Exploring basketball's best ideas, strategies, and coaches around the world

Happy Sunday and welcome to all the new subscribers from around the world!

ICYMI: Last week we studied the footwork of elite "Slippers" in the Drag Screen, focusing on the different types of footwork they use to control their pace and change direction when entering and exiting the screening area. Read the full newsletter HERE.

This Week at a Glance:

🔒 SG Plus Content: Peel on Penetration - Switch PNR Defense​

🎧 Slappin' Glass Podcast: Nick Winkelman {Author & Irish Rugby}

🥇 Best of the Week: Short Clock & RIP Screens​

​

Switch & Peel

A few months ago, we highlighted an offensive strategy for attacking a switching defense in the PNR called "Drive the Wake." {🔒} In this approach, the ballhandler attacks a perimeter mismatch by driving into a temporarily open gap left behind by the roller, creating an opportunity that looks something like this...

During our study of this concept, we were reminded of a defensive strategy we have previously highlighted, where teams can opportunistically deploy the Peel Switch on perimeter penetration to wall off guards attempting to attack the gap created by the roll, while simultaneously solving mismatches without committing an extra defender. Therefore today, we are revisiting this strategy, examining its execution and merits.

Switch & Peel on Penetration

First, here's a quick look at the "Switch & Peel on Penetration" executed in real time...

Execution of the Coverage

1. Guards Fight Against the Seal: After the switch, the defensive guard must work to "front" the post and avoid being sealed on the roll. This positioning allows the guard to stay mobile, read the penetration, and effectively initiate the "Peel Switch."

2. Guard Switches Up "Hard and Fast": As the offensive guard begins to penetrate, the defensive guard must switch back "hard and fast" to close off any shooting gaps and disrupt the ballhandler’s ability to throw a quick lob. This timing is crucial in aiding the defensive big executing the "Peel Switch" to get back to their original matchup. Above, notice how quickly the guard engages the ballhandler on the switch. ⬆️

​
​3. Defensive Big Applies Ball Pressure: The defensive big plays a key role by applying immediate and consistent ball pressure on the ballhandler. This pressure serves the purpose of putting the ballhandler into a less controlled speed dribble, reducing their ability to recognize the peel switch and scan the floor for passing options. Effective ball pressure disrupts the rhythm of the penetration and buys time for the Peel Switch to take place seamlessly. Here's a look at nice pressure on the ball, this time after a "Hedge to Switch"...

Forcing the Peel Switch

As demonstrated in the above example, defenses can elect to be more proactive in forcing penetration back into the guard and the subsequent peel through the use of an aggressive "Hedge to Switch" strategy. Reminiscent of the "Hedge and Plug" {🔒} coverage, the big will aggressively hedge out on the switch, in an effort to funnel the ballhandler back into the guard, who has switched over the top of the screen. The guard sits on top of the rolling big while keeping an eye on the ball in preparation of the switch.

Merits of the Scheme

One of the best aspects of this coverage is that, when executed correctly, it can solve the resulting mismatches while allowing the other three defenders to stay home on their matchups. As with any switching scheme, the coverage can effectively neutralize the action by making it a 2v2 game. However, the resulting mismatches can create additional problems that may force the defense to commit another defender to the ball, such as sending a "Hit" {🔒} to the perimeter mismatch...

Through the use of the "Peel Switch," especially when switching a guard onto a less threatening post option, the defense has a tool to resolve mismatches, wall off the guard at the rim, and prevent the defense from getting caught in a scramble situation.

Zooming In: Tying it all together, in the example above the ballhandler attempts to drive the gap behind the roll (Drive the Wake). However, the defensive guard capitalizes on this opportunity to jump into the gap, putting himself back on the ball, and triggering the big to execute the Peel Switch back onto his original matchup. Meanwhile, the remaining three defenders can stay attached to their matchups without having to shrink into gaps, leaving the ballhandler with no outlets or advantage on the ball.

Especially at the higher levels, guards have become very adept at navigating PNR Coverages and manipulating Help and Tag defenders. A coverage like this is more unusual to operate against and the unfamiliarity of it can help the defense force the ballhandler into shots or reads they're not as comfortable handling. Whether it's used opportunistically, or as more of a coverage (Hedge Switch to Peel), it's ability to disorient and stand up the offense can help a defense steal a possession or two throughout the course of a game. To learn more on this strategy SG+ Members can now view the full updated breakdown on SGTV!

Together with Dr Dish

This February secure your own Dr. Dish CT+ for as low as $3,900 down when using Dr. Dish’s Buy Now, Pay Later payment plan options. These plans are for schools only and have zero interest, no monthly payments, and no hidden fees.

Slappin' Glass Podcast

We sat down this week with the Head of Athletic Performanse and Science for the Irish Rugby Football Union, as well as author of the highly successful book, The Language of Coaching, Nick Winkelman. In this highly detailed discussion we dive into Coach Winkelman's thoughts on miscommunication amongst teams, and where things go wrong, internal vs. external cueing, the use of analogies for teaching movements, and much more.

Together with Hudl

The transfer portal has changed the landscape of college basketball and professional scouting and Hudl Instat is here to help. Find and scout the future of your team with robust search tools, then keep track of your prospects on a virtual board. You can access all of your prospects' recent games and highlight videos as soon as they are uploaded right from your office. With video from over 460 international basketball competitions, you can rest assured that the perfect player for your program is just a click away. Visit Hudl to get started today.

Tactical

📺 Short Clock • 2 For 1 - Reverse Angle Slip • DHO​

"A simple and effective quick-hitter that utilizes a reverse-angle slip screen to set up a DHO, targeting the corner defender."

✚ Pair With: The Tasmanian JackJumpers with a well paced Step Up Screen and backside Hammer Screen to close quarters.

🔒 SG Plus Content: Our breakdown on the Cross Court DHO and the effectiveness of patient pivots in the high paint.

​

📺 Maccabi Tel Aviv - Reverse Pivot • RIP Screen​

"Nice use of the misdirection "DHO to RIP Screen" to set up a quick reverse pass and RIP Screen for the big."

✚ Pair With: A nice ATO Tenerife runs off the Grenade Flare, setting a RIP Screen for the 5-Man after the Flare Screen.

🔒 SG Plus Content: Maccabi Tel Aviv's use of the "Get" Rescreen with smaller guards in the middle 3rd ballscreen.

Interesting Reads

📚 Knicks' Tom Thibodeau Gives Players 'Hugs Every Day'​

"You want the right players. You want to be truthful. You build trust with the truth. We’ve got a great group of guys to work with... We want to understand why we either win or why we lose. We always have the belief we can do things better. So we get everything working together, good things are going to come from that."

​

📚 Nick Sirianni’s Experiences at Mount Union Helped Him Climb Mountaintop with Eagles​

“One of the big things I learned from him was that connection, just caring about his players. He was always trying to get me better. … I have a lot of stories of how many times I got yelled at as well. Just because he cares for me doesn’t mean he’s not extremely demanding.”

​

📚 Big Investors Back New International Hoops League​

"...the league has no intention of competing directly with the NBA. The league instead is aiming to be an 'F1 for basketball,' making two-week stops in eight global cities."

​

Quote of the Week

​

Thank you for reading and have a great week coaching,

Dan and Pat

info@slappinglass.com

We're proud to partner with the leading Sports Travel company in the basketball world, Beyond Sports! Follow the link above to learn more about why more than 600 universities have trusted Beyond Sports for their team's foreign trips. Let them know Slappin' Glass sent you!

​