This is part 2 of a 4 part series on X’s & O’s Play-call Terminology. Read Part 1 – Formations HERE. Terminology – Cuts Hawk vs UCLA Hawk and UCLA cuts can be hard to decipher the difference in live time, since they basically are both a UCLA cut. The only difference is Hawk begins…
Play-call Terminology – Formations
I often get asked why I call a play a certain name, or how do I know which plays are called and actions are called. The answer is quite simple: I make them up. I have my own terminology that I base on which team ran a certain action, or by observing what other coaches…
Plays of the Week – Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder have one of the most talented rosters in the NBA and are peaking at the right time. After taking down the Spurs in 6 games, the stage is set for what should be a great Western Conference Finals versus the Golden State Warriors. Oklahoma City Thunder – Stack Loop Rice The…
NBA Playoffs – Best Sets of Round One
The first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs have been disappointing so far, but the X’s & O’s have been great. Although there has not been a great end of game set or special situation, there still has been some great coaching and sets. Memphis Grizzlies – Punch Hammer Memphis went small against the…
Championship #XsOs – Villanova Wildcats
The Villanova Wildcats won the 2016 National Championship over the North Carolina Tarheels in dramatic fashion Monday night. With 4.7 seconds on the clock the Wildcats ran a great end of game pitch set to get Kris Jenkins an open look at 3 and the championship. Nova also runs a terrific 4-out motion offense that Coach…
Final Four #XsOs – Syracuse Orange
The Syracuse Orange have made an improbable final four run this year as a 10 seed. They play a basic style of basketball that involves motion offense on one end and their legendary 2-3 zone on the defensive end of the floor. They run several sets for their best shooter, Trevor Cooney to get an…
Sweet Sixteen – Midwest Region
Virginia vs Iowa State These two could not have more of a contrast in style of play, with Virginia slowing tempo and Iowa State looking to increase it. Virginia’s ability to slow the game down to the pace they want is from their defensive prowess. Being able to control the game from a defensive standpoint allows…
Middle Tennessee State: The Xs&Os of an Upset
Middle Tennessee State came into the NCAA Tournament as a 15 seed facing the number 2 seed Michigan State. Michigan State was on a roll after just clinching the Big Ten tournament title and playing well, and was chosen by most-myself included-to win the tournament. Middle Tennessee State didn’t just beat Michigan State, they outplayed…
FastDraw #PlayOTD – Butler Double Drag 3
Play of the Day – Butler Double Drag 3 Butler ran this set when they needed a score against Texas Tech in their first round matchup of the NCAA Tournament. Designed for a stretch 4 to catch and go, the big man sealing really makes this play work. FastDraw Diagram:
NCAA Tournament – Midwest Region Preview
The Midwest region is loaded with some great #XsOs and great coaches. Michigan State, Virginia, and Iowa State are all top 10 efficient offenses, and add Purdue, Gonzaga, Butler, Utah & Texas Tech and you have half of the teams in the top 30 in half court efficiency (KenPom Rankings). The fascinating part is that every team…