Plays YOU Can Use: Iverson Sets

One of my favorite actions in basketball is the Iverson Cut. In our last few series, there have been plays, which include this action. I appreciate that the action is something that requires a team to specifically prepare to guard it. Even better, it is an action that allows for countless counters, so the defense will have a tough time scouting the series of sets. Below are some of my favorite sets, utilizing the Iverson Cut.

IVERSON STS FLARE

This set was also featured in our Plays YOU Can Use: Ballscreen Sets. It is a set with multiple options, and makes it very difficult for the defense to effectively switch. With the multiple options, you can also run it multiple times, to help your offense find a rhythm.

IVERSON FLOP HIGH/LOW

Purdue ran a similar set in the 2017 NCAA Tournament. This is a nice counter to the Iverson Sets, as it uses the cut to pull the help away from the baseline. This set is even more effective if the you have a stretch-4.

IVERSON STS

This set is extremely difficult to guard, if a team does a nice job with the timing and angle of their screens. On the catch, there is a small to big shuffle screen. It is followed by a down screen. If the screening actions do not create a scoring opportunity, the post sets a step up, flip ball screen.

IVERSON THROWBACK HAMMER

The San Antonio Spurs ran a similar set in the 2017 NBA Playoffs. If you start the set with the Iverson Cut, it becomes even tougher to guard. The set features a baseline drive, and what looks like the Spurs typical “Hammer action.” In reality, there is a second Iverson cut, which happens behind the baseline drive. If you have a very skilled decision maker, then this set can become a read. If not, I would recommend looking for the throw back action.

IVERSON LOOP

The Iverson Loop set is a misdirection play, which can be used to get a player an open 3-point shot, or can be used as an isolation for a good driver. The Iverson cut clears out the weak side, which makes the action wide open. If the defense is switching, the 5 should look to slip to the rim for a lay-up.

IVERSON UCLA STS SNAP

When teams catch on to our “Iverson Loop” set, this is a wonderful counter. This has the same action, but utilizes a UCLA screen, to make it a screen-the-screener action. If the defense switches, then the 5 should screen their own man. This set could have easily made the “Late Game Situations: Need a 3.” The set ends with an Elevator Screen for the point guard.

The Iverson Cut is becoming very popular, and I am sure that there are some coaches who have terrific sets, which are worth sharing. You can reach us on Twitter, or e-mail Coach Doug Brotherton at: CoachBrotherton@gmail.com

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@CoachBrotherton

Plays YOU Can Use: Elbow Series

Plays YOU Can Use: Ball Screen Sets

Plays YOU Can Use: Pistol Action & Counters

Plays YOU Can Use: Iverson Sets

Plays YOU Can Use: Lob Sets

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Doug Brotherton

Doug Brotherton is currently the girls varsity basketball coach at The Village School, in Houston, Texas. He has over 15 years of head coaching experience, across multiple levels. He has coached boys high school basketball, girls high school basketball, and started the Men's Basketball program at Mid-Michigan Community College. He is a former NBA Regional Advanced Scout for the Chicago Bulls. He is the founder of Dynamic Coaching Tools (www.dynamiccoachingtools.com). Coach Brotherton was elected as the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches Large Private School Board Member. Coach Brotherton helps develop the drill book and coaches packets for Jay Bilas Basketball Camps, as well as participating in its Coaching Development Program and presenting on the benefits of FastDraw. In 2018, Positive Coaches Alliance selected Coach Brotherton as one of the 50 Double-Goal Coach National Award Winners, for his positive impact on his athletes on the court and in life. In 2020, Brotherton led the Village School to the TAPPS 6A State Championship, earning Coach of the Year Honors in Texas. He was also the lead of the TABC Virtual Clinic, which featured over 100 speakers, made up of some of the biggest names in basketball.