Coaching the Read & React

17 Nov Read & React Diagnostics: Testing Layers 1 and 4

The Read & React Offense is built on a backbone of two major components: Pass & Cut (Layer 1) and Circle Movement (Layer 4). Many of the other layers hang upon those two exactly like the skeleton hangs upon the spine. Sure, a youth team can...

14 Nov 5 OUT Offensive Rebounding with Read & React

This is another excerpt from our newest project, Read & React Clinics: Planning the R&R Practice. If you haven't noticed yet, what we've been doing over the last few posts (and will continue over several more) is building desire in your heart for this 5...

04 Nov Read & React Offense Diagnostics: Testing Layers 1-3

The question often comes up, "How do I know when our Read & React team should add new layers?" Simple answer: when the previous layer (or bundle of layers if you're implementing a few at once) are habit. Unfortunately, that leaves a rather unfulfilled taste in my mouth because the question you really want answered is, "How can I test to see if my team is ready for more layers?" Ok, the answer to that question: use a diagnostic test. Place 5 players on the floor without defense. Ask them to perform the offense using as many layers as are already in their arsenal with the intent to score on a specific action. In the video below, Rick Torbett asks for the following progression: • pass and cut for a few passes • dribble-at a player • the player who is cutting from the dribble-at leg whips into the post and receives the post feed • the passer Laker cuts for the score Actually, Rick asks for the score in the second (then third) Laker cut, but you can demand whatever you want. In fact, you could simply demand that they use all their known layers before they are allowed to score. There are a lot of ways to do this. Your job as the coach is to note where they are struggling. And, if they have it down to your satisfaction, then you have your answer - now is the time to push forward.

12 Oct Read & React: 3 Qualities of Great Basketball Offense

Dick Helm judges good basketball offense on three criteria: spacing, ball movement, and player movement. According to Coach Helm, all offenses have at least one of these qualities, all good basketball offenses have two of them, and the Read & React Offense has all three....