Coach ,

As we watch games from around the world, it is interesting to see the different actions and strategies coaches use to counter the variety of defensive adjustments and counters for pick and rolls, screening actions, and post-ups.

Here are 3 actions you can add to your playbook today or for next season that can create open-shot opportunities for your team.

1.  Burn Cut

The Burn cut has become more common within offensive actions at the pro and scholastic levels as a way to create gaps for drives along with putting defenders in confusion on when to stunt. The action starts with 3 cutting off 4 and 5 to the wing and receiving the entry pass. 

1 cuts to the corner and 4 and 5 set a stagger screen for 2. As 2 comes off 4’s ball screen, 3 cuts to the opposite corner and uses a screen from 5. 4 will pop into the open space and 2 looks to throw back to 4. X1 is now in a tough situation because if they do not help, 4 shoots an open shot. 

If X1 rotates up to 4, 4 can then move the ball to 1 in the corner for an open 3.

1.  Wiper Action

Wiper Action is basically a double screen where a post player screens for one player, then sets a second screen for a good shooter. Here is an example from the Belgium national team years ago in FIBA competition. Out of a floppy action, 3 comes off the baseline screens and gets the entry pass from 1. 

1 cuts through the lane and off 4 to the ballside corner as 2 fills the top. 3 passes to 1 in the corner, and then gets a back screen from 4. 4 will then turn and screen away for 2. If 2 is not open, 4 can space the floor and 5 can sprint into a ball screen.

1.  Grenade Action

We have written about the Grenade action before, which is a dribble hand off with a post player and guard. This example is from a professional team in Sweden but there is a change in who receives the hand off. From a diamond set, 2 pops out and receives the entry pass from 1. 3 clears to the opposite wing. 5 will post in the extended post area and 2 makes the entry pass. 

On the catch, 1 will dive to the rim and 2 will space to the top. 3 will sprint from the opposite wing area and receive the handoff. 3 and 5 now play a 2 man game, with the other 3 players spotting up on the perimeter.

1.  Combination of Grenade and Wiper Action

Now, let's combine two actions into a set with the Grenade action and the wiper action together. Since DHO’s are considered screens, 5 will now screen away for 2 instead of rolling to the basket after handing off.

Hope these 3 actions will stimulate your thinking about play ideas that could work with your team.

Here are some other resource suggestions that will also help you with designing more effective plays.

Dynamic Horns Actions (30 Sets) by KJ Smith

Pindown/Floppy Actions by Jimmy Bradshaw

5 Out Delay Actions & 21 Actions by Tanner Massey

Pinch Post Actions vs man and zone by Lin Dunn

Creative Low Post Actions by Kostas Kalogeropoulos

4 Must Have Offensive Actions by Coach Nick

Real Madrid Playbook by Luka Bassin

Pick and Roll Spacing and Design by Safa Kamalian

Using Handoffs in Your Offense By Matt Goldsmith

Using Cutting to Gain An Offensive Advantage by Scott Morrison

Never Get Out-Coached,

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