Last week we looked at a pair of backdoor plays, the SF Backdoor Cut and the SG Backdoor, and how they can be effective in getting open looks near the rim. The one restriction with those plays is that if the backdoor is defended well, the play breaks down. Today, SportsGamer looks at another play with backdoor possibilities, the SG Stagger. The beauty of this play is that if the backdoor isn’t available, there are still other options to attack the rim.
The SG Stagger triggers at the top of the arc with point guard handling the ball. The shooting guard makes a wide backside move through a pair of screens set by the power forward and the center. Assuming the screens don’t create separation from the defender, the small forward will drop down to set another pick allowing the shooting guard to spot-up, drive to the lane, or kick the ball out to an open teammate.
Simplicity
The SG Stagger isn’t as bare boned as the backdoor plays we looked at last week. There is a lot of movement away from the ball and the play is very specific with regards to floor spacing and timing of the entry pass. Because of this reliance on timing, icon passing is recommended to properly hit the shooting guard on his break. Couple this with the fact that the play continues after the backdoor cut, make it a slightly more complicated play to learn and execute.
Speed
The play isn’t fast. Depending on the initial positioning, you may have to wait for the shooting guard to set up in the far wing before the play even starts. To mitigate this nuance, it is recommended that the play be initiated even prior to crossing the half court line. This will ensure that the players are ready to go once the point guard has set up at the top of the arc.
Versatility
The versatility of the SG Stagger is why you will even consider using this play in your offense. Assuming you run the play properly, you should have ample opportunities to score.
Option 1: Your first look will be the shooting guard coming off the power forward screen on his way to the baseline. From his positioning at the top of the arc, the point guard will have an unobstructed passing lane to the shooting guard under the rim if he gets separation. Although you won’t always get the “screened defender” animation, even one step on the defender is enough to get an easy lay-up. As the point guard, maintain position at the top of the arc until you are sure that this option isn’t available
Option 2: If the first screen didn’t shake the defender you will still have another chance following the center screen. Move the point guard down to the wing while the shooting guard comes off this second screen. This will ensure an open lane for the entry pass and will keep the play “active” in case this second screen fails to generate an open look.
Option 3: As soon as the shooting guard receives the entry pass in the low post, watch the opponent’s center. If he made a help motion on the entry pass, your center will likely have inside position. In this case, immediately deliver the ball inside for a quick score.
Option 4a: Depending on the on-ball defender, the shooting guard can elect to post up his opponent from this position. As soon as the shooting guard begins backing down his opponent, the play will have officially ended and the center and small forward will retreat to create better spacing for the post move.
Option 4b: The shooting guard can maintain his position following the entry pass and wait for the small forward screen. This screen should allow the shooting guard to attack the lane or pull up for a 12-foot jumper. If the small forward’s defender rotates to help, the ball can be kicked out to the small forward for an open look.
Although all of these options may make SG Stagger sound very complicated, it’s really not that bad once you have had a chance to practice it. When using this SG Stagger just remember to remain patient and take what the defense gives you. The rest should fall into place.
