INTERMEDIATE SET PLAYS

9C. Double - "Down-Seal" (On-Ball)

• A "double down" seal, also known as a “double post,” is when both the point and shooter on the strong-side (on-ball) seal their checks while the crease player carries the ball high, filling into the shooter position ideally for an open shot (Option #1).

• The crease player receiving the pass needs to already be running high as the pass is going down (anticipating), while the players doing the sealing need to be crafty ("finessing the seal") in order to trap the defenders behind the seal. 

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  The point player should be encouraged to try to "seal the edge," meaning that they end up sealing the high defender from inside-out (east-west from the middle towards the side-boards) as the ball carrier arrives, which often allows the ball carrier to "walk up the middle" if performed correctly. 

  Whichever "sealer" is lowest (closest to the net) after the ball carrier runs past them, should roll to the net as another option (Option #4).  If no shot presents itself, a swing pass and then another pass inside is also a good look.

  Off ball players can be continuously cycling, otherwise the off-ball shooter can set a north south up-pick for the off-ball shooter, or the shooter can set a down-pick for the off-ball crease player (as seen in the diagram) who comes up to the mid-board soft spot (Option #2), with the picker rolling to the net (Option #3). 

  Variation

  Variation:  Another variation is for the off-ball shooter to also come into the middle and then "seal the help defender" from inside-out as the ball carrier comes overtop of the "post," which further allows them to "walk up the middle" if timed correctly.  

9D. Double - "Up-Seal" (On-Ball)

• A "double up" seal is when both the shooter and then the crease player on the strong-side seal their checks from underneath (pushing them high), while the point player carriers the ball low, possibly able to run uncontested to the net (Option #1), but further looking for an open seam or screen shot. 

• Whichever "sealer" is lowest (closest to the net) after the crease player runs past them, should roll to the net as another option (Option #4). 

• Off-ball players should either be continuously cycling, or the off-ball shooter should set a down-pick for the off-ball crease player who comes up to the mid-board soft spot (Option #2), with the picker rolling to the net (Option #3).