Jam

 JAM

About Jam:

The play jam is a relatively simple basketball play that can be taught to younger kids. However if run correctly it can produce easy layups time and time again. This play is not to be used as a regular offense, it is a situational play that should be used when easy points are in dire need. This play requires that players dribble with their heads up at all times. This is hard to teach kids, however there is one product that I use to help teach this. Click Here to look at goggles kids can wear in practice that cut off vision below them, making it impossible to look at the ball while dribbling.

Play Setup:

Jam is set up in a simple box formation. With the main ball handler (1) being at the top, the two other best ball handlers (2,3) on the blocks, and the two biggest players (4,5) on the elbows.

Running the Play:

To run jam, the ball handler has to drive to one side or the other, at the same time, the person on the block of the side drove to has to immediately run up the middle of the lane to the ball handler's starting position. The first scoring option is for the ball handler to shoot an open layup. However, if a layup is not open the player on the other block that has not gone anywhere yet must set a screen for the person on the elbow right above him. This person must then roll to the opposite block and post up for the second scoring option. Then the man that set the screen must set another screen for the remaining man on the other elbow. This man must roll to the other open block for a lob pass which is the the third scoring option. The man that set the double screen can then spot up on the elbow for a 15 foot jumpshot. If none of these options are open the ball handler can pass the ball to the man that replaced him on the top of the court for a 3 point jumpshot. If this is not open the man on top can get the ball and set the play up again with him being the main ball handler. Look below for a diagram of this play.