General definition of 3-point basketball plays
3-point basketball plays primarily feature planned actions that are generally designed to help an offensive team’s best perimeter shooters get open for scoring opportunities from 3-point range.
Examples of 3-point basketball plays
This section contains examples of various types of basketball plays typically involving skills such as basketball screens or basketball cuts, which could be used to free up offensive players to score from 3-point range.
Additionally, it should be noted that each of the offensive players on the diagrams below are generally represented by the standard basketball positions.
In essence, 1 is the point guard; 2 is the shooting guard; 3 is the small forward; 4 is the power forward; 5 is the center.
1-4 high
Part 1: Handoff
This is a basketball play initiated from a 1-4 high offensive set involving an early handoff and eventual stagger screen to create a possible scoring opportunity when the team needs a 3.
For the setup: 1 is at the top in possession of the basketball, indicated by the black dot; 2 and 3 are on the wings; 4 and 5 fill the high post elbows.
To start, 4 receives the ball from 1, denoted by the dotted arrow, while located at the right side high post elbow area.
Next, 1 follows that pass and looks to receive the ball again from 4 via handoff action, represented by the double pipe symbol.
If 1 gains possession of the ball again, then 1 can attack the rim by dribbling towards the basket, represented by the wavy arrow, looking to score via a high percentage layup.
However, if 1 does not receive the ball via the handoff, then 1 can continue the cut towards the right side low post area.
Part 2: DHO and stagger
Next, 4 performs a dribble handoff, also known as a DHO, with 2 near the right side wing area.
Also, as that DHO action is happening, 1 cuts toward the left side wing area via the stagger screen set by 2 and 4.
Afterwards, 1 could receive the ball from 2 and take the 3-point shot.
1-4 low
Part 1: Baseline and Iverson cut
This is a 3-point play from a 1-4 low set involving various screening actions alongside a dribble handoff to create a scoring opportunity for a perimeter player.
In terms of the setup: 1 is at the top; 2 is in the right corner; 3 is in the left corner; 4 occupies the right side low post area; 5 fills the left side low post area.
To start the action, 3 runs the baseline via the screens set by 4 and 5. At the same time, 2 lifts up towards the wing and then performs an Iverson cut to the left side wing.
Following that, 3 receives the ball from 1 and afterwards, 3 could take the shot behind the arc if that is open.
Part 2: DHO and hammer screen
Next, if the shot opportunity is not feasible, then 3 could execute a dribble handoff with 1. From there, 1 could dribble towards the baseline via the step-up screen set by 4.
At the same time, 2 could perform a drift cut down towards the left corner from the left side wing via the hammer screen set by 5.
Afterwards, 2 could receive the ball from 1 via the drift pass and take the 3-point shot.
Spread
Part 1: Slot to slot dribble and V-cut
This is an example of a 3-point play that could eventually lead to a possible shot opportunity from beyond the arc, primarily via a stagger screen and other actions.
Generally speaking, the play involves four perimeter players spread across the slots and wings plus an additional player in the high post.
As a result, this particular setup is sometimes called a Spread offense, mainly due to the aforementioned players being extended across the different perimeter-oriented areas of the court, which also creates good spacing and opens up the low post areas as added bonuses.
Additionally, this formation can be considered a 2-guard front or 2-3 alignment.
It is a 2-guard front because there are two guards at the front of the formation.
Similarly, it can be looked at as a 2-3 alignment because there are two players at the top of the alignment (the two guards in the slots) as well as three players at the bottom of the alignment who occupy the wings and high post area.
The play is also based on insights from The Complete Guide to the High Post Offense vs. Any Defense by Dana Altman.
In relation to the initial setup: 1 and 2 occupy the right and left slot areas respectively; 3 and 4 fill the left and right side wings respectively; 5 occupies the high post area near the middle of the free throw line, also known as the nail area.
To start the action, 1 dribbles toward 2, which also leads to a mini V-cut towards the high post and then towards the right slot area by 2. From there, 3 receives the ball from 1.
Part 2, Option A: Side pick and stagger screen
Next, 1 cuts below the high post area from the slot and as that happens, 2 and 4 move towards the lane area from the right side slot and wing area to set a stagger screen, which would be eventually utilized by 1.
Simultaneously, as that screening action is occurring, 5 cuts toward the ball to set a side pick with 3 as the recipient.
3 uses that screen and begins to dribble toward the high post area, preferably to get at least one foot in the lane area.
Furthermore, as 3 begins dribbling, 5 pops to an open spot near the left side wing and 1 ultimately occupies the right side wing via the stagger screen action.
Following that, 3 could pass the ball to either 1 or 5 as potential receivers, who could then take 3-point shots if open.
Part 2, Option B: Side pick and stagger screen – Alternative wrinkle
This example is basically an alternative wrinkle of the previous diagram.
However, this time, 4 and 5 will swap screening actions. That is to say, 4 will set the side pick while 5 participates in the stagger action.
In other words, this option might be useful when 4 possesses an above average three-point shot and/or when 5 is a non-shooter.
So, after 1 initially cuts below the high post, 2 and 5 moves towards the lane to set a stagger screen, which would be used by 1 in a short period of time.
Additionally, as that is happening, 4 sprints across the court to set a side pick with 3 as the receiver.
Continuing on, 3 utilizes that screen to dribble towards the high post (and preferably the lane just below the high post) while 4 pops to the open space near the left side wing.
Moreover, 1 keeps cutting through, finally settling in near the right side wing area by way of the stagger screen.
From that point, 1 or 4 could receive the ball from 3 and take open three-point shots.