What is the dribble entry in basketball
The dribble entry consists of action that occurs when a player in possession of the basketball dribbles it toward a wing area of the court, usually from the top, as a method of initializing a set play or other offensive sequence that could result in multiple scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter.
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What are examples of basketball plays that use the dribble entry
Example 1 – Part 1
This is an example of a dribble entry derived from Spread Offense by Brad Underwood. 1 starts with dribble entry action towards the right side wing area.
As that happens, 2 cuts across to the left side low post block while 4 cuts to the basket via the back screen set by 5. After that, 4 could receive the ball from 1 if that is open.
Otherwise, if that is not open, then 4 continues the cut out towards the right side corner.
Example 1 – Part 2
Next, 3 cuts toward the left side high post elbow but rejects the screen set by 5 and then cuts to the basket. After that, 3 could receive the ball from 1 and score near the basket with a layup.
Alternatively, if that is not open, 3 could continue the cut out towards the right side low post. From that point, 3 could receive the ball from 1 (gray dotted arrow) and then try to score via a low post move near the basket.
Example 1 – Part 3
Additionally, as 3 cuts across to the right side low post, 2 cuts to the top via the pin down screen set by 5. If 3 is not open, then 2 could receive the ball from 1.
Afterwards, 2 could take the open jump shot. Alternatively, 5 could cut into the lane after setting the screen, receive the ball from 2, and then quickly score with a short jump shot or low post move.
Example 2
This is an example of the dribble entry executed from a Horns set. To begin, 1 executes a dribble entry toward the right side wing to initiate the offensive set play.
As that happens, 5 cuts to the right side low post block via the cross screen set by 4 while 2 cuts from the right side corner to the top.
From that point, 5 could receive the ball from 1 and then attempt to score near the basket with a low post move. Alternatively, 2 could receive the ball at the top while 3 gets open towards the left side wing.
Afterwards, 3 could receive the ball from 2 to complete the reversal action and then 4 could cut to the left side low post block area. Following that, 4 could receive the ball from 3 and try to score near the basket with a low post move.
Example 3
This is an example of the dribble entry executed from a 1-4 low set which also includes pick and pop action near the wing. To start, 1 executes a dribble entry towards the right side wing.
Afterwards, 2 executes a baseline run to the left side corner while 3 cuts up to the left side slot area. Next, 1 dribbles toward the right side high post elbow via the on-ball screen set by 4.
Additionally, 4 pops to the vacated right side corner after setting the screen. Following that, 1 could take the mid-range shot if open. As a secondary option, 1 could continue the dribble action to the basket and score with a layup.
Furthermore, 5 could receive the ball from 1 and then score near the basket. Alternatively, if 1 does not dribble into the lane, then 3 or 4 could receive the ball from 1 and then 3 or 4 could take three-point shots if open.
Example 4
This is an example of a dribble entry initiated from a box set offense with screen the screener action.
1 executes a dribble entry to the right side wing and as that happens, 5 cuts to the right side low post block via the cross screen set by 2.
Next, 2 cuts to the top via the screens set by 3 and 4 to complete the screen the screener action.
Afterwards, 5 could receive the ball from 1 and score with a low post move. Alternatively, 2 could receive the ball from 1 and take the open jump shot.
Example 5
This is an example of a dribble entry initiated from the Horns offense which also comprises a zipper cut from the corner to the top.
Moreover, as a side note, when a dribble entry and a zipper cut (or in certain instances, a shallow cut) are used at the same time, particularly on the same side of the floor, this is sometimes referred to as a loop action.
To demonstrate, 1 executes a dribble entry towards the right side wing. When that happens, 2 executes a zipper cut to the top. Following that, 3 cuts to the left side wing via the stagger screens set by 4 and 5.
Next, 3 receives the ball from 2 to complete the reversal action and then, 3 takes the open jump shot.
Example 6
This is an example of a dribble entry which also features loop action with a shallow cut. To begin, 1 executes a dribble entry towards the left side wing and this triggers a shallow cut to the top by 3.
Next, 3 receives the ball from 1 and while that occurs, 2 cuts to the right side wing via the down screen set by 4. Following that, 2 receives the ball from 3 and could take the open three-point shot.