Step through it
The cue: “Take it from his hand, then read the chaser.” Only the defender who gives the read is drawn.
Read the three steps as text
- 5 has the ball at the top of the key and 1 comes up from the left to take a handoff. X1 is on 1 and X5 is on 5.
- 1 takes the handoff from 5. X1 stays close behind and X5 holds his spot.
- 1 dribbles off 5 and X1 chases from behind. X5 steps up to the ball, so 5 rolls to the rim and 1 passes to the roller. The cue: Take it from his hand, then read the chaser.
Ask, don't tell
After the rep, ask one question: “Did your defender chase or trail?” Judge the decision, not whether the shot went in.
Why it is in this library
Every read here passes the same tests: it is a read, not a reaction; it has few moving parts; it fits five-out spacing; it transfers as a concept; and it falls back into normal play if the read is not there. Teach the roles (screener, cutter, passer), not the positions.
Unofficial fan-created resource. The read is distilled from published coaching playbooks, curated and reviewed by Ravi Sundram, and the diagram is a schematic drawn for this site. Not affiliated with any team, coach or league.