Coach’s Clinic

COACH’S CLINIC TRIED, TESTED, and VERSATILE

Charles Katsiaficas, Head Coach Pomona-Pitzer Colleges

As the game continues to change and evolve, one thing stays the same… good basketball is good basketball . This set has been very good to us through the years, and seems to have withstood the test of time .

DIAGRAM 1

#1 enters to either wing; we like to catch around FTL extended . The weak side post (#4 in this diagram) comes up to back-screen for #1 . First option is right in the post to #5; a good 1-on-1 opportunity with weak side help kept busy . Second option is #1 over the top for a lob/lay-up . If #4 or #5 can shoot it, the shot at the top may be there if the defense helps on the back-screen .

DIAGRAM 2

#2 passes to #4; as the ball reaches the fingertips of #4, #3 cuts through the lane to set a cross screen for #5; #1 runs a low loop cut to the wing for the ball reversal; the timing is for #3 and #1 to cross a couple steps outside the lane; we like a low loop cut so it’s not a screen between #3 and #1- this keeps it from being switched . If #5 is being fronted, #4 can look hi-low to #5; otherwise, on the pass to #4 at the top, #5 turns and faces the ball . On pass to #1, #5 uses screen from #3, either way, over the top or under depending on how the defender is positioned . #3 then receives a double down from #2 and #4, looking for the shot at the top . #2 needs to get to the middle of the floor for a good screening angle and is the first screen in the stagger (You may prefer a single from #4, leaving #2 to stretch the floor).

DIAGRAM 3

If #5 isn’t open and #3 doesn’t have a shot, a quick ball reversal to #2, who popped back out to the wing, can often find #4 with good post position on the back side post . Another option is to have #4 reposition after his down screen and set a quick ball screen for #3 . Could be a pick and pop, or a roll and replace with #4 and #5 . If wings are overplayed in initial entry attempt, let’s look at the pressure release . #4 and #5 cut high for a pass at the elbow (or higher) along the lane line extended . First option is wing back-door cut; second option is #1 on a ducktail cut for a hand off or basket cut .

DIAGRAM 4

The wing continues around a double screen on the opposite side from #3 (wing is first screener in the stagger) and #4 . #1 can use his cut to post up, or pop to the wing and play two man game with #5 (ball screen, or #5 diving into post) . All the screens are big-little, making it challenging to switch . The wing entry moves the ball side to side, increasing the likelihood of a higher percentage shot .

Through the years we’ve run these two plays as sets, as entries into offense, out of transition, and for a number of years these two plays were our entire offense!

I learned this action from Coach Hank Egan while serving as an assistant on his staff at the University of San Diego in the late 1980’s . Coach Egan has an unbelievable mind and eye for the game, and I was so fortunate to have him as a mentor in my early years of coaching .

There is so much good offensive ‘stuff’ out there . We all need to be mindful of not doing too much . However, finding a couple sets that fit your personnel, get the ball to the player(s) you want, where you want them to get it, can help give your team the best chance for success .

Best of luck this season!

In his 33rd season as head coach at Pomona-Pitzer, Charles Katsiaficas has guided the Sagehens to a 512-343 won-lost record. His teams have won 14 SCIAC championships with back-to-back tournament titles in 2019 and 2020. “Coach Kat” serves as chair of the NABC Division III AllAmerica Committee.