When coaches think of the D’Antoni System, the first thing that comes to mind is its up-tempo transition pace. That is the system’s hallmark.
However, basketball features plenty of stops and starts. After a timeout or dead ball situation, offenses need set plays to create scoring opportunities. The D’Antoni System offers plenty of options.
Let’s break down two of the many set plays in the D’Antoni playbook.
Set Plays: Two Down Rub
Two Down Rub is a 5-out set that features a ball screen in an unconventional location.
The play offers two primary scoring options:
- Player 2 coming off the cross-screen.
- The deep pick-and-roll.
Click the image below to view the diagrams.
The cross screen appears in Frame 2 of Fig. 1. At times, it creates a layup for Player 2. If the layup isn’t available, the play continues.
The “rub” in Two Down Rub occurs in Frame 3. Player 3 cuts straight across the floor, a movement I call an arrow cut. Player 5 rubs off Player 3’s backside and moves into the ball screen. The goal is for Player 5 to arrive alone at the deep pick-and-roll.
Frame 4 depicts the deep pick-and-roll, which often takes place between the lane line and the 3-point line. This unconventional ball screen location gives the action plenty of room to breathe.
Below is a video breakdown of Two Down Rub using FastBreak PlayBook’s Whiteboard feature.
Set Plays: One Pop
Our next set is One Pop, another 5-out play. Running multiple plays from the same formation keeps opponents guessing and prevents them from identifying the action before it begins.
Like Two Down Rub, One Pop begins in a 5-out alignment and features the same cross-screen (Frame 2 in Fig. 2).
The differences begin in Frame 3. Player 1 fakes a screen for the screener, then pops off Player 5’s away screen. Player 1 can curl the screen or make the straight cut shown in the diagram. If the shot isn’t available, Player 5 sets an alley ball screen for Player 1.
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Conclusion
Two Down Rub and One Pop offer a glimpse into the set-play options available within the D’Antoni System. Both use a 5-out alignment and a common opening action, giving the offense multiple ways to create scoring opportunities.
These are just two examples from D’Antoni’s set-play library, not an exhaustive list. Coaches can use these actions as a starting point for exploring the system and finding ways to generate quality looks when the game slows down.
More Resources
- Note: The videos in this piece features Marshall University who was coach by Dan D’Antoni, brother of Mike, at the time of production.
- Video Playlist: The D’Antoni System
- Part One: The D’Antoni System: Drag Ball Screens
- Part Two: The D’Antoni System: 21 Series
- Guidance: Join our RAMP Program and get experienced guidance on this system
