Point Series of Princeton Offense in Basketball

Table of Contents

What is the Princeton offense 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.

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.

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 initial actions for the Point series?

The Point series typically starts with initial actions such as the following:

A slot to slot pass followed by a high post entry pass.
A dribble towards the top followed by a high post entry pass.
A slot to wing pass followed by a wing to top pass, which is then completed with a high post entry pass.

The example diagrams below demonstrate these concepts in greater detail.

Slot to slot and high post entry passes

A player in possession of the ball could execute a slot to slot pass and then cut through to the corner.

Afterwards, the player who received the ball in the opposite slot could then enter it into the high post elbow via another player who lifted to that area.

Part 1: Pass to the slot and cut through

An example of Princeton offense Point series initial action featuring pass and cut through action.

1 has possession of the basketball and throws it to the opposite left slot where it is received by 2. From there, 1 cuts through to the left side corner.

Part 2: High post entry pass

An example of Princeton offense Point series initial action consisting of a high post entry pass.

Next, 2 dribbles toward the top and as that occurs, 5 lifts up from the right side low post to the right side elbow area to receive the ball.

Additionally, 3 spaces out to the empty right side corner. From this point, the team is ready to execute scoring options within the Point series.

Slot to top dribble and high post entry pass

A player in possession of the ball initially within a slot could dribble it towards the top. As that occurs, a player in the opposite slot could cut through to the corner. Furthermore, a player near the low post area could lift to the middle of the high post and receive possession of the ball.

This action may happen when a defender who is guarding the player in the opposite slot denies the slot to slot pass by placing a hand in the passing lane. A defender might do this to ultimately stagnate the offense.

An example of Princeton offense Point series that demonstrates a dribble towards the top followed by a high post entry pass.

To start, a defender covering 2 known as X2 is placing their hand between the passing lane of 1 and 2, represented by the gray arrow.

Therefore, instead of passing to the opposite slot, 1 simply dribbles toward the top and uses the non-dribbling off-hand to wave 2 through to the right side corner.

Furthermore, as that occurs, 5 executes a flash cut to the left side elbow area at the high post and receives the ball from 1. In addition to that, 4 spaces out to fill the empty left side corner.

It is also important to note that 5 should time the cut appropriately as 1 begins to dribble the ball.

That is to say, 5 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 5.

Slot to wing, wing to top, and high post entry passes

A slot player in possession of the ball could pass it to an adjacent wing player and cut through to the opposite corner. Following that, a wing player that has the ball could pass it back towards the top. Afterwards, a player at the top could enter it into the high post area.

This action could also be implemented during transition offense or fast break.

A team may also use this variation simply as a type of false motion or delay game to occupy the defense.

Part 1: Pass to the wing and cut through

An example of the Princeton offense Point series showcasing a pass to the wing from the slot and cut through to the opposite corner.

3 receives the ball from 1 who cuts through and away to the left side corner. Moreover, 2 moves from the left slot area to occupy the top space.

Part 2: Pass to the top and high post entry

An example of Princeton offense Point series that demonstrates a pass from the wing to the top followed by a high post entry pass.

Next, 2 receives the ball from 3 and as that happens, 5 lifts up to the right side elbow area to gain possession of the ball from 2.

Also, 3 spaces out to the empty right side corner and from there, the team is ready to execute different scoring options within the Point series.

Transition fast break into Point series

The Point series could potentially be initiated via a transition fast break opportunity, especially after the opposing team misses their field goal attempt.

The example diagram below demonstrates this concept, particularly the slot to wing option.

An example of Princeton offense Point series that demonstrates execution of the initial action via a transition fast break opportunity.

As mentioned, it’s assumed that the opposing team missed a shot, which allowed 5 to collect a defensive rebound near the basket in their team’s backcourt.

Next, let’s say that 1 gets open with a V-cut and receives the ball from 5.

As that occurs, 2, 3, and 4 begin to sprint into their team’s frontcourt while 1 dribbles toward the frontcourt as well.

2 eventually fills the left side wing while 4 initially settles in the left slot area.

Furthermore, 5 sprints as hard as possible directly to the front of the rim while 1 throws a pitch ahead pass with 3 as the recipient.

Immediately following that pass, 1 cuts through and away to the left side corner. At the same time, 3 takes one or two dribbles toward the right side wing to give a quick look inside to 5 who moves out toward the right side low post area.

Moreover, after 1 cuts through and away, 4 slides to the top and receives the ball from 3, assuming 5 was not open to receive it in the low post area. Afterwards, 5 lifts to the right side elbow area and receives the ball from 4.

From there, the team is ready to execute the different scoring options of the Point series.

What are examples of scoring options for the Princeton offense Point series?

Generally speaking, scoring options within Point series are based on sub-series or subsets known as Point Away, Point Under, and Point Over.

Essentially, after the high post entry pass occurs, the player who threw that pass will cut away from, cut under, or cut over the high post player to create one or more possibilities to score points near the basket or near perimeter areas of the court.

It should also be mentioned that for each of these diagrams, the initial action has already occurred, particularly the slot to top dribble action.

Therefore, 1 will generally be the player who will cut away, under, or over in most (if not all) cases.

Point Away

Point away could include scoring options featuring screen away action, pick and roll or a backdoor cut.

The example diagrams below illustrate this with more clarity.

Option 1: Screen away and rejection

An example of Point Away action that demonstrates the screen away and screen rejection scoring option.

To begin, 1 cuts away from the ball to set a screen for 3. However, 3 rejects that screen and cuts to the basket. Following that, 3 receives the ball from 5 and scores at the rim.

Alternatively, if 3 is not open, then 3 can continue through to the left side corner while 4 lifts up to the left side wing. Also, 1 can pop back to the right slot area and receive the ball from 5, which then sets up the next option.

Option 2: Spread pick and roll

An example of Point Away action that demonstrates spread pick and roll.

This particular option demonstrates spread pick and roll action with two three-point shooters initially in the corners and one additional three-point shooter near the left side wing area.

In essence, 5 follows the previous pass to set an on-ball screen for 1 who uses the screen to dribble towards the basket. At the same time, 5 rolls to the basket while 2 shakes up toward the right side wing.

Following that, 1 can take the mid-range jump shot or pass to one of the other teammates for scoring opportunities near the perimeter areas or near the basket, particularly in the case of 5.

Option 3: Backdoor cut

An example of Point Away action that demonstrates a backdoor cut.

In some instances, after 3 rejects the screen, initially set by 1, and cuts through to the left side corner, 1 may not be able to easily receive the ball due to denial by an adjacent defender.

If that is indeed the case, then a backdoor cut is a viable option, which is usually a good choice when the opportunity presents itself within the overall Princeton offense.

Essentially, on the adjacent diagram above, 1 is being denied by the defensive counterpart, X1.

So, when that happens, 5 could take a dribble towards 1, which is a signal for 1 to backdoor cut to the basket. Afterwards, 1 could receive the ball from 5 and score at the rim by way of a swift layup.

Option 4: Dribble handoff

An example of Point Away action that demonstrates a dribble handoff.

1 cuts away from the ball to set a screen with 3 as the recipient. However, instead of rejecting the screen, 3 can actually use it and curl cut towards the high post area.

Furthermore, as that happens, 5 could dribble towards 3 to execute a dribble handoff.

After receiving the ball, 3 can turn and attack the rim while 5 rolls to the basket.

Following that, 3 can stop and pop for a mid-range shot, pass to 4, which could lead to a possible three-point shot, or pass inside to 5 for a close-range shot.

Alternatively, although it is not shown on the diagram, 3 could also reverse pivot and throw a pitch back pass with 1 as the recipient who popped back to the right slot area following the screen away action.

Point Under

Scoring options within Point Under could include a high post handoff or a pin down screen and slip action. There is also a scoring possibility via a flex screen as well.

Option 1: High post handoff

An example of Point Under action that demonstrates a handoff.

1 cuts under 5, receives the ball via high post handoff, and dribbles to the basket to score via a close-range shot such as a layup, dunk, or floater.

Option 2: Pin down screen and slip

An example of Point Under action that demonstrates a pin down screen and slip cut.

For this option, 1 cuts under 5 as before. However, this time, 1 does not receive the ball via handoff and continues cutting toward the basket.

At the same time as 1 does not receive the ball, 4 quickly fakes a cut toward the adjacent wing before cutting towards the left side low post area to set a pin down screen with 1 as the recipient.

After that, 1 cuts to the left side wing area and can receive the ball from 5, which could lead to an open three-point jump shot opportunity.

Alternatively, 4 can slip to the basket and receive the ball as opposed to 1, especially if defensive switching happens, which could also result in mismatches.

Option 3: Flex

An example of Point Under action that demonstrates a flex screen.

For this option, after 1 cuts under 5 and does not receive the ball, 1 cuts across the lane to an area between the right side low post and right side corner to set a flex screen.

Afterwards, 2 cuts to the basket via a flex screen set by 1 who replaces at the right side corner as well.

From there, 2 receives the ball from 5 and scores via a layup at the rim.

Point Over

Point Over could include scoring options featuring a curl cut, pop back action, pick and roll, or handoff opportunities.

Option 1: Curl cut

An example of Point Over that demonstrates curl cut action.

To start, 1 cuts over the top of 5 to set a wide pin down screen near the left side corner. Following that, 4 uses that screen and performs a curl cut towards the basket.

Afterwards, 4 receives the ball from 5 and scores via a layup or dunk.

Option 2: Screen rejection and pop back

An example of Point Over that demonstrates screen rejection and pop back action.

4 rejects the screen set by 1 and backdoor cuts to the rim. From there, 4 could receive the ball from 5 and then score around the basket.

However, if 4 is not open, then 1 could pop back towards the left side wing and receive the ball from 5 as a secondary choice.

Furthermore, 4 continues to cut through to the right side corner while 2 fills up towards the right side wing and 3 lifts up towards the right side slot area.

Option 3: Two-man pick and roll

An example of Point Over action that demonstrates two-man pick and roll.

After 1 receives the ball on the previous diagram, this can lead to two-man pick and roll action between 1 and 5, particularly on the left side of the floor.

In essence, 5 can follow the previous pass into an on-ball screen and roll to the basket. At the same time, 1 can use the pick and dribble to the high post area.

From there, 1 can take the mid-range jump shot if open or pass to one of the other players for possible scoring opportunities.

Option 4: Dribble handoff

An example of Point Over action that demonstrates a dribble handoff opportunity.

To start, 1 cuts over the top of 5 to set a wide pin down screen. 4 uses the screen but instead of performing the curl cut, 4 cuts toward the left side wing area.

At the same time, 5 executes dribble handoff action with 4. Moreover, 4 dribbles toward the high post area while 5 rolls to the basket and 1 fills the left side wing area.

From there, 4 can take the mid-range jump shot if that is open or pass to one of the other teammates for possible scoring opportunities.

Option 5: Point curl

An example of Point Over action that demonstrates a curl cut by the point guard (or play initiator).

At the beginning, instead of cutting over the top to set a screen, 1 could simply perform a curl cut towards the basket. After that, 1 could receive the ball from 5 and score at the rim.

This option might be viable if there is a late switch, particularly with the high post defender or if the play initiator’s defender goes under the ball in an attempt to jam the potential wide pin down screen.