What is offense in the game of basketball
Offense is a foundational component within the game of basketball and its primary emphasis is to use a combination of individual player skills as well as team strategies and tactics to create scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter areas of the court.
What are the typical areas of the court for basketball offense
The typical areas of the court for basketball offense that players should generally understand are known as the top, the slots, the wings, the corners, the high posts, the low posts, the short corners, and the key.
The top, broadly speaking, is the half court area that is above the basket and beyond the three-point line. However, in a more specific sense, the top is the area in between the slots that begins behind the three-point line in the middle of the court and ends at the center (or middle) of the half court line.
Additionally, as a side note, the top of the key would be the space between the free throw line circle and the three-point line in the middle of the court. However, this website typically will not use the term top of the key as the diagrams that are exhibited do not fully demonstrate what the top of the key looks like.
Instead, to keep things simple and to not cause possible confusion for beginners, the term top is utilized, which as stated before, will generally refer to the area in between the slots behind the three-point line in the middle of the court.
The slots are the areas above the wings, adjacent to the top, and beyond the three-point line. The wings are essentially the areas behind the three-point line near the sideline but further away from the baseline.
The corners are basically the areas behind the three-point line that are near the sideline as well as the baseline.
The high post is the half-circle area starting from one corner of the free throw line to the other corner plus the area between the free throw line and the top. In addition to that, the high post corners are also commonly known as the elbows.
The low post is an area just outside of the lane lines slightly above the basket. On an actual basketball court, it is typically shown as a rectangular-shaped block, and is therefore, also called a post block.
The area between the low posts and high posts that also includes the dotted half-circle and the basket itself is called the key. Additionally, the key is also known as the painted area, the free throw lane, or simply, the lane.
It is known as the key because in the ancient days of basketball, the area near the basket was much smaller than it is today and it somewhat resembled an old-fashioned keyhole.
So apparently, the phrase, “the key” just stuck. It is also called the painted area because that part of the court usually features a certain color, typically based on the home team’s jersey color.
Additionally, the NBA, EuroLeague/FIBA, and the NCAA/NAIA use a smaller section within the key, known as the restricted area.
The main purpose of the restricted area is to stop defenders, particularly help defenders, from attempting to draw offensive fouls on players who were in the process of driving to the basket or attempting a layup/dunk.
Moreover, based on NBA shot chart terminology, any area where a three-point shot could be attempted, with the exception of the corners, is known as an above the break 3.
Related: Key (Basketball) – Wikipedia
Also, when executing any particular basketball offensive strategy or tactic, players can typically fill (or occupy) any of the specified areas (or spots) on the court, which does not include the key.
However, players should fill the areas that will allow the players to be spaced apart at least 12 to 15 feet from each other. If players are not at least 12 feet apart, then this is usually representative of bad spacing.
For example, if one player fills the right side low post, then another player should not fill the right side short corner (at least most of the time) because those two areas on very close to each other.
Additionally, players should not try to fill the same area at the same time. As another example, if one player fills the right side wing, then another player should not try to fill (or stand near) that same area.
If this occurs, then one defender could potentially guard both players on offense, thus limiting the offensive team’s ability to score effectively and efficiently.
On the other hand, it is not an issue if players occupy the same area but on both sides of the court.
For example, if one player fills the right side high post elbow but another player fills the left side high post elbow, then this is not a problem because both players are at least 12 to 15 feet apart from each other. This is representative of good spacing.
What are the primary basic skills for basketball offense
The primary basic skills for basketball offense are cutting, dribbling, passing, screening, and shooting. Each player should develop a solid foundation and fundamental understanding of the basic skills.
It should also be noted that certain players might become more proficient at certain skills than other players. However, as long as each player is able to grasp the essential concepts of the primary skills, it will generally not be as challenging for the players to execute any particular basketball offensive plan.
Cutting
Basketball cutting is one of the primary skills utilized in a variety of offensive strategies such as the 5 out motion offense that heavily focuses on cutting to the basket or the Princeton offense that features the backdoor cut as one of its elementary actions.
What makes cutting such an important concept to consider for any basketball offense is simply that the defense cannot stop two actions at the same time.
In other words, the defense will typically be concerned with on-ball action such as dribble penetration and that allows the offense to execute off-ball action such as cutting.
Therefore, when an offensive player executes a cut, it could lead to potential scoring opportunities, either near the basket or near the perimeter.
Dribbling
Basketball dribbling is another primary basic skill and it occurs when a player with the ball, also known as the ball handler, bounces the ball on the floor at least one time, typically with one hand.
Dribbling is important because it allows the players to advance the ball towards the basket when passing may not be available or necessary such as during a live turnover fast break opportunity.
Additionally, in some instances, dribbling could help break down defenders to generate scoring options by executing a variety of dribble moves such as the crossover dribble, between the legs dribble, behind the back dribble, the in-and-out dribble, and the spin move.
Furthermore, these dribble moves could also be utilized as combinations such as the double crossover, the between the legs + crossover dribble, the between the legs + behind the back dribble, and the double behind the back dribble to further break down defenders.
There are also advanced dribble moves such as the Shammgod move, popularized by former professional basketball player, God Shammgod, or the Yo-Yo dribble, utilized in recent years by players such as NBA point guard, Chris Paul.
Also, it should be noted that there are few rules that players have to adhere to when dribbling and violation of these rules will result in a turnover as well as loss to the opposing team. The common dribbling violations are called traveling, double dribble, and carrying.
Traveling
Traveling typically occurs when an offensive player illegally shifts their pivot foot while in possession of the basketball.
Basically, if a player is in possession of the ball prior to or after dribbling but that same player moves one foot, then the other foot is considered the pivot foot.
From that point, the player can turn in any direction on that pivot foot but if the player picks up or slides that pivot foot without passing, shooting, or dribbling if possible, then this is considered traveling.
This pivot rule also applies to the two-footed jump stop, particularly once the player has gathered the ball after dribbling.
For example, if a player dribbles toward the basket and executes a two-footed jump stop, then the player has not quite established a pivot foot at that point. Afterwards, the player could choose either foot as the pivot.
Furthermore, a player cannot travel while dribbling because neither foot is established as a pivot foot in that instance.
Double dribble
A double dribble typically occurs when a player ends their dribble by allowing the ball to rest in one or both hands, but then dribbles the ball again.
However, if a player receives the ball from a teammate but fumbles the pass through their hands, resulting in the ball bouncing to the floor, then the player is still allowed to dribble the ball and this is not considered a double dribble.
This type of action is legal because the player technically never gained full control of the ball, although the fumbled pass may have looked like the player took at least one dribble.
Carrying
Carrying, sometimes referred to as palming, occurs when an offensive player in possession of the basketball initially dribbles it with one particular hand, but afterwards, the player gathers the ball so that it can temporarily rest in the palm of that same hand, followed by another dribble.
Passing
Basketball passing is yet another essential skill to learn because if players are not able to make accurate and/or timely passes, then the offense will most likely become stagnant.
When that occurs, it will most certainly become very difficult for the offensive team to generate high percentage shots.
In addition, little to no passing, especially without ball reversal, causes the defenders to remain stationary, which is a benefit to the defensive team but a detriment to the offensive team.
On the other hand, a team that constantly executes ball movement will usually break down the defense. Once a defensive breakdown occurs, the offensive team will gain access to high quality shots either near the rim or near the perimeter.
The main fundamental passes used within basketball include the chest pass, the bounce pass, and the overhead pass.
Furthermore, the skip pass or the pitch ahead pass could also be used as well. Additionally, some advanced players can utilize fancier passes such as the behind the back pass or the between the legs pass.
Additionally, players should be aware of the so-called self pass rule violation. Basically, a player cannot pass the ball (presumably in the air) and catch it without the ball touching another player on the court, backboard, or the basket ring.
According to Rule 10, Section XIII.g, of the Official NBA rule book, this is considered to be a traveling violation.
However, it should be noted that a player can bounce the ball off an opposing player’s body and then retrieve the ball before the defender is able to get to it.
For example, if the offensive player were to pick up their dribble for whatever reason, that same player could bounce the ball off the leg of the opposing defender and then retrieve the ball as a method of re-establishing another opportunity to dribble.
In somewhat similar fashion, if the offensive player is standing out of bounds during a throw in sequence such as after a timeout or during some other stoppage of play situation that requires the ball to be thrown in from out of bounds, then the offensive player could bounce the ball off the inbound defender’s body such as the back or leg, provided that same offensive player is able to step inbound onto the court before retrieving the ball.
These variations of so-called self passes are legal action because the ball touched another player on the court.
Screening
Basketball Screening is yet another foundational offensive skill that players should learn and utilize.
Essentially, there are various types of basketball screens that could consist of the on-ball screen typically used in pick and roll action or off-ball screens such as the down screen or cross screen.
With either type of the screen, the offense would be able to limit the effectiveness of the defense and potentially create scoring opportunities on the perimeter or close to the basket.
Furthermore, offensive sequences with little to no screening would inevitably become stagnant as the defense could basically contain their respective assignments or receive help from another teammate in the event of dribble penetration.
Additionally, screens could help create mismatches and if that occurs, then this could bring forth another possible advantage for the offense.
For example, if a post player on defense becomes matched up with an offensive guard near the perimeter, then the guard could potentially gain an advantage by executing a speedy dribble move against the bigger and/or slower post defender.
In similar fashion, if a guard on defense becomes matched up with an offensive post player near the low post block, then the post player could possibly gain the advantage by using size and/or strength to score near the basket with a low post move.
Also, players should be mindful not to commit an illegal screen that generally occurs when an offensive player setting a screen does not stay within their vertical plane or the offensive player setting the screen does not allow a defender, who would be the target of the screen, enough time and/or distance to avoid the screen.
Furthermore, in the case of an on-ball screen, also called a pick, if the ball handler dribbles towards the screener and the defender makes contact with the screen before the screener fully established a stationary position, then the screener would still be called for an illegal screen.
Also, in the case of an off-ball screen such as a down screen, if the defender attempts to quickly avoid the screen prior to the moment of contact, then the screener could technically move to re-establish the screen as long as the movement occurs before the moment of contact.
However, according to Rule 10, Section XIV of the Official NBA rule book, a screener cannot step out of bounds to set a screen on a defender, particularly on the baseline in the frontcourt.
For example, if a screener is setting a pin down screen near the baseline but the defender attempts to avoid the screen by stepping out of bounds, then the screener cannot step out of bounds to re-establish the screen, even if the screen occurs before the moment of contact. In that instance, it would be considered a violation.
Related: Off Ball Screens – NBA Video Rulebook
Shooting
Basketball shooting is arguably the most important offensive skill to consider because if a team does not shoot or cannot shoot, then that team will not score many points.
Additionally, by implementing the other basic skills of cutting, dribbling, passing, and screening, an offensive team could generate the most efficient shots.
Furthermore, shooting is important against zone defenses that seek to take away scoring options around the basket as well as limit the effectiveness of offensive-minded post players.
Therefore, it is essential that a team includes at least one or two shooters on the court at all times on offense.
The point of having at least one or two shooters is to give the offense a chance to still score if the defense runs a zone as mentioned previously or if the offensive play breaks down and the team needs a basket such as at the end of the shot clock or at the end of a game’s quarter or half.
However, if a team does happen to have many non-shooters on the roster, then that team should give tremendous effort on defense to make up for the lack of shooting.
The main types of shots a team could take for scoring purposes include layups at the basket, low post shots near the basket, floaters typically in the key near the dotted half-circle, mid-range shots inside the three-point line, three-point shots, and free throws.
Most of the time, players on offense should try to make layups, floaters or get the ball inside to the post players whenever possible.
However, the defense will usually try to take away those easy scoring options so it is very important that teams can make mid-range shots or three-pointers when those options become necessary.
Furthermore, in terms of shooting, it is important for players to practice free throws as much as possible because free throws can help win games.
Essentially, the repetitions from practicing free throws can help build up muscle memory so when each player steps to the line, they do not think too much or preferably at all about shooting and it becomes more of an automatic process.
What are the standard player positions for basketball offense
The standard player positions for basketball offense are known as the point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward, and center. Also, each position typically has different roles and responsibilities, although some positions could have overlap between them.
Point Guard
The point guard is usually the primary ball handler and play caller that typically initiates the offensive half court set.
Also, the point guard generally possesses an above average basketball IQ, speed, quickness, as well as dribbling, passing, perimeter shooting, and leadership skills.
Furthermore, there are generally two types of point guards : scoring point guards that excel at scoring the ball and facilitator point guards that are good at creating scoring opportunities for teammates.
Additionally, the point guard is typically the smallest player on the court in terms of height but this is not always the case.
Shooting Guard
The shooting guard is generally taller than the point guard but usually, a few inches shorter than the small forward. Additionally, the shooting guard is generally the team’s best outside shooter, especially from three-point range.
Also, the shooting guard could potentially excel at driving to the basket and scoring through contact. Furthermore, the shooting guard typically possesses very good ball handling and dribbling skills for their position.
Small Forward
The small forward is typically taller and/or longer than the shooting guard but generally, a few inches shorter than the power forward. Also, the small forward usually has above average traits in rebounding and defense.
In addition to that, the small forward usually possesses good basketball IQ, dribbling skills, and this player can generally shoot near the perimeter or finish at the rim, similar to the shooting guard.
Power Forward
The power forward is generally taller than the small forward and typically has above average rebounding skills. Also, the power forward could possess an excellent low post skill set that helps them to score around the basket.
Furthermore, the power forward could also have the ability to shoot from the mid-range or three-point range.
Center
The center is typically the tallest player on the court and generally scores around the basket by way of low post moves, dunks, and put-back shots.
Additionally, the center is usually above average at blocking shots and gathering offensive and defensive rebounds.
Furthermore, some centers could also shoot from the mid-range and/or three-point range, possibly increasing their offensive versatility.
What are types of basketball offense
The types of basketball offense consist of various categories of offensive formations, patterns, or distinctive systems that also include a common characteristic of creating scoring opportunities to ultimately win basketball games.
The names of the various categories for the different types are generally known as set offense, zone offense, press offense, transition offense, continuity offense, motion offense, and inbound plays.
Set Offense
A set offense features specific plays, also known as set plays, offensive strategies, or quick hitters that are typically designed to create scoring opportunities for the team’s best players.
Additionally, a set offense usually implements a certain offensive formation during the initial phase of the offense.
For example, the box offense strategy, which is also a set offense, starts with one player at the top and four additional players near the low posts and high posts elbows.
When each of the four players near the various posts fill those areas, the formation looks similar to a box, hence its name.
Furthermore, a set offense usually consists of a predetermined path (e.g. get the ball to the best three-point shooters or low post players) but if that path is unsuccessful for whatever reason, then the set generally has to start over again or the team has to implement another set.
Zone Offense
A zone offense consists of one or more offensive strategies formulated to beat one or more types of zone defense.
As an example, the short corner zone offense could be implemented against the 2-3 zone defense by attacking its soft spots, which of course, are the short corners.
Press Offense
A press offense, also referred to as a press break, includes specific plays and formations that are designed to counter against one or more press defenses, particularly in the full court.
Transition Offense
A transition offense, also generally referred to as a fast break, comprises special offensive strategies known as primary break, secondary break, or the numbered fast break.
The main objective of transition offense is to score points quickly and efficiently, particularly during the transition from defense to offense and before the opposing team can protect their own basket, adequately match up, or implement complete defensive formations.
Continuity Offense
A continuity offense incorporates specific patterns of cuts, screens, passes, or dribble actions that are then executed in a continuous manner on both sides of the floor until the offensive team procures the best available shot near the basket or near the perimeter.
Motion Offense
A motion offense is devised of unique offensive strategies that typically consist of certain rules or principles players should follow to generate scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter.
Additionally, many motion offenses can utilize elements of set offenses to produce scoring options for the team’s best players.
However, unlike set offenses, which are generally more rigid, the players involved in a motion offense can usually read the defense and react accordingly.
Furthermore, most motion offenses are also flexible enough to perform similar to continuity offenses as well.
Therefore, if the offensive team is not able to score with the initial actions of the motion offense, then that same team could potentially execute the offensive action once more as a continuity pattern.
Inbound Plays
Inbound plays occur when an offensive player is able to execute a throw-in while standing behind a sideline or baseline.
Moreover, inbound plays typically occur after stoppage of play and they are usually ran for the team’s best players, similar to set offenses. Therefore, inbound plays could be thought of as a sub-type of set play.
What are strategies of basketball offense
Strategies of basketball offense are essentially planned, structured actions, styles, or systems implemented by the coaching staff and generally utilized by all five offensive players on the floor to reach the ultimate objective of scoring points.
Additionally, various strategies could be associated with the different types of basketball offense and each strategy could utilize one or more tactics to achieve success.
For example, the Horns offense is a strategy that is associated with the primary set offense type.
It is because the Horns offense uses half court set plays that are typically predetermined to create scoring opportunities for the team’s best players.
As another example, the 5 out motion offense is a strategy that is associated with motion offense as well as continuity offense.
It is because the 5 out motion offense is a read and react system, it consists of certain rules for the players, and it can be implemented as a continuity pattern.
1-4 High Offense
The 1-4 high offense is a basketball offensive strategy that primarily utilizes the high post as well as the wing areas to create scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter, typically with a variety of basketball cuts and/or basketball screens.
The initial formation of the 1-4 high offense consists of an offensive player with the ball at the top, two players near the wing areas, and two players near the high post elbow areas.
1-4 Press Break
The 1-4 press break is a basketball offensive strategy that can be used as a counter against press defenses such as the 1-2-1-1 diamond press, the 2-2-1 press, the 1-2-2 press or a full court man to man press.
2 Out 3 In Motion Offense
The 2 out 3 in motion offense is a basketball offensive strategy that emphasizes ball movement, post split action, and continuity patterns to create scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter.
The formation of the 2 out 3 in motion offense includes two players above (or outside) the free throw line extended area and three players below (or inside) the free throw line extended area.
3 Out 2 In Motion Offense
The 3 out 2 in motion offense is a basketball offensive strategy that seeks to create multiple scoring opportunities through the use of set plays as well as offensive actions such as basketball screens, basketball cuts, continuity patterns and pick and roll options among others.
The formation of the 3 out 2 in motion offense begins with three perimeter players near the tops and wings as well as two players near the low post blocks.
4 Out 1 In Motion Offense
The 4 out 1 in motion offense is a basketball offensive strategy that creates scoring opportunities via a variety of sequences such as basketball cuts, basketball screens, and dribble drive action.
Also, the typical formation of the 4 out 1 in motion offense starts with two players in the slot areas near the top, two players on the wings (or the corners in some instances), and another player near the low post.
5 Out Motion Offense
The 5 out motion offense is a basketball offensive strategy that utilizes the fundamental skills of passing, cutting, and screening as well as continuity patterns to create scoring opportunities, typically near the basket or near the perimeter.
Within the 5 out motion offense, each player should fill one of the perimeter areas of the top, wings, or corners.
Attack and React Offense
The Attack and React offense is a basketball offensive strategy, developed by Andrew Grantz that utilizes the fundamental principles of dribble drive, read and react, and motion offense to create scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter.
The initial formation begins in a wide 4 out 1 in configuration. Two players should fill the slots at the top, two players should fill the corners, and one additional player should fill the low post block on the same side of the ball.
Blocker Mover Offense
The Blocker Mover offense is a basketball offensive strategy developed by Dick Bennett and was utilized in recent years by his son, Tony Bennett, during his time as the head coach for the University of Virginia Cavaliers men’s basketball team.
It typically begins in a 3 out 2 in formation and features two players known as blockers and three players referred to as movers.
The blockers will set screens while the movers will use those screens. The primary screens that are set by the blockers include the pin down screen, flare screen, and sometimes, the on-ball screen.
If the various screening actions are successful, then scoring opportunities could be produced near the perimeter or near the basket.
Box Offense
The box offense is a basketball offensive strategy that utilizes a variety of off-ball and on-ball screens to create scoring opportunities, particularly for the team’s best scorers.
The formation of the box offense is a player at the top, two players near the high posts, and two more players near the low posts.
Circle Offense
The circle offense is a basketball offensive strategy that utilizes cuts and continuity patterns to create scoring opportunities near the basket.
Additionally, the circle offense features five players that should fill the perimeter spots near the top, the wings, and the corners, similar to the standard 5 out motion offense.
Dribble Drive Motion Offense
The Dribble Drive Motion offense is a basketball offensive strategy developed by Vance Walberg that emphasizes spreading the floor and aggressively dribbling into the gaps of the defense to create scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter, particularly behind the three-point line.
Flex Offense
The flex offense is a basketball offensive strategy that creates scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter by way of two types of basketball screens known as the flex screen and the down screen.
Hawk Offense
The Hawk offense is a basketball offensive strategy that utilizes various basketball screens such as a high post screen and stagger screens to create scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter.
Horns Offense
The Horns offense is a basketball offensive strategy that emphasizes spacing to create scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter by way of various actions such as basketball screens and dribble handoffs.
The initial formation of the Horns offense begins with a primary ball handler at the top, two players near the high posts, and two additional players in the corners.
Princeton Offense
The Princeton offense is a basketball offensive strategy that utilizes the fundamental skills of cutting, dribbling, passing, screening, and shooting as well as three unique series of actions known as Chin, Low and Point to create scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter.
Additionally, the Princeton offense typically begins with two guards near the slot areas, two wing players, and one additional player near the high post or low post.
Shuffle Offense
The shuffle offense is a basketball offensive strategy that utilizes the shuffle cut, certain types of basketball screens, and a possible continuity pattern to create scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter.
Stack Offense
The Stack offense is a basketball offensive strategy that begins with a stack formation that also includes a variety of basketball screens to produce multiple scoring options for the offensive team’s best players.
Swing Offense
The Swing offense is a basketball offensive strategy developed and popularized by Bo Ryan during his time as the head men’s basketball coach at the University of Wisconsin.
Additionally, the Swing offense begins with a 4 out 1 in formation and it incorporates basketball screens, ball reversal, and continuity patterns to generate various scoring options.
Triangle Offense
The triangle offense is a basketball offensive strategy that utilizes three players to assemble a sideline triangle on one side of the court while emphasizing a two-man game between two additional players on the opposite side to create scoring opportunities by way of various offensive actions.
UCLA Offense
The UCLA offense is a basketball offensive strategy created and popularized by John Wooden during his time as the head coach of the UCLA Bruins men’s basketball team that focuses on the fundamentals of passing, screening, and cutting to create various scoring opportunities.
Wheel Offense
The Wheel offense is a basketball offensive strategy developed by Garland Pinholster during his time as the head coach at Oglethorpe University that features cutting and screening actions as well as continuity patterns to produce scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter.
Primary Break
The primary break is a basketball offensive strategy that occurs as soon as one particular team transitions from defense to offense by gaining possession of the ball, either by way of a live-ball turnover, a missed shot, or a made basket by the opposing team.
Additionally, the primary break emphasizes scoring as quickly as possible, especially near the basket, before the defense is able to completely match up with their respective assignments.
Secondary Break
The secondary break is a basketball offensive strategy that occurs after the defensive team is able to prevent primary break.
Additionally, all five defenders have not entered into the frontcourt or all five defenders in the frontcourt are not evenly matched up with proper assignments.
As a result of that inadequate defensive formation, the offensive team could counter with the secondary break to generate scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter.
Numbered Fast Break
The numbered fast break is a basketball offensive strategy that seeks to create quick scoring opportunities via transition offense principles and by designating certain numbers and specific roles to each of the five players.
What are tactics of basketball offense
Tactics of basketball offense are effective and practical actions that are executed to produce an advantageous outcome for the team as a whole.
Additionally, basketball offensive tactics are generally performed by at least two or three players at any specific time and they are typically a part of a larger overall basketball strategy.
The usual tactics implemented within basketball offense include pick and roll, pick and pop, pass and cut, pass and screen away, high low, dribble handoffs, ball reversal, and screen the screener.
Pick and Roll
The pick and roll, also known as an on-ball screen, is one of the most common offensive tactics utilized in the game of basketball.
The pick and roll occurs when a player without the ball gets close to a player with the ball to set a pick. Afterwards, the player without the ball that set the pick follows up by rolling to the basket.
Afterwards, the player with the ball could use the screen and then pass the ball to the player that rolled to the basket. From that point, the player that rolled to the basket could receive the ball if open and score near the rim.
Pick and Pop
The pick and pop is a variation of the pick and roll and it could be implemented as an alternative tactic to create additional scoring options within basketball offense.
In the pick and pop sequence, instead of rolling to the basket, the player that set the screen should pop out to an area on the perimeter, usually near the top or the wings.
Pass and Cut
The pass and cut action is a simple tactic that could be used in any particular basketball offensive strategy or set offense.
As the name implies, an offensive player with the ball simply passes it to a teammate and then cuts to the basket or to another open area of the court.
One basic advantage of passing and cutting is that it keeps the offensive players in constant motion. This, in turn, could lead to potential defensive breakdowns and subsequent scoring opportunities.
Pass and Screen Away
The pass and screen away action is another basic tactic that could be implemented within a number of basketball offensive strategies or set offenses.
As the name implies, an offensive player with the ball simply passes it to a teammate and afterwards, that same passing player sets a screen away from the ball for another teammate.
High Low
The high low action is a basketball tactic that can be used by offensive teams to create easy scoring opportunities near the basket.
To execute the high low action, one offensive player fills the top or high post while another player fills the low post block.
Following that, the player in the high post or at the top receives the ball and then the other player near the low post block quickly cuts into the lane around the basket.
Afterwards, the player near the basket receives the ball from the player at the top or high post and can quickly score at the rim with a layup or dunk.
Dribble Handoff
The dribble handoff is a basketball offensive tactic that occurs when a player in possession of the ball dribbles toward a teammate, followed by a handoff for that same teammate.
The dribble handoff could be utilized to release defensive pressure or as a way to create scoring opportunities for the player receiving the ball, either at the rim or near the perimeter.
Ball Reversal
Ball reversal is a common basketball offensive tactic that occurs when the ball gets passed from one side of the court to the other side, typically from the wings to the top or via skip passes.
Screen the Screener
Screen the screener is a basketball offensive tactic that occurs when one player receives a screen after setting a screen for another teammate.
This simple screening action could cause defensive breakdowns, which, in turn, could lead to multiple scoring options for the offense.
What are examples of scoring plays for basketball offense
1-4 Low
This is a quick hitting 1-4 low set play that could create scoring options for the team’s post players. To start, 1 dribbles towards the left side wing via the ball screen set by 4.
Immediately following that, 4 cuts to the right side wing via the flare screen set by 5 who also rolls to the basket.
Next, 4 receives the skip pass over the top from 1 and can take the three-point jump shot if open.
Additionally, 5 could receive the ball from 1 as a secondary option, shown with the dotted gray arrow. Afterwards, 5 could score near the basket.
Baseline
This is an example of a baseline runner set play derived from the Mississippi State women’s basketball team that could produce a jump shot for the team’s best shooter.
To start, 1 dribbles toward the right side wing to execute a dribble hand-off with 2.
Next, 2 dribbles toward the left slot area while 1 cuts across to the left side corner via the screens set by 4 and 5.
Additionally, 3 could set a quick brush screen if the defender that covers 1 decides to cheat over the top of the screen.
After that, 3 continues the cut across to the right side wing area. As that happens, 1 receives the ball from 2 and takes the open jump shot.
Elbow
This is a quick hitting set derived from the Cleveland Cavaliers NBA team that could create a scoring opportunity near the basket.
To start, 1 dribbles toward the left side wing and after that, 3 receives the ball at the elbow. Next, 4 cuts to the basket via a wide pin down screen set by 1.
Following that, 4 receives the ball from 3 and scores near the basket.
Floppy
This is a quick hitting set derived from the Houston Cougars men’s basketball team that could create an open jump shot for the team’s best shooters.
To begin, 2 cuts to the left side wing via the cross screen set by 3 in addition to the pin down screen set by 4.
As that happens, 3 cuts to the right side wing via the pin down screen set by 5. Following that, 2 or 3 could receive the ball from 1 and take open jump shots.
High Low – Part 1
This is an example of a high low set that focuses on getting the ball to the team’s best low post player. To begin, 2 receives the ball from 1 and after that, 1 cuts through to the left side corner.
As that happens, 5 cuts to the right side low post block via the cross screen set by 4. Next, 4 cuts up to the top after setting the screen.
From that point, 5 could receive the ball from 2 and score with a low post move or 2 could reverse the ball to 4 at the top.
High Low – Part 2
If 4 receives the ball, then 5 could duck into the lane. After that occurs, 5 could receive the ball from 4 to complete the high low action. From there, 5 could score near the basket with a low post move.
If 5 does not receive the ball, then 4 could reverse the ball to 3. Next, 5 could cut to the left side low post block and receive the ball from 3. Following that, 5 could score with a low post move.
Weave – Part 1
This is an example of a dribble weave derived from the Golden State Warriors with spread pick and roll action. To begin, 4 receives the ball from 1 who then cuts through to the left side corner.
Next, 4 dribbles toward the right side wing to execute the dribble hand-off with 3. After that, 3 dribbles back toward the top.
At the same time, 4 continues the cut to the right side corner while 5 cuts across from the left side elbow to the right side elbow.
Weave – Part 2
3 continues to dribble toward the left side wing to execute the dribble hand-off with 2. Following that, 2 dribbles back toward the top and then receives a ball screen from 5.
After setting the pick, 5 rolls to the basket and could receive the ball from 2 if open. Additionally, 2 could take the open jump shot or pass to 4 if open.