5. The Duo: Playmaker/Point Forward and Stretch Big

The Build: You will see mostly 6’3 or 6’4 Playmakers paired with 7’3 Stretch Bigs

Recommendation: We enjoy versatility in our MyPark duos so we like having a 6’9 to 6’10 Point Forward paired with a shorter Stretch, around 6’11. This lets you switch everything on defense, both have some speed and height which and gives you more options on offense. But there is a reason the short Playmaker and big Stretch is common, it works.

The Strategy: While this is not our playstyle, the most effective way to use this duo is to pick and roll/pop. The stretch’s screens will not be as effective as a glass cleaner because bronze brick wall will not knock your opponent to the ground, but they can still disrupt the defense enough to cause confusion. As the playmaker you should learn how to speed boost. There are plenty of tutorials on YouTube, and all you need is 86 Ball Control. Have the Stretch set high screens, speed boost from behind the screen, and drive. There will be a couple of options here.

You will have a wide open lane which you should take it to the rack. The defense will switch and they try to meet you at the rim, which you should take the open midrange. Both defenders try to collapse on you and you kick it out to the Stretch for the wide open three. With Hof Dimer, Hof Catch and Shoot, Hof Limitless, Hotzones, etc. you should make the open thee 80% of the time. They switch, cut you off, and one stays back on the stretch. The stretch should then cut straight to the rim where his size should give him an easy 2. If they both crash, the stretch can pass it back to the playmaker for an open mid range.

You won’t always get a wide open shot, but running these plays will give you more options to take an efficient shot.

How to Defend it: If you have a big on your team, I would attempt to go underneath the screens with your guard to avoid the big having to switch to the playmaker. You shouldn’t have to worry about the playmaker hitting every deep 3, especially with the latest patch. Cut off the lane for driving and make them shoot. With make it take it, the worst shot they can take is a slightly contested 3 with the playmaker.

If you have two guards then we would attempt a zone. Have one guy on each side of the screen and don’t let the playmaker drive. They will have the advantage with the stretch down low, but most of the time they will want to run their normal pick and pop offense. If they do get the ball down low, your best bet is to foul.

The ideal Duo to stop this team would be a taller lockdown guard and a taller point forward.