Step through it
The cue: “Fill the spots, trailer takes the top.” Only the defender who gives the read is drawn.
Read the three steps as text
- A fast break. 1 has the ball at the top, 2 and 3 are running the wings and 5, the trailer, is running up behind. X5 guards the trailer.
- 1 pushes the ball into the paint. 2 and 3 fill the corners. X5 steps in to stop the ball.
- The paint touch has drawn X5 away from the trailer. 5 fills the top spot, open for the pass and the three. The cue: Fill the spots, trailer takes the top.
Ask, don't tell
After the rep, ask one question: “Who drew the help?” 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.