The Early Pick-and-Roll Attack

The NBA's Phoenix Suns have long had a reputation for executing a high scoring, all-out fast break approach. Now, the Sun's former assistant Noel Gillespie provides an inside look at the sets and mindset that serves as the backbone for one of the NBA's best-known, high octane attacks.

Gillespie takes you through a detailed look at what made the Phoenix Suns successful during the mid-2000's: an up tempo transition offense. The Phoenix Suns were centered around point guard Steve Nash and his ability to get to quickly get the ball up the floor to his teammates. Originating under Mike D'Antonio and the "7 seconds or less" offensive mantra and continuing under the current coaching regime, Coach Gillespie outlines their running philosophy along with the transition sets that made the Suns one of the top scoring teams in the league.

Drag Series
Coach Gillespie describes each player's responsibility in transition on a made basket, off of a blocked shot, off of a defensive rebound, or on a steal. While defenders sprint to key locations in order to protect the rim, Gillespie discusses the gaps and inability of a defense to defend early screen and roll actions, thus gaining a momentary advantage for a quick score. He demonstrates the Phoenix Suns Drag Series that includes dribble drag, double drag, and a single drag. With each set, Gillespie outlines scoring and counter options you can put into place with your team.

21 Series
He demonstrates another transition series used to score in bunches: 21 Series. With each option in the 21 Series, players must sprint up and down the floor, but this time there are more options in place for your point guard and post players to get involved. You'll see their 21 Chase, Counter, Keep, At, Flare, and Delay actions.

Quick Action
Coach Gillespie outlines a third transition series popular with the Phoenix Suns - Quick Action. The quick action is based on a wide pin down where the wings are looking for curl action and the post looks for duck in action while the point guard has the option to turn the corner and look for an open drive. Along with their quick action, Gillespie demonstrates a quick step up and quick big for strikes in transition.

Coach Gillespie will help train your team's frame of mind when it comes to the running game. He will outline ways to improve your running philosophy and techniques in practice to create an attacking mentality early and how to make good, quick decisions in the open court.

35 minutes. 2013.