LEVEL 3Team5v5
Pistol: Three Threats in Two Seconds
Pistol action happens early in the possession, up the sideline: the ball-handler brings it up one side, a teammate waits at the wing, and a big trails behind. In two seconds the defense must survive three connected threats — a quick pitch to the wing, a handoff back, and a ball screen from the arriving big. Each piece flows into the next before the defense can set its coverage. If you're the handler, your job is simple: push up the sideline with pace and read which of the three doors the defense leaves open.
READ THIS
Read the two defenders on the exchange as you push the sideline — one relaxing on the pass, or one jumping the handoff lane.
DO THIS
Push with pace: pitch and sprint into the return handoff, keep it if they jump the exchange, and use the trailing drag screen the moment it arrives.
COACHING LINEAGE
Steve Kerr
Off-ball movement wins: cut, relocate, space. The defense can only watch one thing.
Brad Stevens
Analytical precision: the right shot in the right spot beats a contested hero shot every time.