In basketball, an “action” refers to a specific sequence or combination of player movements and plays designed to create offensive opportunities. The Olympics is a display of the very best talent from around the entire world. We’ve gathered different actions from different countries.
Actions are usually part of a team’s offensive strategy and can involve various elements such as screens, cuts, passes, and dribble moves. These coordinated movements are to create advantages such as open shots, driving lanes, or mismatches against the defense.
Actions covered below:
- Zoom
- Spain
- Pistol
- Ram
“Zoom” Action
Zoom: Also known as the “Chicago”, this basketball play involves an off-ball down screen followed by a dribble hand-off. This action is commonly used to create space for driving opportunities, generate scoring options, and build momentum for offensive players. Additionally, it can disrupt opponents and alter defensive strategies.
Japan National Team: Zoom Into Flare
In a 4-out, 1-in formation, the Japan National Team spaces the floor and isolates one side of the court. The play begins with a pass to the shooter while the passer sets a pin-down screen for the wing player. The wing player (4) then executes a dribble hand-off (DHO) with the ball handler. Simultaneously, the original ball handler (1) sets a flare screen.
“Spain” Action
Spain is a ball screen set, typically in the middle of the floor, where a big man sets a screen for a guard. Who then sets a back screen on the big man’s defender. The back screener is usually a shooter who pops to the perimeter for a 3-point shot while the big rolls to the rim.
Denmark National Team: Side Spain
Denmarks utilized the side Spain action from the baseline out of bounds. Pistol occurs on the ball side wing with the (5) and screen the screener action coming from the 2. This set displays Spain action into a pick and pick-and-roll option.
“Pistol” Action
Pistol is an early offense between the point guard and a wing player. The two main Pistol options to start a play are a pass ahead or a dribble handoff into a pick and roll.
Australian National Team: Transition Pistol
Pistol action has many variations and is considered one of the best quick hitters in basketball because it’s difficult to defend. Some common scoring options include finishing at the rim or getting downhill. This is a great way to push the pace and pass ahead. Australia’s National Team uses this out of transition and into a secondary break.
“Ram” Action
Ram, also known as a ram screen, is an offensive move in basketball where a player receives an off-ball screen and then sets a ball screen. The goal of a ram screen is to create space between the post defender and the pick-and-roll by delaying the defender with a screen.
France National Team: Ram Veer
