Basic definition of Point series
The Point series of the Princeton offense primarily features a high post entry pass followed up by additional actions, ultimately to create scoring opportunities around the rim or near perimeter areas of the basketball court.
Common areas of the court occupied by players executing Point
The common areas of the court that players will generally occupy while executing the Point series are the slots, the wings, the high posts and elbows, as well as the corners.
The adjacent diagram above displays the common spots and it should also be noted that each of those areas are spaced apart at least 10-12 feet or more.
Therefore when any player fills one of these particular areas while other teammates occupy other vacant spaces, then that would be representative of good spacing, which is an important concept to understand and implement.
In essence, good spacing makes it more challenging for the defensive team to effectively guard against offensive actions within the Point series, which could lead to easier scoring possibilities.
The following subsections contain brief descriptions of the relevant court areas within the Point series.
Slots
The slots, sometimes referred to as the lane line extended areas, are the general areas that are adjacent to the top area as well as the areas between the top and the wings.
Players generally fill the slot areas during the initial phase of the Point series. However, at specific moments within the offense, players might fill the slot after cutting from other areas of the court such as the wing, corner or near the basket.
Wings
The wings consists of the court areas behind the three-point line that are adjacent to the nearest sideline, which is generally at or above the free throw line extended.
Players typically occupy the wing areas during the initial action of the Point series. However, a player may also fill one of the wings after certain offensive actions such as receiving a down screen that was set by a teammate.
Corners
The corners comprise the areas behind the three-point line that are in the general vicinity of a sideline and its adjoining baseline or half court line.
Within the Point series, players will typically occupy the corner areas to set up another action such as a basket cut to score points via a high percentage field goal attempt such as a layup or dunk.
High post + Elbows
The high post is the general area that covers the free throw line from one edge to the other as well as the adjacent area that is between the free throw line and the top of the three-point line.
Furthermore, the edges of the free throw line are typically known as the high post elbows or simply, the elbow areas of the court.
Within Point, a player commonly occupies the high post elbow area to receive the ball and then that is followed up with one or more scoring opportunities.
Initial setup for Point
The most typical initial setup for the Point series is the 2-2-1 alignment.
This is shown with an example diagram below.
Furthermore, in reference to the diagram within this section as well as other diagrams within subsequent sections, each offensive player is indicated by a number that generally represents one of the standard basketball positions.
Essentially, 1 is the point guard while 2 is the shooting guard.
3 is the small forward while 4 is the power forward.
Lastly, 5 plays the role of the center position.
Additionally, it should be mentioned that the Point series and by extension, the overall Princeton offense, can also be utilized by positionless teams in which all five players can interchange roles or at the very least, four players can switch roles while one player remains in the same role, mainly operating from the high post area of the court.
Nevertheless, for this section as well as later sections, players will usually remain in the traditional basketball roles unless stated otherwise.
2-2-1 alignment
This is an example of the 2-2-1 alignment for the Point series.
Moreover, to give more clarity on the naming convention for the 2-2-1 alignment, the digits that are to the left or right of a dash (-) represents the number of offensive players located within a general region of the court.
What’s more, if a formation or alignment contains only one dash, then the number of players to the left of the dash would represent the front or top region while the number of players to the right of the dash would represent the back or bottom region.
In a similar fashion, if a formation or alignment contains two dashes, then the number of players to the leftmost of the dashes would represent the front or top region, the number of players in between the leftmost and rightmost dashes would represent the middle region, and the number of players to the rightmost of the dashes would represent the back or bottom region.
This could also apply to other formations or alignments as well.
So, with all that said, for the case of the 2-2-1 alignment, this means that there are two offensive players located at the front region (i.e. the slot areas), two offensive players located in the middle region (i.e. the wing areas), and one offensive player located in the back region (i.e. the low post area).
To be even more specific for this case, there are two guards (1 and 2) in the slots, two forwards (3 and 4) on the wings, and one traditional low post player (5) who begins near the low post area on the strong side of the court.
In addition to that, this particular set could be generally referred to as a 2-guard front as well because there are specifically two guards located in the front region of the alignment/formation.
Example of initial actions to begin Point
This is an example of initial actions for the Point series that begins with a slot to slot dribble by a player in possession of the ball. Afterwards, that is followed by a certain cut by a player in the opposite slot.
In addition, as those actions occur, the post player who is initially located in the low post area executes a flash cut to the high post and receives the ball from the player in possession of it within the slot.
From there, players can execute the basic and/or secondary actions of the Point series.
The diagrams below showcase these particular initial actions, firstly in simple steps and then combined together.
Also, it should be noted that while these examples showcase one style of initiating Point, there are other ways to start the offense as well.
Part 1-1: Slot to slot dribble and Cut through
This is an example of the initial action of the Point series that demonstrates the slot to slot dribble and cut through action.
Essentially, the play initiator, who is 1, has possession of the basketball and begins to dribble it from the right slot to the left slot, represented by the wavy arrow.
When that dribble action happens, the offensive player in the opposite slot, who is 2, cuts through to the weak side corner on the right side of the court.
Part 1-2: Slot to slot dribble and Shallow cut
This is an example of the initial action of the Point series that demonstrates the slot to slot dribble and shallow cut action.
Basically, it is a modification for the player without possession of the ball in the opposite slot.
In essence, instead of cutting through to the weak side corner, the opposite slot player simply switches locations with the slot player in possession of the ball via a shallow cut.
On the diagram, 1 dribbles toward the left slot while 2 initially cuts toward the high post before coming up to the vacant right slot area.
Part 2: Flash cut
This example of the initial action demonstrates the flash cut by the post player.
Essentially, as 1 begins to dribble to the opposite slot, the post player also cuts across the lane to the opposite high post elbow area.
It is also important to note that the post player should time the cut appropriately as the offensive player begins to dribble the ball.
That is to say, the post player shouldn’t leave the low post area too early before the dribble action happens or even too late.
This is mainly necessary to prevent denial action by a defensive player who could be assigned to guard against the post player.
On the diagram, 1 dribbles toward the slot while 2 has already cut to the right side corner. Again, as that happens, 5 flashes to the high post elbow on the left side and receives the ball from 1, represented by the dotted arrow.
Putting it all together
The next two example diagrams basically put all of the initial actions together, showing the slot to slot dribble, the cut through or shallow cut, as well as the flash cut and high post entry pass.
Initial actions combined: Form 1
This is an example of the first form or type of initial actions combined together, particularly featuring the cut through action.
To begin, 1 dribbles toward the left slot. That triggers a cut through to the right side corner by 2 and at the same time, a flash cut by 5.
Following that, 5 receives the ball from 1 and that completes the initial action.
Initial actions combined: Form 2
This is an example of the second form or type of initial actions combined together, particularly featuring the shallow cut action.
To begin, 1 dribbles toward the left slot. That triggers 2 to perform a shallow cut, specifically from the left slot to the right slot.
Also, as that happens, 5 executes a flash cut to the left side elbow and receives the ball from 1 to complete the initial action.
Examples of basic scoring options within Point
This section comprises examples of basic scoring options within the Point series, which also feature sub-series or subsets known as Point Away, Point Under, and Point Over.
Essentially, the point guard or primary play initiator will generally pass the ball into the high post and then cut away, cut under, or cut over to create one or more possibilities to score points near the basket or near perimeter areas of the court.
Point Away
This subsection includes a basic scoring option within the Point Away subset featuring the common initial actions as well as an away screen and rejection of that screen.
Part 1: Initial actions
This is an example of the common initial action within the Point Away subset of the overall Point series.
To begin, 1 dribbles toward the left slot, which is then followed by a cut through to the right side corner by 2.
Furthermore, as that happens, 5 flashes to the left side elbow area and receives the ball from 1.
Part 2: Screen away
Next, 1 cuts away from the ball at the high post to set a screen for 3, who is initially located near the right side wing.
Afterwards, 3 moves toward 1 as if to use the screen but then rejects it with a backdoor cut to the basket.
From there, 3 receives the ball from 5 and scores at the rim via a layup or dunk.
Also, as a side note, when an offensive player makes a high post or low post entry pass and then cuts away from the post to set or receive a screen, it is typically referred to as a split cut or post split action.
In other words, 1 is executing a split cut or performing post split action following the entry pass into the high post area.
Point Under
This subsection consists of a basic scoring option within the Point Under subset featuring the common initial actions as well as a handoff near the high post.
Part 1: Initial actions
This is an example of the common initial action within the Point Under subset of the overall Point series.
To begin, 1 dribbles toward the left slot, which also triggers cut through action by 2 towards the right side corner.
Moreover, at the same time, 5 flashes to the left side elbow area and receives the ball from 1.
Part 2: Handoff
Next, 1 cuts under 5 and receives the ball via a handoff, represented by the double pipe symbol.
After that, 1 could attack the rim and score via a layup.
Point Over
This subsection contains a basic scoring option within the Point Over subset featuring the common initial actions as well as a curl cut to the basket from the corner.
Part 1: Initial actions
This is an example of the common initial action within the Point Over subset of the overall Point series.
To begin, 1 dribbles toward the left slot while 2 executes a shallow cut to the vacant right slot.
Additionally, as that occurs, 5 flashes to the left side elbow area and receives the ball from 1.
What’s more, 4 cuts to the left side corner for the time being as opposed to remaining stationary as shown in previous versions of the initial actions.
Part 2: Curl cut
Following the initial action, 1 cuts over the top of 5 to set a wide pin down screen.
From there, 4 cuts to the basket via the wide pin down screen action, receives the ball from 5, and can score at the rim via a layup or dunk.
Secondary variations within Point
This section contains secondary variations that could be implemented as counters or additional scoring options.
It should also be noted that the section will not showcase the diagrams for the initial actions, mainly to save time.
Point Away variations
This subsection comprises secondary variations for the Point Away subset that could be executed as a counter when the basic scoring option is not available or simply as one or more additional scoring options.
Variation 1: Down screens
This is an example of a Point Away variation that demonstrates secondary scoring options if the basic primary option is not open.
To start, 1 cuts away from the high post to set a screen with 3 as the recipient.
However, 3 rejects that screen and backdoor cuts to the basket.
Following that, let’s say that 3 is not open to receive the ball near the basket.
Therefore, when that happens, 3 could cut to the left side wing via a pin down screen set by 4.
Afterwards, 3 could receive the ball from 5 and take the jump shot if that is open.
What’s more, after setting the initial screen, 1 could continue towards the right side corner to set another screen.
This time, it would be a wide pin down screen with 2 as the recipient who could use the screen and cut to the right side wing area.
From there, 2 could receive the ball from 5 and take the open jump shot as an additional scoring option.
Variation 2-1: Flare screen
This is an example of a additional scoring option that is different from the basic action within the Point Away subset.
Essentially, instead of 1 cutting away to set a screen after making the high post entry pass, 1 will receive a flare screen from 3.
After cutting to the right side wing, 1 receives the ball from 5 and has an opportunity to take the open jump shot.
However, if 1 does not have the shot, then 3 can cut to the left side wing while 4 moves to the left side corner.
Variation 2-2: Spread pick and roll
Next, 5 can follow the pass, set an on-ball screen for 1 and immediately roll to the basket.
Additionally, because there are at least three players without possession of the basketball near perimeter areas of the court, particularly behind the three-point line, this is essentially spread pick and roll action.
After the screening action, 1 can dribble towards the nail area near the center of the free throw line and from there, 1 has several options.
Basically, 1 can take the mid-range jump shot or pass to one of the other teammates who can attempt to score as well.
Point Under variation
This subsection includes a secondary variation with additional scoring options for the Point Under subset when the basic primary option is not available.
Down screen or slip
To begin, 1 cuts under 5 to receive the ball via a handoff. However, it is not available so 1 continues the cut towards the basket.
As that happens, 4 moves toward the left side low post area to set a pin down screen with 1 as the recipient.
Afterwards, 1 uses the screen and cuts toward the left side wing area where 4 was previously located.
From there, 1 could receive the ball from 5 and take the open jump shot.
Alternatively, 4 could slip the screen, particularly if there was a defensive switch and receive the ball from 5.
Following that, 4 could score around the basket with a quick low post move such as a hook shot or drop step.
Point Over variation
This subsection features a secondary variation for the Point Over subset that is slightly different from the basic action with an additional scoring option.
Reject and elevator screen
To start, 1 cuts over the top of 5 to set a wide pin down screen with 4 as the recipient.
However, 4 rejects that screen, backdoor cuts to the basket, and can receive the ball to score around the rim.
Alternatively, if 4 is not open near the basket, then 4 could cut above the three-point line near the right slot area via an elevator screen set by 2 and 3.
Afterwards, 4 can receive the ball and take the three-point jump shot if open.
It should also be noted in reference to the elevator screen action that 2 and 3 can begin cutting towards the basket as soon as 4 initiates the backdoor cut.
This gives 4 the opportunity to quickly use the elevator screen without having to wait for 2 and 3 to set up properly.
The main principle in this regard is that the players have great timing between each other while executing the overall cutting and screening actions.
Continuity offense within Point
It is possible to run the Point series as a continuity offense, in which the different actions are executed on both sides of the floor.
The various diagrams below showcase examples of the basic and secondary actions of the Point subsets implemented via continuity patterns.
Point Away continuity
This subsection for the Point Away subset displays the initial actions and screening actions as well as the general setup for the continuity pattern.
Part 1: Initial actions
To begin, 1 dribbles toward the left slot while 2 cuts through to the right side corner and 5 flashes to the left elbow area.
Afterwards, 5 receives the ball from 1.
Part 2: Screening actions
Next, 1 cuts away to set a screen for 3. However, 3 rejects that screen and backdoor cuts to the basket.
From there, 3 could receive the ball from 5 and score via a layup near the rim.
Alternatively, 3 could cut to the left side wing via a pin down screen set by 4.
Following that, 3 could receive the ball and take the open jump shot.
Nevertheless, if those scoring options are not feasible, then 3 could hold the ball for the time being while 1 fills the right slot and 4 occupies the left side corner.
Part 3: Continuity pattern setup
Next, the players can begin to setup the continuity pattern.
Basically, 3 simply dribbles toward the left slot while 2 and 4 lift to the right and left wing areas respectively.
5 should also move towards the right side elbow area in the high post.
Part 4: Initial actions
Next, the initial actions can be executed once again but this time, on the other side of the floor.
In essence, 3 dribbles toward the right slot and throws the ball to 5 while 1 cuts through to the left side corner.
Part 5: Screening actions
Next, 3 screens away but that is rejected by 4 via a backdoor cut to the rim.
4 could receive the ball from 5 and score via a layup or dunk near the basket or alternatively, 4 could receive the ball near the right side wing via the pin down screen set by 2.
If 4 receives the ball near the right side wing but the jump shot is not viable, then 4 could hold onto the ball while 3 fills the left slot and 2 occupies the right corner.
Part 6: Continuity pattern setup
That action once again leads to the continuity pattern setup implemented by the players.
Therefore, 4 dribbles to the right slot while 1 and 2 lift towards the left and right side wing areas respectively.
5 should also cut across the left side high post once again.
Afterwards, the offensive action could continue as before.
Point Under continuity
This subsection for the Point Under subset demonstrates the initial actions, down screen, and setup for the continuity pattern.
Part 1: Initial actions
To begin, 1 dribbles toward the left slot while 2 cuts through to the right side corner and 5 carries out the flash cut towards the left elbow area.
After that, 5 receives the ball from 1.
Part 2: Down screen
Next, 1 cuts under 5 to initially receive the ball via a handoff. However, it is not open so 1 continues toward the rim and eventually cuts back toward the left side wing via a pin down screen set by 4.
From there, 1 could receive the ball via a short pass from 5 and take the open jump shot.
Alternatively though, if 1 has possession of the ball but the jump shot is not feasible, then 4 could fill the left side corner for the time being.
Part 3: Continuity pattern setup
Now, the players can setup the continuity pattern to run the offensive action on the other side of the floor.
In essence, 1 dribbles toward the left slot while 3 cuts up from the wing to fill the empty right slot.
Furthermore, 4 and 2 can lift up from the left and right corners to the left and right wing areas respectively.
Also, 5 can cut across the high post elbows from the left side to the right side.
Part 4: Initial actions
Next, the initial actions can be carried out once more on the other side of the floor.
1 dribbles toward the right slot and throws a short pass to 5 while 3 cuts through to the left side corner.
Part 5: Down screen
Following that, 1 cuts under 5 but the handoff is not available.
So, 1 initially keeps cutting down towards the rim before cutting back up to the right side wing via a pin down screen set by 2.
From there, 1 could receive the ball from 5 and take an open jump shot.
However, if the jump shot is not there, then 1 could keep possession of the ball while 2 fills the right side corner.
Part 6: Continuity pattern setup
Next, the players can setup the continuity pattern as before.
1 dribbles toward right slot while 4 lifts up from the left side wing to fill the left slot area.
3 and 2 should also lift from the left and right corners to occupy the vacant left and right wing areas respectively.
Following that, the offensive action could be executed once again.
Point Over continuity
This subsection for the Point Over subset demonstrates the initial actions as well as cutting and screening actions alongside the continuity pattern setup.
Part 1: Initial actions
To begin, 1 dribbles toward the left slot, which triggers a shallow cut to the right slot by 2.
As that happens, 5 carries out a flash cut from the right side low post area to the left side high post elbow and receives the ball from 1.
Additionally, 4 moves to the left side corner for the time being.
Part 2: Cutting and screening actions
Next, 1 cuts over the top of 5 to set a wide pin down screen with 4 as the recipient.
Following that, 4 utilizes the screen via curl cut action towards the rim.
However, if 4 is not open, then 4 could cut towards the perimeter near the right slot via an elevator screen set by 2 and 3.
Nevertheless, if 4 is still not open, then 1 could pop back out to the left side wing and receive the ball from 5.
Additionally, 2 could cut through to the left side corner while 3 does a self-replace back to the right side wing.
Furthermore, 4 could fill the right slot area.
Part 3: Continuity pattern setup
Next, the players are ready to setup the continuity pattern to run the offense on the other side of the floor.
So, 1 dribbles back toward the left slot while 2 follows behind to occupy the left side wing area.
Part 4: Initial actions
Now, 1 dribbles toward the right slot while 4 shallow cuts to the left slot.
5 also cuts across the high post elbow areas from the left side to the right side and receives the ball from 1 while 3 moves to the right side corner.
Part 5: Cutting and screening actions
Next, 3 executes the curl cut to the basket via the wide pin down screen set by 1.
If 3 is not open near the rim, then 3 could cut near the extended left slot via the elevator screen set by 2 and 4.
If 4 is still not open, then 1 could pop back to the right side wing area and receive the ball from 5.
In addition to that, 4 could cut through to the right side corner while 2 occupies space near the left side wing and 3 fills the left slot area.
Part 6: Continuity pattern setup
Now, the players are able to set up the continuity pattern to run the offense once more on the opposite side of the floor.
So, 1 simply dribbles to the right slot while 4 follows behind to occupy the right side wing area.
Additional Resources for Point series
Effective Sets out of the Princeton Offense: “Point” – YouTube
Furman Paladins | Princeton Offense – Point Series – YouTube