NBA Daily X&O Recap for Coaches: Wizards at Clippers - How Not To Play Pick and Roll Action

Written by: Chris Hungerford

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Time to read 5 min

Everybody likes to watch the Clippers. The team that nobody thought of as a contender for a playoff spot are playing some good basketball. Tonight they took a W over the Wizards 104 - 136 and are currently holding a 5 - 2 record.


From the coaching standpoint, this bad pick and roll play caught my eye because it will show us all the wrong things from which we can learn from:

The start of the Pick and Roll acion

Here we see Gortat making a screen for Harris. The first thing that caught my eye was the position of both players guarding them: Potter Jr. seems to have forgotten Tobias a bit and Mahinmi is way to low on the free-throw line.

Bad defense and bad offense

As the action went on, and Harris went around the screen, I thought he was going to take an open shot from the Red Circle Area, because Mahinmi decided to protect the penetration line and not go hard hedge. If we take a closer look, the whole area between the free throw line and 3 pt line is free for taking a shot.

Bad decision making and bad positioning leading to turnover

In the next sequence of events, more mistakes come our way. Harris continues to drive towards the rim even though John Wall has decided to attack the ball which ultimately takes him into the 3-man trap (Black triangle). If we take a look at Clipper's offense I have three observations:


Player No 1: He continues to run towards the corner instead of staying on the 45° spot. This way Wizards player guarding Gallinari can cover both of them...and it should be another way around. If he climbed up towards the center, he would open a passing lane for Tobias, and we would have a 2 on 1 situation on the right side of the court.


Player No 2: Why Harris didn`t take a mid-range shot or a three


Player No 3: Why is this player still in the corner and not on the 45° spot to open a passing lane for an open shot or to pass the ball on the low post where the guard would stay with the center and it would be a miss match.


The action ended with John Wall stealing the ball.


If you want to learn more about pick and roll action, go to Hoopsking by clicking on the link below:

Not To Play Pick and Roll Action

Not To Play Pick and Roll Action

Not To Play Pick and Roll Action

Introduction:

In this comprehensive analysis, we delve into the recent matchup between the Washington Wizards and the Los Angeles Clippers, focusing on a critical aspect of the game: Pick and Roll execution. Coaches and enthusiasts alike understand the pivotal role this playtype holds in modern basketball. Unfortunately, in this contest, both teams demonstrated some critical missteps in their Pick and Roll execution. In this recap, we will dissect these errors, providing valuable insights into what went wrong and how to avoid similar pitfalls in your own coaching endeavors.

The Wizards' Struggles:

The Wizards, though a formidable force in many aspects of the game, faced significant challenges when it came to executing effective Pick and Roll plays. One glaring issue was the lack of proper communication between the ball-handler and the screener. Time and again, we observed instances where the screener failed to establish a solid screen, often resulting in a disrupted play and limited options for the ball-handler. Additionally, there was a noticeable hesitancy in decision-making, causing the offense to stagnate, and allowing the Clippers' defense to capitalize on these moments of uncertainty.

Clippers' Defensive Mastery:

Conversely, the Clippers demonstrated a keen understanding of how to defend against the Pick and Roll. Their defenders displayed excellent anticipation, often hedging or switching seamlessly to disrupt the flow of the play. Furthermore, they effectively denied passing lanes, leaving the ball-handler with limited options. This defensive prowess significantly contributed to the Wizards' struggles in this facet of the game.

Key Takeaways for Coaches:

  1. Emphasize Communication: Clear, concise communication between the ball-handler and screener is paramount. Instill the importance of timing and positioning to ensure a solid screen and open up offensive options.

  2. Instill Confidence in Decision-Making: Encourage your players to trust their instincts and make quick, informed decisions. Hesitation in the Pick and Roll can lead to turnovers and missed opportunities.

  3. Counter-Defensive Strategies: Prepare your team to face aggressive defensive tactics. Practice scenarios where defenders hedge, switch, or deny passing lanes, and equip your players with strategies to counteract these maneuvers.

Conclusion:

In dissecting the Wizards vs. Clippers matchup, it's evident that the execution of Pick and Roll action can make or break a team's offensive efficiency. The Wizards' struggles serve as a valuable lesson for coaches and players alike. By focusing on communication, decision-making, and countering defensive strategies, teams can significantly improve their effectiveness in this critical aspect of the game. As coaches, it's our duty to learn from these experiences and equip our players with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the high-stakes world of professional basketball. Conclusion:

In dissecting the Wizards vs. Clippers matchup, it's evident that the execution of Pick and Roll action can make or break a team's offensive efficiency. The Wizards' struggles serve as a valuable lesson for coaches and players alike. By focusing on communication, decision-making, and countering defensive strategies, teams can significantly improve their effectiveness in this critical aspect of the game. As coaches, it's our duty to learn from these experiences and equip our players with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the high-stakes world of professional basketball.


 Conclusion:

In dissecting the Wizards vs. Clippers matchup, it's evident that the execution of Pick and Roll action can make or break a team's offensive efficiency. The Wizards' struggles serve as a valuable lesson for coaches and players alike. By focusing on communication, decision-making, and countering defensive strategies, teams can significantly improve their effectiveness in this critical aspect of the game. As coaches, it's our duty to learn from these experiences and equip our players with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the high-stakes world of professional basketball.

Conclusion:

In dissecting the Wizards vs. Clippers matchup, it's evident that the execution of Pick and Roll action can make or break a team's offensive efficiency. The Wizards' struggles serve as a valuable lesson for coaches and players alike. By focusing on communication, decision-making, and countering defensive strategies, teams can significantly improve their effectiveness in this critical aspect of the game. As coaches, it's our duty to learn from these experiences and equip our players with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the high-stakes world of professional basketball.

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