
Zip Past Defenses With ‘Road Runner’
Flood one side of the floor, then seal the other side to set up a dribble drive for an attacking layup or a kick-out pass for a 3-pointer against a 2-3 zone. MORE
Similar to Find The Forgotten Inbounder in which the defense lags off the initial passer, this set creates actions away from the ball to open space for a quick handoff and shot.
WHY USE IT
Some of the best, quick-hitting plays use the initial passer as the shooter. The idea is simple: the point guard starts the actions with a pass, the point’s defender gets caught up in the other actions and loses track of her or his assignment.
SET UP
1 is dribbling at the top. 4 and 5 are at opposite elbows. 3 is on the right wing but closer to the baseline. 2 is positioned on the left wing out toward 1.
HOW TO PLAY
3 takes a few steps toward the ball, then runs off a backscreen set by 5. 4 is establishing position at the left elbow [diagram 1].
As 3 cuts through the lane, 4 dives toward the hoop, which pulls defensive attention in this direction. 5 now steps toward the ball. 1 passes to 5 [diagram 2].
1 follows the pass. 5 pivots, keeps the defender on her or his backside, then hands off the ball to 1. 1 grabs the ball and shoots the open 3-pointer as the defenders scramble to recover [diagram 3].
TECHNIQUE
If both defenders drop to cover 3 cutting backdoor, 5 also has the option to put the ball on the floor and attack with the dribble, or she or he can take the mid-range jumper. Generally, however, at least one defender sticks with 5. The key is for 5 to pivot away from that defender, as well as 1’s trailing defender.