Basketball Plays Diagrams

Cover Sideline Out of Bounds Basketball Play Stack Basketball plays (1920x1080)

Table of Contents

• What is a Stack Play?
• How to Set Up a Stack Play?
• How to Execute a Stack Play?
• What are the Benefits of a Stack Play?
• How to Counter Defenses Against Stack Play?

What is a Stack Play?

A stack play is a basketball offensive play that involves two players standing next to each other at the free-throw line extended, with another player behind them. The two players in front of the stack can either break in opposite directions or make a single cut to the basket. The player behind the stack sets a screen for one of the two players to receive a pass and score.

How to Set Up a Stack Play?

To set up a stack play, you need three players positioned as follows:

• Player 1: The player with the ball.
• Player 2: The player who will receive the screen.
• Player 3: The player who will set the screen.

Position players 2 and 3 next to each other at the free-throw line extended, with player 2 in front of player 3. Player 1 starts with the ball at the top of the key.

How to Execute a Stack Play?

Once the stack play is set up, player 2 has two options:

• Break in opposite directions: Player 2 can break to the basket on either side of the stack, while player 3 pops out to the wing to receive a pass from player 1.
• Make a single cut: Player 2 can make a single cut to the basket, while player 3 rolls to the basket to receive a pass from player 1.

Player 3 sets a screen for player 2 to create separation from the defender. After setting the screen, player 3 rolls to the basket to receive a pass from player 1. If player 2 breaks to the basket, they can receive a pass from player 1 for an open layup or shot.

What are the Benefits of a Stack Play?

The stack play is an effective offensive play because it creates confusion for the defense. The two players in front of the stack can break in opposite directions or make a single cut to the basket, which makes it difficult for the defense to anticipate the movement of the offense. Additionally, the screen set by player 3 creates separation from the defender, allowing player 2 or 3 to receive a pass for an open shot or layup.

How to Counter Defenses Against Stack Play?

There are several ways to counter defenses against a stack play:

• Switching: If the defense switches on the screen, the offensive player can take advantage of the mismatch created by the switch.
• Double-teaming: If the defense double-teams the player with the ball, the offensive player can pass to the open player for an easy basket.
• Denial: If the defense denies the pass to the player behind the stack, the offensive player can use the screen to drive to the basket or create a passing lane to another teammate.

Conclusion

The stack play is a simple yet effective offensive play in basketball. By setting up two players in front of a screen, the offense creates confusion for the defense and creates opportunities for open shots and layups. However, defenses can counter the stack play by switching, double-teaming, or denying the pass. Overall, the stack play should be a part of every basketball team's offensive playbook.