Drive-and-Kick Chains and Gravity Mechanics
The "drive-and-kick" chain is the fundamental offensive action of modern basketball, and it is powered entirely by gravity.
Foundations
Advanced Two-Man Actions
The modern NBA uses a finite set of two-man actions.
Direct answer
What is Advanced Two-Man Actions?
The modern NBA uses a finite set of two-man actions.
Quick facts
| Category | Foundations |
|---|---|
| Source volume | Basketball Knowledge Vault/vol5_professional_the_frontier.md |
What it is
- The modern NBA uses a finite set of two-man actions.
How it works
- Each action has specific mechanics, optimal archetype pairings, defensive matchup targets, and communicative requirements.
- Mechanics: A Primary Ball Handler dribbles near a screener (typically a Versatile Big or Roll & Cut Big).
- The screener sets a screen, the Primary Ball Handler uses it and either attacks the rim or passes to the roller.
- The Primary Ball Handler reads the coverage: if the roller is open he passes to the roll; if he has a driving lane he attacks; the screener rolls or pops based on the coverage.
- Optimal Archetype Pairing: Primary Ball Handler (ball-handler) + Versatile Big (screener).
Bilingual terms
| English | Advanced Two-Man Actions |
|---|---|
| Simplified Chinese | 进阶两人配合战术 |
| Traditional Chinese | 進階雙人配合 |
Learn before and after
These graph neighbors help place Advanced Two-Man Actions in the larger basketball map.
Related concepts
Double Drag / Two-Screen Action
Mechanics: Two screeners set consecutive screens for the Primary Ball Handler.
Big-Ball Lineups: Two-Big Anchoring
The Post Scorer operates 12-18 feet; the Anchor Big (if one exists) operates at the rim, though modern Anchor Bigs are increasingly non-scoring rim protectors.
How Teams Communicate Switches to Avoid Hunts
Communication prevents hunts before they start.
The Pick-and-Roll: Core Action
Mechanics: A Primary Ball Handler dribbles near a screener (typically a Versatile Big or Roll & Cut Big).
Disguise Plays & Decoy Actions
The Problem: Ja Morant is not a good shooter.
Adding Value Without the Ball
Modern basketball rewards players who add value without possession.