Wolverine: A Smart Counter Set to Confuse Man Defenses
Quick Coach Guide: Wolverine
Setup
Start in an overload formation:
1 (PG) at the top
4 on the left wing
3 and 5 on the right side
2 in the weak side corner
Execution Steps
3 down screens for 4 to free them for a wing catch
1 passes to 4 on the wing
5 sets a back screen for 1, who cuts hard to the basket
If 1 is open, 4 passes for a layup
If not, 4 passes to 5 at the top of the key
1 pops out to the right wing
5 reverses the ball to 1
3, 4, and 5 set a triple stagger for 2
2 curls between 4 & 5 for a pass and potential layup
If 2 isn’t open, they space to the corner
3 pops out off a stagger from 4 & 5
1 looks to hit 3 at the top
4 slips the screen and dives for a layup
Full Breakdown: How Wolverine Works and Why It’s Effective
Wolverine is more than just a counter play, it's a teaching tool in disguise. It reinforces disguise, decision-making, and misdirection for your team. Built as a continuation of the Michigan play, Wolverine fakes the same entry but changes its end sequence to confuse the defense and generate multiple scoring options.
Why This Play Works
Deception is its biggest weapon. Because it mimics Michigan's beginning, defenses fall into rhythm, then Wolverine flips the script. That creates indecision and poor communication, opening lanes for layups or open shots.
Player Roles
1 (PG): Must sell the cut hard after the pass to 4. Then relocate quickly to the wing and make a sharp read.
2 (SG): Your scorer. Must be able to read the curl and shoot or drive.
3, 4, 5: Set meaningful screens and immediately shift into live reads, especially 4, who can slip for a layup.
Screens That Matter
The down screen by 3 is essential for freeing up the wing catch.
The back screen by 5 must be timed well, ideally while the ball is in the air to 4.
The triple stagger (3-4-5 for 2) is the heart of the deception. If defenders expect Michigan, this creates a massive misread on who’s the actual target.
Timing Cues
1 should start cutting the moment the pass is in motion, not before.
The triple stagger must not be rushed; let 2 time the curl.
4’s slip must feel like a screen, then dive explosively.
Progressions
First Look: 1 off the back screen for a layup.
Second Look: 2 curling off the stagger for a midrange or drive.
Third Look: 3 popping up top after 2 clears.
Fourth Look: 4 slipping into a vacated paint.
Coaching Points
Teach patience. Rushing this set kills its effectiveness. Make sure players understand when to go, not just where.
Screen with purpose. The triple stagger becomes lethal only when screens are set with intent. No ghost screens.
Emphasize slipping. Especially 4 and 5. Against switching teams, slipping becomes your layup option.
Read the defender’s head. On every screen, teach players to watch how defenders react. Eyes away = go.
Drills to Reinforce Wolverine
Triple Stagger Curl Reads: Work 2-on-3 drills with 2 reading curl, pop, or reject off screens.
Back Screen Timing: Practice back screen into post-entry, with 1 cutting as 4 receives.
Screen & Slip Pairs: 4 and 5 work together, screen then slip, with coaches feeding passes mid-action.
Disguise Drills: Run Michigan and Wolverine in succession so defenders can’t tell the difference.
Final Thoughts: Why Every Coach Should Use Wolverine
Wolverine isn’t just a play, it’s a blueprint for teaching variation without changing formation. Your team gets comfortable in one setup, but the defense can’t anticipate what’s coming.
Perfect for:
After timeouts
End-of-quarter sets
Misdirection to get your scorer free
Punishing over-help or aggressive switches
If you already run Michigan, Wolverine is a no-brainer. It leverages the same motions with a twist, making it a deadly counter in your offensive arsenal.
