Hey Coaches, looking to dial up your aggression in PNR defense? Or, as Texas MBB Associate Head Coach, Frank Haith, mentioned on the podcast, add a little “Punch” to your coverage? Today, we’ll examine how teams are enhancing the Quick Show coverage by incorporating an aggressive “Next” defensive strategy in opportunistic situations. This approach enables defenses to disrupt unsuspecting ballhandlers and create opportunities to steal a few extra possessions.
What is the Coverage?
Simply put, when the PNR is attacking towards the loaded side (with two or more players) the next closest defender on that loaded side follows up the big’s Quick Show by aggressively jumping or “hitting” the ballhandler. This is then followed by the other guard bouncing out and transitioning into the scramble.
 |
Zooming In: As Coach Gonzalo Rodriguez detailed in his clinic on “Next” defense {đź”’} and when sending a “Hit” on the ball, the rotating defensive guard should commit to the ball through the passing lane to deter a straight-line pass, buying time for teammates to rotate and recover in the scramble.
Clearly, this is an ultra-aggressive defensive strategy that momentarily commits three defenders to the ball, and running this scheme every time the spacing allows could be a tough ask for the defense. However, throughout our film study, we’ve found that with the right situational and opponent scouting awareness, certain scenarios will emerge that minimize the risk of the aggression while optimizing the effectiveness of the coverage. One such scenario, as demonstrated above, is the empty-side ballscreen. This setup provides ideal spacing to support the full rotation of the guard onto the ball, with an extra body to aid in rotations and shrink the space.
Poor Passing Opponents
With any aggressive PNR coverage, whether it’s a hedge, trap, or otherwise, multiple quick passes out of the coverage often stress the integrity of the defense and its rotations. This is why Lane Closeouts are vital to the effectiveness of the coverage, helping to slow down or deter multiple passes in the scramble. That said, a reluctant passing opponent can inadvertently aid the coverage, allowing the defense to be more liberal in their “Hits.”
|
Zooming In: Ballhandlers who are hesitant to move the ball out of the trap, or “pass-averse” perimeter players, empower the coverage, as the opponent will routinely struggle to move the ball effectively against the rotations in search of an open three or long closeout. As shown above, the rotation behind the “Hit” is designed to handle the first pass out and shrink the initial closeout. Attempting to immediately attack off the first pass can be futile, as the more dribbling required to beat the defender buys more time for the defense to reset and re-establish its shell.
Late-Clock
The last circumstance we will look at that optimizes the effectiveness of the coverage is in late-clock situations. As we discussed in our “Film Room” with Coach Martin Schiller {đź”’}, ballhandlers against the Quick Show are increasingly being encouraged to treat the coverage like a drop, attacking the big as they retreat after the short show. So, when faced with a late-clock ballscreen, it stands to reason the ballhandler will be ultra-aggressive in attacking the big, knowing they’re up against the clock and need to create an advantage.
Now, of course, you can Switch to neutralize this threat immediately, but not all bigs are comfortable on the perimeter. Another potential solution would be to Switch and send a “Hit” {đź”’} post-switch from the loaded side to protect the Big, or you can avoid the Switch altogether…
|
Zooming In: Send the Big back to the rim to offensive rebound, while the perimeter players fly around in the scramble. With a short clock, multiple passes now work to the defense’s advantage, as with every pass, the offense loses valuable seconds to get off a quality attempt.
In the end, the beauty of the Quick Show & Hit strategy lies in its ability to adjust dynamically to an opponent’s weaknesses, while adding a layer of aggression to a defensive game plan. Whether you’re disrupting the flow of a system-based offense, exploiting poor passing habits, or forcing role players to step up in critical moments, this aggressive coverage provides a team with opportunities to steal key possessions. To learn more on deploying this defensive strategy SG+ Members can now enjoy the full breakdown on SGTV!
