Playing with Two Bigs: Building an Offense that Dominates the Paint & Controls the Glass

with Darris Nichols;
La Salle University Head Coach;
Radford University Head Men's Coach from 2021 to 2025;
University of Florida Assistant Coach from 2015-2021;
2017 Elite Eight;
Assistant Coach at Louisiana Tech University in 2014 to 2015;
2015 Conference USA Tournament Champions;
2015 NIT Quarterfinals;
Played college basketball at West Virginia (for Bob Huggins)

Many coaches dream of developing one dominant post player. But what happens when you have two? In this detailed video, Darris Nichols demonstrates how to build an offensive and defensive system that allows two bigs to thrive together while creating consistent advantages on both ends of the floor.

Coach Nichols begins by explaining the offensive philosophy that drives his system, emphasizing paint touches, free throw opportunities, and high percentage scoring chances. He discusses how proper spacing and player movement allow two post players to coexist without clogging the lane while placing constant pressure on opposing defenses.

The foundation of the offense is the Warrior Action, where coaches learn how to position two post players opposite one another to create continuous screening opportunities, inside scoring chances, and effective two-player actions. Nichols carefully explains the spacing, timing and reads that allow the offense to flow naturally while maximizing the strengths of larger lineups.

Building from the base offense, Coach Nichols introduces several quick-hitting actions, including Choice, Choice Rack, Paint, Wedge Four, Wedge Five, and Wedge Back. Each play is designed to attack specific defensive coverages while seamlessly flowing back into the primary offensive system, giving coaches practical solutions for both everyday offense and late-game situations.

The presentation then shifts to transition offense, where Nichols demonstrates his Denver series and explains how to keep the ball changing sides of the floor while creating early ball screen actions and dynamic two-player games before the defense becomes organized. Additional transition options provide coaches with multiple ways to continue attacking without slowing the pace.

On the defensive end, Coach Nichols explains how larger lineups can successfully defend ball screens through multiple coverage options while using their size to control the paint. He also shares practical rebounding drills that develop both technique and mentality, including creative practice methods that prepare players for a variety of rebounding situations.

The video concludes with additional instruction on attacking zone defenses using two post players along with an extensive question-and-answer session that provides valuable insight into offensive decisions, defensive adjustments, and coaching philosophy.

Whether you are fortunate enough to have two dominant post players or simply want to take better advantage of your team's size, Coach Darris Nichols provides a complete blueprint for building an offense, defense and transition system that keeps both bigs involved while creating difficult matchup problems for every opponent.

67 minutes. 2026.