What is Horns backdoor offense in basketball?
Horns backdoor offense comprises actions that are designed to create a scoring opportunity near the basket through the use of a backdoor cut, as the name implies, particularly from a Horns set.
General benefits
Horns backdoor offense could be utilized as a counter against a defender who is denying with their hand in the passing lane or simply playing too high in an attempt to limit production of the offensive team.
Within the Horns offense, the backdoor cut could be highly advantageous because the defense has to try to guard two actions at once: the ball and the player who is cutting to the basket.
Not only could that lead to defensive breakdowns, it could also result in high percentage scoring opportunities, particularly a layup at the rim.
Moreover, if the initial backdoor cut is not there, then the Horns set could possibly flow into other offensive actions such as dribble handoff, flex, or pick and roll.
How to understand the player roles and diagrams on this page
In reference to any diagrams below, each of the offensive players are generally represented by the standard basketball positions, unless otherwise noted.
In essence, 1 is the point guard; 2 is the shooting guard; 3 is the small forward; 4 is the power forward; 5 is the center.
Additionally, 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 is an example of Horns backdoor offense with a corner cut?
A corner player could cut to the basket after a high post entry pass occurs within Horns backdoor offense. It’s also feasible to execute a handoff or a double ball screen as additional scoring options.
Part 1: Backdoor cut
To start, 1 passes the ball into the high post near the right side elbow, which is received by 4. Afterwards, 2 immediately backdoor cuts to the basket once 4 gains possession of the ball.
If a defender guarding 2 was playing too high up towards the mid-post area, then they would essentially lose sight of 2, which could result in 2 easily cutting to the basket with little or no resistance.
From there, 2 could receive the ball from 4 and score via a layup if that is open. Otherwise, 2 continues the cut through towards the right side corner while 3 lifts up to the right side wing area.
Part 2: High post handoff
Next, 4 could pass with 5 being the recipient. After that, 1 could set up the defender by fake cutting towards the right side elbow before maneuvering back towards the left side elbow.
From there, 1 could receive the ball via a high post handoff from 5 and attack the rim for a layup.
However, if 1 is being jammed by their defender, primarily by stepping in between 1 and 5, then 1 could simply cut out towards the vacant left side wing area.
Part 3: Double ball screen
Next, 5 could pass towards the left side wing with 1 as the recipient. Immediately after, 5 could follow that pass alongside 4 to set a double ball screen.
1 could use that screen and drive towards the middle of the high post area while 5 rolls to the basket.
From that point, 1 could take the open mid-range jump shot or pass inside to 5, who could score by way of a layup at the rim.
What is an example of Horns backdoor offense including double screen action?
A high post player could receive possession of the ball while a corner player cuts to the basket within Horns backdoor offense. Furthermore, after the basket cut, an off-ball double screen could get executed, which could lead to a scoring opportunity.
Part 1: Backdoor cut
To begin, 5 receives the ball from 1 at the right side high post elbow area. From there, 5 dribbles towards the right side corner as if to initiate dribble handoff action.
3 takes a step toward 5 as if to participate in the handoff before swiftly performing a backdoor cut to the basket.
5 could hit 3, particularly with a bounce pass, which could result in 3 making a layup at the basket.
However, if 3 is not open, then 5 simply keeps possession of the ball and retreats back towards the vacant right side wing.
At the same time, 3 continues through to the left side low post area while 2 lifts up to the empty left side wing.
Part 2: Double screen
Next, 1 could cut towards the right side wing to set an inverted screen. 5 could utilize that screen and dribble back towards the top while 1 replaces at the right side wing.
At the same time, 2 and 4 could move towards the left side low post to set an off-ball double screen.
3 could use that screen and cut back up towards the wing area, receive the ball from 5, and take the three-point shot if open.
What is an example of Horns backdoor offense showcasing stagger screen rejection?
A corner player could reject a stagger screen and cut to the basket instead. Also, a down screen, slip option, and dribble handoff could happen as additional scoring options.
Part 1: Screen rejection and backdoor cut
To start the action, 4 receives possession of the ball from 1. Following that, 1 and 5 move towards the right side corner to set a stagger screen.
After that, 3 steps toward the screen as if to use it but quickly rejects it and backdoor cuts to the basket.
4 passes the ball inside to 3 who could possibly score via a layup. If that is not open though, 3 simply cuts through to the left side corner while 2 lifts up to fill the empty left side wing.
Part 2: Down screen and slip option
Next, 1 could cut back towards the right side wing area via a down screen set by 5. Additionally, 5 could slip the screen to the basket.
From there, 4 has the option to pass to either 1 or 5, which could result in a three-point shot or layup, respectively.
However, if neither player is open, then 4 could retain possession of the ball while 5 cuts to the dunker spot near the baseline.
Part 3: Dribble handoff
Continuing on, 4 could execute dribble handoff action alongside 2. Following that, once 2 has possession of the ball, 2 could attack the rim with middle penetration.
Furthermore, 5 could potentially cut in from the dunker spot, receive the ball from 2, and score around the basket.
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Related: The Encyclopedia of the Horns Offense – Fran Fraschilla