Coaches’ Corner- Backdoor Series with Options

Coaches’ Corner- This is a very good backdoor series with multiple options. 

Figure 1- The action looks like #2 is being set up in the corner coming off a double screen into the corner. #1 takes the ball hard toward #2. A key is for #1 to not go “east-west” with the dribble, drive the defender back to create space. As this action is going on, #4 goes and stands at the elbow. It is important to use the elbow as a “landmark.” 

NOTE- We called this play “Hawk” in honor of where we stole the play. If we called just “Hawk,” we used the alignment of Figure 1. If we called “Hawk 5” then 5 was who we set up to go backdoor. We could set up any of our players. If we called “Hawk 2” then 2 and 4 just switch positions. If we called “Hawk 3 or 5” then we ran it to the other side. 

Figure 2- As #1 picks up the dribble, #4 must cut to above the three point arc. Using this as a landmark makes sure that the player sets up a good backdoor cut. #3 and #5 must set their double screen about 3 feet off the lane and above the block- this will make it harder for their defenders to give help. 

Figure 3- If the defender doesn’t overplay, #4 should just continue their cut. The ball can be reversed to them for an isolation one on one. 

Figure 4- Another option of the set is to pass down to #2. As #2 receives the pass, #3 and #5 will go set a double screen for #4. The double screen will create confusion for the defenders.