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3 Out 2 In Flex Offense in Basketball

What is 3 out 2 in flex offense in basketball?

3 out 2 in flex offense features actions that mainly focus on screening and cutting near the vicinity of a corner area to generate high percentage scoring opportunities, initially by way of three players around the perimeter and two players near the low post areas.

Related: 3 Out 2 In Motion Offense & Flex 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 in number format, unless otherwise noted.

In essence, 1 is the point guard; 2 is the shooting guard; 3 is the small forward; 4 is the power forward; 5 is the center.

Furthermore, 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 flex offense featuring a back screen?

This is an example of 3 out 2 in flex offense that features a back screen along with additional screening actions.

Part 1: Back screen

An example of 3 out 2 in flex offense demonstrating a back screen.

To begin, 2 receives the ball from 1 and afterwards, 1 cuts to the basket via a back screen set by 4 near the middle of the high post area.

Following that, 1 can receive the ball again from 2 and score via a layup.

If 1 is not open, then 1 can cut through to the empty left corner while 4 pops out to receive the ball from 2.

Part 2: Flex and screen away

An example of 3 out 2 in flex offense also showcasing an away screen.

Next, 3 can receive the ball from 4 and as that happens, 5 can sprint across the lane to set a flex screen.

1 could then cut towards the basket, utilize that screen, receive the ball and score around the rim.

Moreover, as the flex action occurs, 2 could cut to the top via the away screen set by 4, receive the ball as an alternative option, and take the three-point shot if open.

What is an example of 3 out 2 in flex offense featuring down screen action?

This is an example of 3 out 2 in flex offense that features down screens followed by the screen and cut action from the corner.

Part 1: Down screen

An example of 3 out 2 in flex offense that demonstrates down screen action.

To start, 3 receives the ball from 1. Afterwards, 1 cuts away to set a down screen with 4 as the recipient of it.

4 utilizes that screen and cuts up toward the top while 1 cuts out towards the left side corner following the screening action.

After that, 4 can receive the ball from 3 and take the three-point shot if that is open.

Alternatively, 4 can simply keep possession of the ball while 3 flattens out to the empty right side corner.

Part 2: Flex and screen the screener

An example of 3 out 2 in flex offense showcasing flex and screen the screener action.

Next, 2 can receive the ball from 4 and as that occurs, 3 can cut to the basket via the flex screen set by 5.

Furthermore, 5 can cut to the high post area by way of a down screen set by 4, which also completes screen the screener action.

From there, 3 can receive the ball from 2 and score via a layup at the rim or alternatively, 5 could receive it and take the mid-range shot if that is available.

What is an example of 3 out 2 in flex offense featuring roll and replace action?

This is an example of 3 out 2 in flex offense featuring roll and replace action, which could result in scoring opportunities.

Part 1: Roll and replace

An example of 3 out 2 in flex offense that demonstrates roll and replace action.

To start, 1 dribbles toward the basket on the left side via the on-ball screen set by 5.

Moreover, as 1 begins dribbling, 3 cuts down to the empty adjacent corner. Also, after setting the screen, 5 rolls to the basket while 4 replaces at the top, previously occupied by 1.

From there, 5 could receive the ball from 1 and score via a layup or dunk. Alternatively, 4 could receive the ball and potentially take a three-point shot if that is open.

On the other hand, if 4 is not open to take the shot, then 5 could self-replace at the left side low post area while 1 occupies the left side wing, previously filled by 3.

Part 2: Flex screen

An example of 3 out 2 in flex offense that demonstrates flex screen action.

Next, 2 receives the ball from 4 and as that occurs, 3 cuts to the basket via the flex screen set by 5.

Following that, 3 receives the ball from 2 and could score via a layup at the rim.

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Related: 3-Out 2-In Motion Offense & Special Situations – Joe Wootten