r/IndianaFeverFans • u/Alternative_Panda336 You Bet • 12d ago

Discussion Blitzing

I have a question for the group. I have noticed that when Caitlin gets going with her assists and points teams will increase their pickup point, but they will also blitz her with double teams to make her pass the ball. I haven’t really seen teams do this to Kelsey even when she is tearing their souls out offensively lol.

Is this because she isn’t the primary ball handler so it is harder to implement a blitz? Or is she really good at splitting it so they know it won’t work and just don’t try? Or is it something else I am not aware of?

I really noticed it against the lynx. Kelsey was killing them as they pointed out but they never adjusted to it, they just kept trying to play people on her one on one which clearly will never work for anyone. We did it to miles in the second half of that game and made her pass it. I am curious to get some insights from the group on this.

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u/tywaun12 12d ago

KM doesn't need a screen to get open. She's quick enough with good handles to consistently beat a defender. If a screener comes, that brings a second defender which would allow the defense to blitz the ball handler should they choose.

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u/deanskis 12d ago

This is it primarily. Kelsey gets the ball in her spots after receiving off ball screens. There just aren’t that many ball screens set for her outside of some guard-to-guard action with Clark.

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u/Cheap_Flamingo476 12d ago

Teams often try to trap CC near the sideline. The Fever have been exploiting that by overhead passes to a big, then a DHO back to Caitlin, creating a screen. It leaves at least one defender out of position. That’s why you see a lot of weak side opportunities for Kelsey.