CSKA Moscow Horns Set Plays “Post” by Denis Godlevskiy

Here is one of the best horns set plays by coach Messina used in CSKA (season 2013-2014).

The main idea is to post up different players for different purposes.
Skilled #5 (Krstic) they post up to play 1×1.
#3 (Khryapa) to take advantage in 1×1 against smaller defender.
#1 (Teodosic/Pargo) get the ball inside and able to pass outside or to big men cutting to the basket. During the second part of every play there is a flare screen for shooters & different types of weak side action, so it is really difficult to defend not only low post but also other players.

The advantages of this concept:
1) All the plays with the same formation with minimum changes in the beginning of each action. In this case, if the opponents’ scouting is not so good & they do not know the «call» of the play, it is very difficult to manage the situation in the game time.
2) This concept allows you to continuously deliver the ball to the low post for «inside – out game», and to use cuts to the basket or run isolations.
3) The ability to feed inside every player on the floor.

1st CSKA Moscow Horns Set Play: «1 down»: post up #5
#1 brings the ball a passes it to #4, who passes the ball very well and can look for #1 & #3 cutting to the basket to get easy points. #5 sets screen to #3, at the same time #4 swings the ball & they try to feed #5 inside. When #5 gets the ball, #4 dives inside or stays outside (sets flare screen for #2) it depends if #4 shooter or not.

2nd CSKA Moscow Horns Set Play: «1 flash»: post for #3 (cross screen 5-3)
Formation & first action in that offense is the same, but after #5 sets screen to #1 & #1 gets the ball outside, #5 sets cross screen to #3. If the defenders X5 and X3 are switching, #3 can face up (or pop to the elbow) and play 1×1 against X5 or pass the ball inside, where is mismatch #5 against X3. At the same time #4 sets up flare screen for #2.

3rd CSKA Moscow Horns Set Play: «1 Up»: post up #3 (cross screen #1&#3).
Similar play. The only difference that there are no screens between big players. #5 gets the ball, #4 pins down #2 & pops to the perimeter. #5 swings the ball & when #4 gets it #1sets up cross screen for #3, #5 sets flare screen for #2 & screens the screener (#1). If #4 can’t feed #3 inside, he passes to #1 & they finish the play with High Pick & Roll #1 & #5. If on the cross screen the defense switches #3 attacks inside smaller X1 and #1 can run Pick & Roll against X3 which is often not so good for Pick & Roll ball handler defender.

The 4th CSKA Moscow Horns Set Play: «1 Up»: post up offense #1 or #2. (cross screen #1&#4 or #2&#4).
The same entry, but now #4 sets screen for #1. When #1 gets the ball inside, #5 sets up a flare screen for #3 & #4 screens the screener (back screen to #5). If defenders X1 & X4 switch #4 tries to get ball against smaller X1 or #1 can also play isolation outside against X4. There is also an option to post up #2.

Final words: This system is perfect for the teams, where #5 is a very solid low post player, #3 passes the ball well can play inside, #1 also can play inside and moves the ball well similar to #3.

Godlevskiy Denis has 15 years of basketball coaching experience. Coach Denis has experience at the CSKA kids school, Dynamo Moscow Men’s team, 3 years Krasnye Krilya Men’s team. Working as a 2nd assistant coach & scout:

– Sportscode Video Analysis Specialist
– Synergy Analysis Specialist
– Fast Draw Specialist
– Report creating on opponents Offesive/Defensive Strengths & Weaknesses
– Individual reports on Strengths & Weaknesses of opponents (on Russian & English languages)
– Technical support: recording games with Sportscode straight onto Mac
– Pre game preparation: film study/analysis sessions
During the past three seasons, took part in VTB league play off (1/4 part of play off), two times Russian Cup winner. Eurochallenge winner. Russian National Team U-19 scout & assiastant coach. Season 2014-2015 assistant coach in Russian Superleague.

Follow Coach Denis Godlevskiy on Twitter!!!

Click on the pdf link to download the CSKA Moscow Horns Set Plays:

CSKA Moscow Horns Set Plays “Post” by Denis Godlevskiy