What is the Princeton offense Chin series in basketball?
The Chin series features a unique set of actions within the Princeton offense that mainly utilize certain screening actions to create high percentage scoring opportunities near the basket or near perimeter areas of the court.
How to understand the player roles and diagrams on this page
In reference to any diagrams below, each of the offensive and defensive players are generally represented by the standard basketball positions, unless otherwise noted.
Additionally, offensive players are signified by numbers such as 1-5 while defensive players are indicated by the letter X, which is then followed by numbers such as X1-X5.
In essence, 1 and X1 indicate the respective offensive and defensive point guards. 2 and X2 signify the respective offensive and defensive shooting guards.
3 and X3 denote the respective offensive and defensive small forwards. 4 and X4 designate the respective offensive and defensive power forwards.
5 and X5 represent the respective offensive and defensive centers.
However, it should be noted that the Chin series could be potentially utilized by positionless teams as well.
That is to say, all five players interchange roles or at the very least, four players switch roles while one player remains in the same role, mainly operating from the high post area of the court.
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 are examples of scoring options for the Princeton offense Chin series?
Initially, players can perform dribble handoff action on one side of the court and interchange spots on the other side. Afterwards, an eventual back screen and flare screen could occur, which could lead to scoring opportunities.
Additionally, a continuity pattern could be executed to run the Chin series once again.
The example diagrams below demonstrate these concepts in more detail.
Part 1: Dribble handoff and interchange
To begin, 1 and 3 carry out a dribble handoff on the right side of the court. At the same time, 2 and 4 interchange spots on the left side.
Additionally, 5 moves up toward the right side high post area from the low post area.
Moreover, note that the players initially set up in a certain formation, particularly a 2-2-1 alignment. This is typically the most common way to start the Chin series.
Essentially, the 2-2-1 alignment features two players filling the slot areas, two players occupy the wings, and one player initially fills the low post.
Those filled areas by the players could also be thought of as a top/front region, middle region, and bottom/back region.
Part 2: Back screen
Next, 4 receives the ball from 3 via a slot to slot pass and afterwards, 2 receives the ball from 4 via a slot to wing pass.
Once 2 gains possession of the ball, 3 immediately cuts to the basket via a back screen set by 5. Following that, 3 could receive the ball from 2 and score near the rim.
Otherwise, 3 could cut through to the left side corner for the time being while 5 moves to the middle high post area.
Part 3: Flare screen
After 3 fills the corner, 4 cuts toward the right side high post elbow area via a flare screen set by 5. Following that, 4 could receive the ball via a skip pass from 2 and then take the open mid-range jump shot.
Alternatively, 4 could also attack the rim for a layup or throw a potential kick pass to 3 who could shoot the three-point jump shot.
However, if 4 does not receive the ball, then 2 could dribble up towards the left slot while 1 cuts to the right slot.
3 could also occupy the vacant left side wing while 4 fills the empty right side wing. 5 should move towards the left elbow area as well.
Part 4: Continuity back screen
At this point, the players are in position to start the continuity pattern of the Chin offense.
To begin, 1 receives the ball from 2 via a slot to slot pass and then 4 receives the ball from 1 via a slot to wing pass.
Next, 2 cuts to the basket via the back screen set by 5 and could receive the ball from 4, which could lead to a scoring opportunity at the rim.
Otherwise, 2 cuts through to the right side corner while 5 moves to the middle high post area.
Part 5: Continuity flare screen
Next, 1 cuts away to the left side elbow area via the flare screen set by 5 and could receive the ball from 4 via the skip pass.
From there, 1 could take the mid-range jump shot or attack the rim to score a layup or throw a kick pass with 2 as the receiver who could take the three-point jump shot if open.
On the other hand, if 1 does not receive the ball after the flare screen action, then 4 could dribble towards the right slot while 3 cuts to the left slot.
In addition, 2 could occupy the empty right side wing while 1 fills the vacant left side wing. Finally, 5 moves to the right side elbow area and then the continuity could be executed once more.
Related: How To Run The Princeton Offense Chin Series – YouTube
What are examples of Chin Series counter actions?
Within the Chin series, players can utilize counter actions such as a backdoor cut, UCLA cut, or elevator screen if the defense attempts to hinder or totally prevent certain initial actions like the slot to wing pass.
Chin counter – Wing denial
If a defender denies the slot to wing pass, then the wing player who is not able to receive the ball could execute a backdoor cut, which could result in a potential layup at the rim.
That can also be followed up with the standard back screen, leading to another high percentage scoring option as well.
The example diagrams below illustrate these points in more detail.
It should be also noted that the initial dribble handoff action and interchange has already occurred for this scenario.
Part 1: Backdoor cut
To start, 4 receives the ball from 3 and would like to pass to the wing with 2 as the recipient.
However, X2 is denying the pass, represented by the gray arrow. Therefore, 4 takes one dribble towards the adjacent wing which signals an automatic backdoor cut from 2.
Afterwards, 4 could throw the ball, particularly by way of a bounce pass, with 2 as the receiver who could then score at the rim if feasible.
Nonetheless, if 4 does not pass the ball, then 2 should continue cutting through to the right side corner while 4 keeps dribbling to the left side wing.
Also, 3 should slide over to the left slot while 1 fills the vacant right slot.
Furthermore, 2 should occupy the empty right side wing while 5 slides over to the left side elbow area.
Part 2: Back screen
After the backdoor cut counter option occurs, the offensive team can initiate the regular Chin action again.
Therefore, 3 receives the ball from 4 via the wing to slot pass, 1 receives it from 3 via the slot to slot pass, and 2 receives it from 1 via the slot to wing pass.
Following the reversal action, 3 cuts to the basket by way of the back screen set by 5, receives the ball from 2, and scores via a layup or slam dunk.
From this point, it is also possible to execute the flare screen portion of Chin as well as the continuity pattern, although this particular diagram does not demonstrate those actions.
CHIN Action Scoring Series (Princeton Offense) – YouTube
Chin counter – Slot denial
If a defender denies the slot to slot pass, then the slot player in possession of the ball can execute a slot to wing pass instead. That can then be followed up with a UCLA cut as well as a down screen and flare screen.
The example diagrams below demonstrate this concept in more detail.
Part 1: UCLA cut
During the initial action, 1 would like to execute the slot to slot pass with 2 as the recipient. However, X2 denies that pass, represented by the gray arrow.
As a result, 1 counters by passing the ball to 3 via the slot to wing pass. Next, 1 performs the UCLA cut derived from the UCLA offense by way of the back screen set by 5.
Afterwards, 1 could receive the ball from 3 and score at the rim via a layup. Otherwise, 1 could step out of the lane area and occupy the right side low post area while 5 fills the vacant right slot.
Part 2: Down screen and flare screen
Next, 5 receives the ball from 3 and following that, 1 cuts to the right side wing via a down screen set by 3. Moreover, at the same time, 2 cuts to the left side wing via a flare screen set by 4.
From there, 5 could pass the ball with 1 or 2 as potential receivers for jump shot opportunities. Additionally, 3 could slip to the basket during the screening action, especially if defenders were to switch assignments.
Otherwise, 3 could simply cut to the right side corner following the down screen action.
Part 3: Chin reset
Next, 1 dribbles toward the right slot area while 5 cuts to the right side high post and 3 fills the empty right side wing. At this point, the players are ready to execute Chin once again.
Chin counter – Defender in the lane prevents layup
If a defender such as the one guarding the screener drops back or completely camps in the lane to prevent the possible layup from the back screen action, then the offensive team could counter with an elevator screen.
The example diagram below showcases this in more detail.
Additionally, the initial dribble handoff action and interchange have already occurred, similar to a previous example.
Part 1: Layup is not open after back screen
To begin, 4 receives the ball from 3 and afterwards, 2 receives it from 2. Following that, 3 cuts to the basket via the back screen of 5.
However, X5 who is initially guarding 5 sags into the lane to prevent the easy high percentage field goal attempt, which in this case, would be a layup or dunk.
Therefore, since the scoring opportunity is not there, 3 simply cuts to the left side low post area for the time being.
Part 2: Elevator screen
Next, 3 cuts back to the top via the elevator screen set by 4 and 5, receives the ball from 2, and take the three-point shot if open.
What are general principles to consider for the Princeton offense Chin series?
Generally speaking, when executing the Princeton offense Chin series, players should maintain good spacing, make good passes, set good screens, and backdoor cut when possible.
Maintain good spacing
Players should always strive to maintain good spacing on the court when executing the Chin series.
Generally speaking, to maintain an adequate amount of spacing, players should be about 12 to 15 feet from adjacent teammates.
Good spacing can make it more challenging for the defensive team to effectively guard against offensive actions within the Chin series, which could also lead to various scoring possibilities.
Make good passes
Players should make good passes to teammates that are swift but easy to catch. In essence, the ball should be thrown to a teammate’s chest area or as a lead pass when a teammate is cutting to the basket.
This is especially important to consider when passing from the slot area to the wing area, which typically leads to offensive actions such as cutting and screening.
Moreover, the recipient of a pass should try to catch the ball with both hands while simultaneously landing on two feet when possible.
When players catch with two hands, it is generally easier to secure the ball away from the defense and the player is more capable of dribbling, shooting, or passing via the triple threat position.
In addition, when players catch and land on two feet, a pivot foot has not been established at that moment which also makes it more effective to utilize the triple threat.
Furthermore, landing on two feet could potentially lower the chances of players accidentally taking too many steps, which can lead to a traveling violation and subsequent turnover.
Set good screens
Players should set good basketball screens while executing the Chin series. This will primarily apply to the high post player but in other instances, it could apply to other players as well.
To set a good screen, players should position their feet about shoulder-width apart with their back straightened and knees slightly bent to form a good base.
Additionally, players should place their hands across their chest or across their lap and have their elbows kept within their own space.
In other words, a player’s elbows should not extend beyond their own sides. Also, players could use an open hand or closed fist when placing their hands across their body.
Backdoor cut when possible
The Princeton offense in general allows players without possession of the basketball to perform a backdoor cut when the opportunity presents itself.
Within the Chin series, this is also feasible, especially when an opponent attempts to play denial defense by placing a hand in the passing lane that is between the player in possession of the ball and an adjacent player who could be a recipient of that pass.
Essentially, the off-ball player can try to get open by way of an initial quick step towards the offensive teammate in possession of the ball, followed by an immediate cut to the basket to complete the backdoor cut action.