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Stack Offense in Basketball: Set Plays with Scoring Options

What is the stack offense in basketball

The stack offense is a basketball offensive strategy that generally utilizes actions such as basketball screens and basketball cuts to create quick hitting scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter areas of the court, typically for the team’s best players.

What is an example of the initial formation for the stack offense

Initial Formation - Stack

This is an example of the initial formation for the stack offense. It typically begins with one offensive player at the top and four additional offensive players stacked together in two pairs on either side of the post areas.

Furthermore, in certain instances, the four additional offensive players can also stack up near the high post elbows in two pairs or establish one pair near a low post block while the other pair begins near the opposite high post elbow.

What are examples of quick hitting scoring options for the stack offense

Example 1 – Part 1

Example 1 - Part 1 - Stack Offense

This is an example of a quick hitting scoring option for the stack offense that includes a variety of basketball screens as well as screen the screener action.

To start, 3 cuts to the left side wing via the screen set by 4 and then receives the ball from 1. From that point, 3 could take the jump shot if that is open.

If the jump shot is not available, 2 cuts to the top via the down screen set by 1 and receives the ball from 3. Following that, 2 could take the three-point jump shot if that is open.

If the jump shot is not there, then 2 continues to hold the ball in the triple threat position while 1 cuts to the left side corner after setting the down screen.

Example 1 – Part 2

Example 1 - Part 2 - Stack Offense

Next, 2 dribbles to the right side wing via an on-ball screen set by 4. As that dribble action occurs, 1 cuts to the basket via a flex screen set by 5. After that, 1 could receive the ball from 2 and score near the basket.

Example 2 – Part 1

Example 2 - Part 1 - Stack Offense

This is an example of a quick hitter for the stack offense that features pick and roll action as well as screen the screener action with multiple scoring options near the basket or near the perimeter areas.

To begin, 1 executes a dribble entry towards the left side wing via the on-ball screen set by 5.

As that occurs, 3 cuts to the left side wing via the cross screen set by 2 while 4 pops out to the right side wing.

Immediately after that, 5 rolls to the basket and receives the Spain screen set by 2.

From there, 3 could receive the ball from 1 and take the potential three-point jump shot if that is open. Alternatively, 5 could receive the ball from 1 and score around the basket with a layup, dunk, or quick low post move.

If neither 3 or 5 receive the ball from 1, then 5 could fill the left side low post block while 2 fills the top.

Example 2 – Part 2

Example 2 - Part 2 - Stack Offense

Next, 2 receives the ball from 1 and afterwards, 4 receives the ball from 2 to complete the reversal action.

Following that, 3 cuts to the basket via the flex screen set by 5, receives the ball from 4, and then scores at the rim with a layup or dunk.

Example 3 – Part 1

Example 3 - Part 1 - Stack Offense

This is an example of a quick hitter for the stack offense that utilizes various screens to create multiple scoring options near the basket or near the perimeter.

To begin, 2 simply cuts to the left side wing via the double screens set by 3 and 4. From there, 2 receives the ball from 1 and after that, 2 could take the jump shot if open.

Example 3 – Part 2

Example 3 - Part 2 - Stack Offense

If 2 does not take the jump shot, then 3 could cut to the top via the down screen set by 1. At the same time, 5 could cut to the left side low post block by way of the cross screen set by 4.

Furthermore, after setting the screen, 4 could cut through to the right side low post area. Next, 3 could receive the ball from 2 and take the three-point shot if that is open.

As an alternative option, 5 could receive the ball from 2 and score near the basket, particularly with a low post move.

Example 4 – Part 1

Example 4 - Part 1 - Stack Offense

This is an example of a quick hitting set play for the stack offense that implements various screens with screen the screener action to create different scoring options. To start, 1 executes a dribble entry towards the left side wing area.

Following that, 3 executes a zipper cut to the top via the down screen set by 4. After that occurs, 4 fills the left side low post block.

From that point, 4 could receive the ball from 1 and try to score with a quick low post move. Alternatively, 3 could receive the ball from 1 and take the jump shot if that is open.

Example 4 – Part 2

Example 4 - Part 2 - Stack Offense

If 3 receives the ball but does not take the jump shot, then 3 could dribble towards the right side wing by way of an on-ball screen set by 5.

Next, 4 cuts through to the right side short corner via the cross screen set by 2. Immediately after that, 2 cuts to the top via screens set by 1 and 5.

From that point, 4 could receive the ball from 3 and take the short jump shot if that is open. Moreover, as a secondary option, 2 could receive the ball from 3 and take the three-point jump shot if that is open.

Example 5 – Part 1

Example 5 - Part 1 - Stack Offense

This is an example of a quick hitter with multiple scoring options for the stack offense. To begin, 1 executes a dribble entry towards the left side wing and while that occurs, 3 completes a zipper cut to the top by way of the down screen set by 5.

At the same time, 4 cuts to the right side wing area via the down screen set by 2. After that, 3 receives the ball from 1 and then, 4 receives the ball from 3 to conclude the reversal action.

Example 5 – Part 2

Example 5 - Part 2 - Stack Offense

Next, 5 cuts to the right side low post area via the cross screen set by 2. Furthermore, at the same time, 3 cuts away to the left side wing by way of the flare screen set by 1.

From there, 5 could receive the ball from 4 and attempt to score with a low post move as the first option.

On the other hand, 3 could receive the ball from 4 and take the three-point jump shot if open as the second option.