From the Northern Iowa basketball team playbook
Northern Iowa dumped Texas in the first round of the NCAA Tournament last year and used this set to create an open 3-point look from the top of the key.
Why use it
Elevator plays are perfect to set up 3-point shots. These use a double screen in the middle of the floor as a shooter comes from the baseline to the top of the key. Northern Iowa used this play in its NCAA Tournament first-round victory over Texas last year.
Set up
Starting from a Horns look with 4 and 5 at the elbows and 2 and 3 in the corners. 1 is dribbling at the top of the set.
How to play
5 turns and takes a step toward 4 to set a screen. 4 runs to the low side of 5 and moves to the left wing. 1 uses dribble penetration to attack the right wing as 2 comes higher toward the ball [1]. 1 hands off the ball to 2. 2 dribbles left. 1 runs across the court as 3 steps toward the lane line to screen for 1. 1 moves deep onto the left side. 2 passes across to 4. 4 passes to 1. 5 steps high [2]. 4 and 5 now run toward the free-throw line to set the double screen leaving enough room for 3 to pass between them. 3 comes high through the double screen, catches a pass from 1 and shoots [3].
Technique
4 and 5 allow 3 to pass between them then close the gap so the defender can’t split them. This allows 3 to have an open jumper opportunity.