EP183: Understanding the 1 Can't Guard 2 Dominoes Principle

In this episode, George takes a closer look at two weak-side cutting principles—the cut and slide and the slot cut and how they connect to the idea of the "dominoes rule": one defender can't guard two players. Using NBA examples and small-sided games, George explores how these principles create passing windows, stretch the defense, and give players opportunities to attack advantages. He also shares an excerpt from a conversation with Alex Sarama about adapting these concepts based on defensive coverages and using off-ball actions to optimize player positioning. Link to Episode EP169: Alex Sarama on Principles of Play and his Coaching Journey - https://open.spotify.com/episode/6K1R3SFpWiAnT56oyb9pRN Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to weak-side cutting principles 00:38 – Understanding the cut and slide 01:00 – Creating defensive dilemmas with the cut and slide 01:34 – Using cutting principles to create passing windows 02:16 – Applying cut and slide in small-sided games 03:04 – Introducing the slot cut and lift 03:20 – Stretching the defense and creating two-on-one situations 03:43 – Using the slot cut against different defenses 04:30 – Exploring the slot cut through small-sided games 05:14 – Using constraints to guide player learning 05:35 – Repurposing weak-side cutting principles 06:21 – Alex Sarama on adapting cut and slide 07:12 – Reading different pick-and-roll coverages 07:51 – Avoiding automatic reactions and reading the defense 08:27 – Developing the pin slide to optimize shooters 09:26 – Rethinking baseline cutting principles 10:02 – Creating better shots through timing and angles 10:30 – Final thoughts on weak-side cutting   Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book: https://amzn.to/3vO1Tc7 Access tons more of evidence-based coaching resources: https://transformingbball.com/products/    Links: Website: http://transformingbball.app/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformbball Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformingbasketball/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transformingbasketball Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformingbasketball/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@transforming.basketball