What are after timeout plays
After timeout plays, also known as ATOs, are special half court sets that are designed by the coaching staff during a timeout featuring various offensive actions such as basketball screens or basketball cuts with the main purpose of creating scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter.
From that point, after the timeout (as the name implies), the offensive team will then execute the specially designed plays, usually, for the team’s best players as the primary scoring options or for players with specific skills, such as three-point shooters, as the secondary scoring options.
It should also be noted that after timeout plays can be utilized at any point during a game but they are typically implemented at crucial points such as at the end of a quarter or when the defensive team is employing a particular type of strategy to limit or prevent the offensive team (and more specifically, the best players) from scoring.
For example, if one offensive player is able to consistently score against a defensive team’s man-to-man strategy, then the defensive team may attempt to curtail the scoring ability of that same offensive player by executing a junk defense such as the box and 1.
If that were to occur, then the coaching staff of the offensive team could call a timeout to create a unique ATO that could be used to render the junk defense ineffective by freeing up the offensive scorer and/or creating additional scoring opportunities for other offensive players.
Another example could be a situation such as the last thirty seconds of a game with the score tied and the offensive team is trying to run a certain play or quick hitter for their best player.
However, the defensive team scouted that particular play on film and they were able to take away that scoring option.
If that occurs, then the coaching staff of the offensive team could call a timeout and set up a specific ATO to use the best player as a decoy while allowing one or more other players the opportunity to take perimeter jump shots or score at the rim.
This would almost certainly be beneficial for the offensive team because the defensive team would not be able to scout the ATO, which was drawn up dynamically on the fly.
What are examples of after timeout plays
Example 1 – Part 1
This is an example of an after timeout play that consists of a flare screen and hammer action for potential scoring opportunities. To start, 1 executes a dribble handoff with 2 and after that, 2 dribbles to the right slot area.
From there, 3 receives the basketball from 2 and following that, 1 cuts to the left side wing via a flare screen set by 4.
Also, as that occurs, 5 cuts across the lane to fill the empty low post block. Next, 1 could receive the skip pass from 3 and take the open jump shot.
Example 1 – Part 2
If 1 does not receive the ball, then 1 cuts to the right side slot area via screens set by 2 and 4. Afterwards, 3 executes a dribble handoff with 1 and following that, 1 begins to attack the rim.
As that happens, 2 cuts to the left side corner via the hammer screen set by 5. From that point, 2 could receive the drift pass from 1 and take the open three-point shot.
Example 2 – Part 1
This is an example of an after timeout play that features basketball screens to create perimeter scoring opportunities for the team’s best shooters. To begin, 3 cuts to the left side wing via the high post cross screen set by 5.
At the same time, 4 cuts to the left side corner via the cross screen set by 2 in the lane. Next, 3 receives the ball from 1 and then 4 could receive the ball from 3 and take a possible jump shot if that is open.
Additionally, 2 can fill the right side low post block after setting the screen as well.
Example 2 – Part 2
If 4 did not receive the ball, then 2 could cut to the top by way of elevator screens set by 1 and 5. Furthermore, 5 could slip the screen as well.
Next, 2 could receive the ball from 3 and take the three-point jump shot if that is open. Also, 5 could receive the ball from 3 and score near the basket.
Example 3 – Part 1
This is an example of an after timeout play that consists of various screens and a split cut to produce multiple scoring options. To begin, 1 dribbles toward the left side wing area via an on-ball screen set by 4.
Additionally, 4 pops to the top and receives the ball from 1. As that occurs, 2 cuts to the right side wing area via double screens set by 3 and 5 near the basket.
Following that, 2 receives the ball from 4 and can take the three-point jump shot if open. Also, if 2 receives the ball but the jump shot is not there, then 5 can self replace at the right side low post block and 3 could fill the left side corner.
Example 3 – Part 2
Next, 5 could receive the ball from 2 and after that occurs, 2 executes a split cut to the top via a screen set by 3.
Also, it should be noted that 3 utilized a stagger screen set by 1 and 4 as well.
In addition to that, 4 could slip to the basket after setting the screen. From that point, 2 could receive the ball at the top, 3 could receive the ball near the right side wing, or 4 could receive the ball near the basket.
Following that, 2 or 3 could take potential jump shots while 4 could score at the rim with a layup or dunk.