Steve Kerr Golden State Warriors Post Option by Adam Spinella
Most coaches know the importance of some sort of movement when the ball goes into the post for an isolation or a post-up. Movement keeps the defense on its toes and either prevents them from double-teaming or punishes them for doing so. Whatever movement or motion a play is requiring, as soon as the ball goes inside to a post-up, the movement is broken. What ensues is a post option, where the players cut around the post player and space the floor on the opposite side.
The Golden State Warriors use an “X-action” as their post option. Whenever the ball is caught on the strong side (meaning the post player is surrounded by guards at the top and on the wing), the two guards then x-off each other. It creates so much confusion for defenses because the screening action occurs above the level of the ball, meaning they either help on the post or allow someone to get free from the screening action. Often, their backs are turned to the ball when defending these actions, so it allows crafty passes to get through.
The Golden State Warriors have the perfect personnel for this. Two guards in Thompson and Curry that are threats to shoot or drive off the screen, as well as great passing big men in Bogut, Lee and Green. While NBA teams have a shorter shot clock and need to score quickly off the post-up, college programs can use this as well to fill out to the weak side.
Coach Adam Spinella is entering his first season as an Assistant Coach at Culver Academies in Culver, IN. Spinella spent the three years prior as a Student Assistant Coach at Division III Dickinson College. The Dickinson Men’s Team advanced to two NCAA Tournaments and accumulated an overall record of 59-26 (.694) during the three-year span, with the 2013-2014 season ending in the Division III Elite Eight. A native of Bow, New Hampshire, Spinella has a keen interest in X’s and O’s, particularly in professional basketball, and skill development.
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