The slice action is a common set for many teams in the NBA. It provides good cutting action as well as post-up options.
Many variations can be created from the initial shuffle cut action.
2 and 3 are interchangeable and should be instructed to fill either wing and run deep to the baseline. Whatever side the ball is advanced to the frontcourt, the wing should lead out to receive the ball around the 3 point line, level with the free-throw line.
The 4 and 5 are also interchangeable, with the first big running towards the rim, looking for a pass from the 1. If an early transition pass is not available the starting position is at the mid-post position on the same side as the ball. The trailing big transition to the opposite side elbow, no lower than the 3 point line.
The slice action starts when the 1 passes the ball to the wing. In the example below the offence is run from the right side of the court but it can be applied on both sides of the floor. Whatever side the ball is advanced up the floor, the trailing big runs the opposite side.
On the pass, 4 moves to the middle of the floor.
5 and 4 set a stagger screen for 1.
1 cuts towards the middle of the court, looking for a pass from 3.
Once the ball is in motion from 4 to 3, 2 shuffle cuts off the screen from 5, looking for a pass from 3.
Here are some examples of how the Utah Jazz run this play.
A common defensive strategy for this set is the denial of the wing to 4 pass or the following 4 to 2 pass.
When the pass to the 4 is denied, a simple counter is to run and exchange with the wing, or screen away for the wing.
If the pass from 4 to 3 is denied, there are a number of options that can be introduced. Here is one that is sometimes referred to as a reverse.
When 1 gets to the middle of the floor, 2 comes off the down screen from 3 and receives the pass from 1 and looks for a shot. 3 sets a cross screen for 4.
