Basketball Tactical Analysis: Learning from Xavi Pascual #2
Xavi Pascual – Triple Post Offense
The action begins with both big men (4 and 5) positioned at the high post. The 5 sets an off-ball screen for the 4, who uses it to come out and play a handoff with the point guard (1), initially positioned on the left side.
Next, the 5 sets a small screen for the 1 to facilitate his movement to the opposite side, while the 2 makes a cut towards the basket.
After these movements, the offensive alignment leaves the 4 with the ball on the left side, the 5 positioned on the perimeter at the top of the key, around the three-point line, and the 2 continuing his movement underneath the basket to initiate the next phase of the action.
In this second phase, the 2 sets an off-ball screen for the 4, creating different offensive options. The 5 receives the ball at the top of the key and can look for the pass to the 4 coming off the screen or connect with the 1 to create a passing triangle.
If neither option is available, the 5 initiates a handoff with the 2, who uses the handoff to flow directly into a ball screen set by the 5.
From this point, the 2 must use the ball screen aggressively, looking to attack the basket and create an advantage against the defense. Meanwhile, the 4, positioned along the baseline, can take advantage of the defensive help generated by the penetration to find an open passing lane and finish around the basket.
A continuous offensive sequence in which Xavi Pascual combines off-ball screens, handoffs and ball screens, aiming to create advantages through player movement, timing and the ability to read defensive rotations.
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