End of gameIntermediate

Elevator

The shooter runs up the lane between two screeners, who close the doors behind her. Catch and shoot a three.

Best for: When you need a three: your best shooter gets a catch at the top with two screens behind her.

Needs: a shooter. Gets you: a three.

Against: man‑to‑man
Formation: box
Steps: 4 steps · 5 reads each
The five spots: 1Point guard (top)
2Left block (shooter)
3Right block
4Left elbow
5Right elbow

Run it yourself

Pick a spot and make the reads.

The court plays out each step when you choose right. Switch spots to learn every job in Elevator.

You are 1, Point guard (top)

Your spot

Step 1 · Set the doors

Down two, under 20 seconds. Coach calls "Elevator". 1 has the ball up top. This time it goes to the right side.

What do you do?

Pick the read you would make. The play runs when you get it right.

Study every step

What the defence shows at each step, how everyone moves, and the right read for all five spots.

cut pass screen dribble shotNumbers show the order.

Step 1

Down two, under 20 seconds. Coach calls "Elevator". 1 has the ball up top.

1Dribble to the left wing.Clear the top. That is where 2 catches the ball.
2Slide under the basket to the middle.Start under the rim, so you can run straight up the lane.
3Go to the right corner.Space the floor, so x3 has to stay with you.
4Step up next to 5 at the top of the key and leave a gap.You and 5 are the elevator doors. 2 runs through the gap.
5Step up next to 4 at the top of the key and leave a gap.You and 4 are the elevator doors. 2 runs through the gap.

Next: The doors close

Step 2

4 and 5 stand side by side at the top of the key with a gap between them. x2 is right on 2 under the basket.

1Hold the ball and look to the top.2 is coming up the lane. Be ready to hit them as they come out.
2Sprint up the lane through the gap.Run right between 4 and 5. The doors close behind you.
3Stay in the right corner.Keep x3 out of the lane, away from the play.
4Close the door with 5 right after 2 runs by.Step in so x2 can't follow them through the gap.
5Close the door with 4 right after 2 runs by.Shut the gap, then watch your defender.

Then the defence shows one of 2 looks: Read: 2 is open (67%), Read: x5 jumps out (33%).

Step 3

1 of 2 looks after The doors close · 67%

x2 ran into the closed doors. 2 is alone at the top of the key.

1Pass to 2 at the top.They are wide open. Hit them right in the shooting pocket.
2Catch, square up and shoot the three.Feet set before the ball gets there. This is the shot the play is for.
3Crash from the right corner.If it misses, get the rebound.
4Turn and box out x4.Find your defender and hit them as the shot goes up.
5Turn and box out x5.Find your defender and hit them as the shot goes up.

Catch-and-shoot three for 2 to win it.

Step 3

1 of 2 looks after The doors close · 33%

x5 leaves 5 and jumps out to take 2 at the top. Nobody is guarding 5.

1Pass to 5 diving to the rim.x5 left them to take 2. A layup ties it.
2Stay at the top and keep x5 with you.You pull x5 away from the rim.
3Stay in the right corner.Keep x3 from helping on 5.
4Pop out to the left slot.Give 1 a second outlet and pull x4 away from the rim.
5Dive to the rim with your hands up.Your defender jumped out to 2. Nobody is between you and the rim.