works, as every competent team will jump to the ball defensively).
2. UCLA or "flex cut" off the high post. The point guard reads the defender's approach.
3. Pop out off flex cut as the point guard "pops out" if the defender cheats aggressively.
4. Initial drive from the wing, if available. Hannah Brickley often used this approach as defenders overplayed the side-screen.
5. Slip screen for the high post initially (post entry backcut versus wing entry)
6. Slip screen to high post instead of completing pick and roll. Post comes to set screen and back cuts overplay.
7. Initial pick and roll...with options. If defender goes 'under', wing has option of outside jump shot.
8. Initial post entry with wing back cut. Excellent play and very hard to defend. In this approach the guard does not cut through.
9. Post entry one-on-one.
10.Wing entry with post pass and then give-and-go back cut, excellent against overplay defense (e.g. Lexington).
11. Wing entry with cross screen to weakside post cutting to low block.
12. Wing entry with fake cross screen and back cut by screener.
13. Post entry with handoff to guard for drive.
14. Wing entry with side screen with players relocating to "spread formation" (3 out, 2 in) allowing initiation of "dribble-drive" offense with so-called draw and kick action for open three-point shots.
15. Post entry with guard cutting to set screen for wing (think Rondo for Pierce, with Garnett passing). Alternatively, wing entry, guard cut through and pass to corner, and screen for wing by post or vice versa.
The side pick-and-roll easily morphs into draw and kick opportunities, with players relocating to spots for open 'looks'.
When does this offense not getting maximum production? Here are just a few of the possibilities:
Legendary coach Pete Newell used to say, "The players aren't cattle." He meant that when well-taught the 'whys' of the game, their quality of play and execution can improve.
It is vital to understant that in basketball, "seeing the game" has paramount importance in order to optimize execution. And assiduous practice of fundamentals, combined with putting players in the best position to succeed, matters.
What one sees, day-to-day, is "wing entry" illustrated above, followed by ballside cutting, and the attempt at running a 'side screen' into a screen and roll. There's nothing wrong with this, but it diminishes the power of offensive creativity. How can this offense be unleashed? I'm going to list, rather than illustrate each possibility, for time's sake. These are just some of the opportunities.
1. Initial give-and-go cut to the point guard (seldom works, as every competent team will jump to the ball defensively).
2. UCLA or "flex cut" off the high post. The point guard reads the defender's approach.
3. Pop out off flex cut as the point guard "pops out" if the defender cheats aggressively.
4. Initial drive from the wing, if available. Hannah Brickley often used this approach as defenders overplayed the side-screen.
5. Slip screen for the high post initially (post entry backcut versus wing entry)
6. Slip screen to high post instead of completing pick and roll. Post comes to set screen and back cuts overplay.
7. Initial pick and roll...with options. If defender goes 'under', wing has option of outside jump shot.
8. Initial post entry with wing back cut. Excellent play and very hard to defend. In this approach the guard does not cut through.
9. Post entry one-on-one.
10.Wing entry with post pass and then give-and-go back cut, excellent against overplay defense (e.g. Lexington).
11. Wing entry with cross screen to weakside post cutting to low block.
12. Wing entry with fake cross screen and back cut by screener.
13. Post entry with handoff to guard for drive.
14. Wing entry with side screen with players relocating to "spread formation" (3 out, 2 in) allowing initiation of "dribble-drive" offense with so-called draw and kick action for open three-point shots.
15. Post entry with guard cutting to set screen for wing (think Rondo for Pierce, with Garnett passing). Alternatively, wing entry, guard cut through and pass to corner, and screen for wing by post or vice versa.
When does this offense not getting maximum production? Here are just a few of the possibilities:
- Wing drive off post not getting effective screen (not coming off screen tightly)
- Poor rolling
- Wing unable to turn the corner because drive to 'weak hand'. This can improve by locating left-handed players on right side of formation and vice versa
- Ineffective initial cut (flex cut) or inability to read the defense
Legendary coach Pete Newell used to say, "The players aren't cattle." He meant that when well-taught the 'whys' of the game, their quality of play and execution can improve.
// posted by Ron Sen, MD, FCCP @ 9:23 AM 
