Three Quick-Shot Plays

By: Mary Taylor Cowles

Originally Published in - WBCA Offensive Plays and Strategies

Objective
To set up your best shooter for a three-point shot or your best playmaker for a one-on-one opportunity.

When to Use
When a quick basket is needed.
When a shooter has a hot hand.
When an opponent cannot effectively guard the playmaker.

Key Personnel
Your 1 is your best playmaker and your 2 your best shooter. Your 4 should be the post player the opponent is most likely to sag off. Your 5 is your best inside scorer.

Execution

1. 1 dribbles to the shooter-side wing. 4 down-screens for 2, who pops up to the three-point line. 1 passes to 2. 5 then down-screens for 3, who gets open on the wing. 2 dribbles toward 3 and passes to her from the top of the key (figure 1).
2. 4 loops up to set a flare screen for 2. At the same time, 1 leaks toward the far-side block. As 3 passes to 2, 1 cross-screens for 5. 2 either takes the three-pointer or passes to 5 (figure 2).
3. 3 and 4 then set a stagger screen for 1 coming to the top of the key (figure 3).

Variation
The 1 and 2 switch places to begin the play to set up a great one-on-one opportunity for 1 and puts 2 at the top of the key at the end of the play for another option.

Points of Emphasis
This play takes about 10 seconds to execute. Timing and setup are key. The 5 must time her down screen for 3 until the ball is passed to shooter. The 3 must get open or the flare screen is taken away. The 2 gets to the top of the key before reaching the flare screen. Otherwise, she'll be limited in the space she has to work with. The 1 is on the block when 2 is coming off her screen so 1 's defender can't help on 2. The 2 and the weaker post should be on the side from which 2 is most comfortable taking shots.

Objective
To get your best shooter open.

When to Use
When a quick three-pointer or play to the best post is needed.
Out of a set or as a secondary break.
The variation can be used as an out-of-bounds play.

Key Personnel
Your 1 and 4 must set good screens. Your 5 must do a good job hunting and wanting the ball. Your shooter (2) must have great range and accuracy, read the defense well, and work hard to get open.

Execution
1 starts on the left side and reverses the ball to 4. 4 looks for 5 hunting the ball and then reverses to 3 as 5 continues to hunt the ball. 2 starts toward the basket and then cuts back up to use a stagger screen by 1 and 4 to get to the top of the key for the pass from 3 (see the figure).

Variations
If 4 isn't open on the reversal, 1 skips the ball to 3.
As a sideline out-of-bounds play, 1 inbounds to 4 popping out to start the play.

Points of Emphasis
This play takes about seven seconds to execute. The post working inside for the ball is key to this play. By having action on the opposite side, the post should have a one-one-one opportunity. If the defense goes under the screen, the shooter (2) should flare. If the defender rides 2 off, 2 needs to be comfortable curling. The 1 and 4 should read their defenders on the screen and be ready to slip, if possible.

Objective
To throw the ball as far upcourt as possible to the best playmaker for a quick shot.

When to Use
In late-game situations with a few seconds on theclock, especially when the opponent is worried about fouling.
Can be used for a quick two-pointer or three-pointer.

Key Personnel
Your passer (3) is a strong, accurate passer and intelligent player who makes good decisions late in the game. Your 1 is your best playmaker. Your shooter (5) is your best shooter. Your 2 should also be a good shooter and someone who recognizes when to come back to the ball if necessary. Your 4 should be the best rebounder and rim player.

Execution
Stack the shooter and playmaker (5 and 1) at midcourt. 2 takes off in a dead sprint toward the stack. The shooter curls to the far corner, and 1 curls off 2 to the deepest area to which the passer can accurately throw it. The passer (3) hits 1, who immediately looks for the shooter in the corner for a quick three or for 2 running to the opposite wing. The 2 cuts back to the ball if 1 is not open (see the figure).

Points of Emphasis
It's almost imperative to run this play after a time-out or free-throw in order to get players lined up properly. The passer can't be afraid to lead 1 with the ball and let her go get it. Remind players that three seconds is plenty of time to catch, look for the shooter, and get a shot off.