Michigan: A Quick Hitter

This set begins with a 4-out formation to spread the defense out. The post player should be in the high post rather than on the low block so that the driving lanes to the bucket are clear. 5 initiates the play by making a v-cut to the wing to get open, if closely guarded. If 5's man is playing off him, he can just cut up to the wing. 1 passes the ball to 5. Note: It is important that 3 and 5 start in the corners rather than the wing because it is easier to get open and you open up the possibility of a backdoor cut if the defender is overplaying them.

After passing the ball to the 5, the 1 makes a shallow cut to the ball side corner. 2 must be patient, waiting at least until the 1 has gotten past the sight line of the 5, and then make a ball side basket cut. 2 will end up at the top of the block. 4 will need to get open and then cut up to the top of the three-point line. 5 passes the ball to 4. TIP: It's key to time 4's pop out just an instant after 2 makes his cut.  You can also have 4 screen for 2, if you think it is necessary.

After 4 receives the ball, 3 cuts up to the left wing. 4 passes to 3.

2 steps up and sets a back screen for 5, who flex cuts to opposite low-block. At the same time as 2 is setting the back screen, 4 sets a down screen for 2 near the free throw line extended (screen-the-screener action). 2 pops up to the top of the circle.

3 can either pass to 5, which is the No. 1 option, for a layup or toss the ball to 2 for a three-pointer.  If 2 gets the pass and has no shot, he and 4 can play a two-man game with 4 popping after the ball-screen. If 5 gets the pass and has no shot, then 4 can cut to the hoop or move to the free throw line extended on the left side of the court for a high-low situation and then play a two man-game with 3 if the ball is kicked out to him. 

Brown Variation For a variation/wrinkle to the play, you can use what I call Brown. It is very similar to Michigan but with a different set. 5 and 2 start in a double stack above the free throw line.  3 and 4 are in opposite corners. Remember, depending on personnel you can switch the players positions if it makes more sense for your team.

1 initiates the play by taking a couple hard dribbles to his left. 5 and 2 set a staggered ball-screen for 1, who gets into the lane. 4 cuts to wing to receive the kick out from 1. TIP: 1 should set the defender up by going left before crossing over (between legs or behind the back are the best two options in order to protect the ball) and this would allow the two screeners more time to set up.  If the defense does not stop dribble penetration, 1 can go shoot a layup.

After the kick out by 1, he cuts to the ball side corner. 2 drops down to get into position to set screen for 4. 4 reverses ball to 5 at the top of the circle. 3 cuts to left wing.

After 5 swings the ball to 3, 4 flex cuts off of 2's screen to the left low block. Following his pass, 5 goes to set a down screen for 2 (screen-the-screener), who pops up to the three-point line.

3 can pass to either 4 or 2 for shots.