What is 3 out 2 in continuity offense in basketball?
3 out 2 in continuity offense comprises actions such as cuts or screens that could be executed on either side of the court in a consecutive fashion, initially by way of three players around the perimeter and two players near the low post areas, ultimately to create high percentage scoring opportunities.
Related: 3 Out 2 In Motion Offense & Continuity Offense
How to understand the player roles and diagrams on this page
In reference to any diagrams below, each of the offensive players are generally represented by the standard basketball positions, unless otherwise noted.
Therefore, 1 is the point guard; 2 is the shooting guard; 3 is the small forward; 4 is the power forward; 5 is the center.
Moreover, in terms of a brief legend for the diagrams:
- Black Dot or Small Circle: The black dot or small circle represents the basketball.
- Solid Arrow: The solid arrow indicates movement or a cut on the basketball court.
- Dotted Arrow: The dotted arrow represents a basketball pass.
- Wavy Arrow: The wavy arrow indicates dribbling.
- T-Shaped Symbol: The T-shaped symbol signifies a screen, also known as a pick.
- Double pipe symbol: The double pipe symbol denotes handoff action.
What is an example of 3 out 2 in continuity offense featuring down screen action?
This is an example of 3 out 2 in continuity offense featuring down screen action as well as a cross screen and dribble handoff to produce multiple scoring options for the players.
Part 1: Pass and down screen away
To begin, 3 receives the ball from 1. Afterwards, 1 cuts away to set a down screen with 4 as the recipient.
4 utilizes that screen and lifts up toward the top, ultimately replacing within the space recently vacated by 1 who also fills the low post area vacated by 4.
From that point, 4 can receive the ball from 3 and take the three-point shot if that is open.
Part 2: Pin down and potential slip
Next, if 4 does not take the jump shot, then 1 could cut towards the left side wing via the pin down screen set by 2.
Afterwards, 1 could receive the ball from 4 and take the three-point shot if that is open.
Alternatively, 2 can slip the screen and cut into the lane looking to receive the ball.
However, regardless if 2 slips or not, 2 fills and replaces at the left side low post area, previously occupied by 1.
Part 3: Cross screen and dribble handoff
Next, 5 can cut to the left side low post area via the cross screen set by 2 who also replaces at the right side low post area.
From there, 5 could receive the ball and score via a low post move.
However, if 5 does not receive the ball, then 1 could dribble towards the top to execute a dribble handoff alongside 4 who also dribbles the ball back to the left side wing.
Part 4: Pass and down screen continuity
At this point, it’s possible to execute the continuity pattern. Therefore, 2 cuts to the top via a down screen set by 1.
Afterwards, 2 can take the three-point shot if that is open while 1 replaces at the right low post area.
Part 5: Pin down and potential slip continuity
Continuing on, if 2 does not take the jump shot near the top, then 1 could cut towards the left side wing via the pin down screen set by 3.
Afterwards, 1 could receive the ball from 4 and take the three-point shot if that is open.
Alternatively, 3 can slip to the basket, which could lead to yet another potential scoring opportunity.
In either case, 3 occupies the right side low post area that was previously filled by 1.
Part 6: Cross screen and dribble handoff
If 1 does not take the shot, 4 cuts to the right side low post area via the cross screen set by 3, who also replaces at the left side low post area.
4 could receive the ball from 1 and attempt to score by way of a low post move, similar to action on the other side of the court.
If 4 does not receive the ball, then 1 could perform a dribble handoff alongside 2 who would also dribble back to the previously occupied right side wing area.
The continuity could keep going with the down screens, slip cut, and dribble handoff action, all on the other side of the court as before.
What is an example of 3 out 2 in continuity offense featuring side pick and roll action?
This is an example of 3 out 2 in continuity offense featuring side pick and roll action after an initial dribble handoff and low post entry option.
Part 1: Dribble handoff and post entry option
To start, 1 executes a dribble handoff with 3 near the left side wing area. Afterwards, 3 dribbles back toward the top and eventually towards the right side wing.
As the dribble action towards the wing happens, 2 slides down to the right side corner area.
Additionally, as a post entry option, 4 could receive the ball from 3 and attempt to score by way of a low post move if possible.
If not, then 3 could hold possession of the ball for the time being.
Part 2: Side pick and roll
Next, 3 dribbles toward the middle of the court, particularly near the lane via the side pick set by 4, who also rolls to the basket.
What’s more, 2 can perform shake action back towards the vacated right side wing area.
Following that, 4 could receive the ball and score near the rim or 2 could receive it instead and take the three-pointer if that is available.
Conversely, if 2 or 4 are not open, then 3 can escape dribble to the top in the middle of the court while 4 self-replaces at the right side low post area.
Part 3: Dribble handoff and post entry continuity
It is now possible to begin the continuity pattern of the offense. In essence, 3 performs a dribble handoff alongside 2 near the right side wing area.
Following that, 2 dribbles back toward the top and eventually towards the left side wing. While that occurs, 1 flattens to the left side corner area.
Moreover, as a post entry option, 5 could receive the ball from 2 and attempt to score by way of a low post move if possible.
Otherwise, 2 can simply keep possession of the ball for the time being.
Part 4: Side pick and roll continuity
Continuing on, 2 dribbles toward the middle of the court, particularly near the lane via the side pick set by 5, who also rolls to the basket.
In addition to that, 1 can lift up via shake action back towards the recently vacated left side wing.
After that, 5 could receive the ball and score near the rim or 1 could receive it instead and take the three-pointer if that is available.
On the other hand, if 1 or 5 are not open, then 2 can retreat and dribble back to the top while 5 self-replaces at the left side low post area.
From that point, the continuity pattern could keep going until the team is able to find a high percentage scoring opportunity.
Essentially, 2 would perform a dribble handoff with 1 who would also dribble towards the right side wing while 3 slides down to the adjacent corner, similar to part 1 of the offense.
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Related: The Attacking 3-Out & 4-Out Motion Offense – John Giannini