What is the Horns offense in basketball
The Horns offense is a basketball offensive strategy that emphasizes spacing to create scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter by way of various actions such as basketball screens and dribble handoffs.
What is an example of the initial formation for the Horns offense
This is an example of the initial formation for the Horns offense. It begins with a player in possession of the ball at the top, two players near the high post elbows, and two additional players in the corners.
This type of setup features good basketball spacing, particularly between the high post players and corner players on each respective side of the half court.
Also, in terms of standard basketball positions, the player that has initial possession of the ball is usually the point guard, denoted as 1, the two high post players are generally the power forward and center, denoted as 4 and 5 respectively, and the two corners players are typically the shooting guard and small forward, denoted as 2 and 3.
What are the general player roles for the Horns offense
In terms of the general roles for the players within the Horns offense, the point guard could attack the rim, especially on-ball screens. The point guard could also cut to the basket in certain instances or demonstrate play making abilities by creating scoring opportunities for open teammates near the perimeter or near the basket.
The power forward and center will typically set basketball screens, roll to the basket, pop to a perimeter spot, or pass to other teammates cutting to the basket or near the perimeter.
Additionally, the corner players are generally the team’s best perimeter shooters, particularly from three-point range. However, the corner players could also score around the basket with or showcase their play making skills by passing to other teammates for scoring possibilities.
What is a basic advantage to the Horns offense
One advantage of the Horns offense is that it opens up the low post areas, which could potentially keep the low post defenders of the opposing team away from the basket.
As a result, that could create scoring options by way of basketball cuts, dribble drive action and/or via kick passes to three-point shooters near the perimeter.
Furthermore, opening up the low post areas could be particularly helpful for an undersized basketball team or against defensive teams with above average shot blockers.
Affiliate Disclosure: I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through the links below.
What are examples of ball screen actions within the Horns offense
Ball Screen – Example 1
This is an example of a Horns ball screen set that features simple pick and roll action. To start, 1 has the options to use the screen of either 4 or 5.
For this example, 1 dribbles toward the basket via the on-ball screen set by 5. Following that, 5 rolls to the basket and could receive the ball from 1.
Also, 2 could receive the ball from 1 and take the open jump shot or 1 could keep the ball and take the jump shot instead.
Ball Screen – Example 2
This is an example of a simple set that contains two on-ball screens and basic pick and roll action by one of the screeners.
It is derived from Horns offense by Lason Perkins.
1 begins near the left sideline and then dribbles towards the basket via the double on-ball screens set by 4 and 5.
Also, after setting the screens, 5 rolls to the basket while 4 pops to the top. Afterwards, 1 could take the open jump shot or drive to the rim.
Also, 5 could receive the ball from 1 and score at the basket or 2 could receive the ball and take the open three-point jump shot.
Ball Screen – Example 3 – Part 1
This is an example of a ball screen Horns set of multiple scoring options that includes a dribble handoff, pick and roll action, and a variation of the standard down screen, known as a wide pin down screen.
To start, 1 dribbles to the left side wing by way of the screen set by 5. After that, the dribble hand off action gets triggered with 3 who begins to dribble back towards the left side wing.
Ball Screen – Example 3 – Part 2
Next, 3 dribbles towards the top via the ball screen set by 5 who also rolls to the basket. At the same time, 2 cuts to the right side wing via the wide pin down screen set by 4.
Following that, 5 could receive the ball near the basket or 2 could receive the ball and take the jump shot if open.
What is an example of basic elbow get action within the Horns offense
This is an example of basic elbow get action within the Horns offense. To begin, 4 receives the ball from 1 and following that, 4 dribbles toward the basket by way of an on-ball screen set by 5.
Also, after the screen occurs, 5 could roll to the basket, receive the ball from 4, and score at the rim with a layup or dunk, especially by way of a lob pass and/or alley-oop action.
What are examples of flare screen actions within the Horns offense
Flare Screen – Example 1
This is an example of quick hitting flare screen action within the Horns offense that also includes screen the screener action.
To begin, 4 receives the ball from 1 and after that, 2 cuts to the right side high post slightly below 5.
Next, 1 cuts to the right side wing via the double flare screens set by 2 and 5. Afterwards, 1 receives the ball from 4 and takes the three-point jump shot if open.
Also, if 1 is not open, then 5 could cut to the basket via the Spain screen set by 3. Following that, 5 could receive the ball from 1 and score at the rim with a layup or dunk.
Flare Screen – Example 2
This is another example of quick hitting flare screen action that also includes additional off-ball screens as well as screen the screener action.
To start, 3 cuts to the left side wing via the wide pin down screen set by 5 and receives the ball from 1.
Afterwards, 1 cuts to the right side wing via a flare screen set by 4 and receives the ball from 3 by way of a cross court skip pass.
Also, at the same time of the flare screen action, 5 cuts to the right side low post block via the cross screen set by 2 who then cuts out to the left side corner.
Following that, 1 could take the jump shot if open or 5 could receive the ball from 1 and score near the basket with a low post move.
Flare Screen – Example 3
This is yet another quick hitter with flare screens from the Horns set. To start, 5 receives the ball from 1 and as that occurs, 3 lifts up to the left side wing area.
Next, 1 cuts to the right side wing via the flare screen set by 4 and receives the ball from 5.
Also, at the same time of the flare screen action, 3 cuts to the basket by way of the cross court back screen set by 2.
From that point, 1 could take the three-point jump shot if open or 3 could receive the ball from 1 and score near the basket with a layup or dunk.
What are examples of flex screen actions within the Horns offense
Flex Screen – Example 1 – Part 1
This is an example of a horns set that includes flex screens to create scoring opportunities near the basket.
To start, 1 dribbles to the right side wing by way of the on-ball screen set by 4 who also rolls to the basket. Following that, 4 could receive the ball from 1 and score at the rim if that is open.
If it is not open, then 3 could cut the basket via the flex screen set by 4. Afterwards, 3 could receive the ball from 1 and score near the basket.
Furthermore, if 3 could not receive the ball, then 5 could cut to the top, 4 could cut to the left side wing area, and 3 would continue the cut towards the right side low post block.
Flex Screen – Example 1 – Part 2
Next, 5 could receive the ball from 1 and then 4 could receive the ball from 5 via side to side ball reversal action. After that, 2 could cut to the basket via the flex screen set by 3, receive the ball from 4, and score near the basket.
Flex Screen – Example 2 – Part 1
This is an example of a Horns set play that includes a dribble handoff and a flex screen into screen the screener action. To begin, 1 dribbles toward the right side wing to execute the dribble handoff with 2.
Following that, 2 dribbles back towards the top and at the same time, 4 cuts to the left side wing via the screen set by 5. Afterwards, 4 receives the ball from 2 and then 5 fills the vacated right side high post area.
Flex Screen – Example 2 – Part 2
Next, 2 cuts to the basket via the back screen set by 5, receives the ball from 4, and scores at the rim if that is open. If it is not open, then 2 continues the cut to the left side low post block. Also, 5 cuts to the top and receives the ball from 4.
Flex Screen – Example 2 – Part 3
After that, 1 receives the ball from 5 via reversal action and then 3 cuts to the basket via the flex screen set by 2. As that occurs, 2 cuts to the top via the elevator screen set by 4 and 5.
From that point, 3 could receive the ball from 1 and score near the basket or 2 could receive the ball from 1 and take the three-point shot if open.
Flex Screen – Example 3 – Part 1
This is an example of a Horns set that includes a wide pin down screen, on-ball screen, and flex screen. To begin, 1 dribbles to the right side wing via the on-ball screen set by 5 who also rolls to the basket.
As that occurs, 4 could cut to the top via the wide pin down screen set by 2. Following that, 5 could receive the ball from 1 and score at the rim.
If that is not open, then 5 could cut to the right low post block while 2 fills the left side corner.
Flex Screen – Example 3 – Part 2
Next, 1 dribbles toward the left side slot via the on-ball screen set by 4. As that happens, 2 cuts to the left side wing and receives the ball from 1.
At the same time, 3 cuts to the basket via the flex screen set by 5. Following that, 3 receives the ball from 2 and scores near the basket.
What are examples of Horns offense from NCAA teams
Duke – Part 1
This is an example of Horns offense from the Duke men’s basketball team that includes a dribble handoff with drive and kick action to create scoring opportunities. To start, 5 receives the ball from 1 and after that, 1 cuts to the left side wing area.
Also, at the same time, 3 cuts to the right side wing area via a wide pin down screen set by 4 and afterwards, 4 fills the vacated right side corner.
Duke – Part 2
Next, 5 dribbles towards 3 to execute dribble handoff action. Afterwards, 3 receives the ball and can drive to the basket or pass to one of the other teammates near the perimeter.
Michigan State – Part 1
This is an example of Horns from the Michigan State men’s basketball team that also includes Spain screen action. To start, 1 dribbles toward the right side corner to execute a dribble handoff with 3.
Afterwards, 3 receives the ball and begins to dribble back towards the top. At the same time, 2 cuts to the left side wing via a wide pin down screen set by 4.
Following that, 2 could receive the ball from 3 and take the three-point jump shot if open. Also, as 2 receives the ball, 4 fills the left side corner while 1 fills the right side corner.
Michigan State – Part 2
Next, 3 cuts to the basket by way of a back screen set by 5. After that, 3 could receive the ball from 2 and score via a layup or dunk. Conversely, if 3 is not open, then 3 could cut out towards the left side low post block.
Michigan State – Part 3
From there, 2 could dribble towards the middle of the court via a on-ball screen set by 5. As that occurs, 5 rolls to the basket and receives a Spain screen from 3. Also, 3 pops out to the top after setting the screen.
Next, 5 could receive the ball from 2 and score near the basket or 1 could receive the ball and take the jump shot if open. Additionally, 2 could take the mid-range jump shot as well.
What are examples of Horns offense from NBA teams
Hawks – Part 1
This is an example of a Horns set from the Atlanta Hawks. To start, 5 receives the ball from 1 and afterwards, 1 cuts to the basket and could receive the handoff from 5 if that is open.
However, if 1 is not open, then 1 can cut towards the right side corner while 3 lifts up to the right side wing.
Also, on the opposite side of the floor, 2 cuts to the left slot area via the wide pin down screen set by 4. In addition to that, 4 cuts to the left side wing area after setting the screen.
Hawks – Part 2
Next, 5 executes dribble handoff action with 2 who then dribbles to the basket near the right side of the court. Also, 5 rolls to the basket, receives the ball from 2, and scores near the basket.
Furthermore, as secondary options, 1 or 3 could receive the ball from 2 and take jump shots if open.
Lakers – Part 1
This is an example of a Horns set from the Los Angeles Lakers. To begin, 4 receives the ball from 1 and after that, 1 cuts to the left corner to set a screen for 2. However, 2 rejects that screen and cuts to the basket instead.
As that cut occurs, 2 could receive the ball from 4 and score at the basket via a layup or dunk. Also, if 2 is not open, then 2 can continue the cut to the right side low post block.
Lakers – Part 2
Next, 1 receives the ball from 4 and immediately after that, 3 cuts to the basket via the flex screen set by 2. Following that, 3 could receive the ball from 1 and score at the basket. If 3 is not open, then 3 continues the cut through to the left side corner.
Lakers – Part 3
Afterwards, screen the screener action occurs when 2 cuts to the top via the double screens of 4 and 5. Next, 2 receives the ball from 1 and takes the open three-point jump shot.
What is an example of continuity scoring options within the Horns offense
Part 1
This is an example of continuity scoring options within the Horns offense that could be potentially useful for teams with three-point shooters and/or teams that have perimeter players that are above average in terms of slashing to the basket.
This continuity pattern utilizes the elevator screen as well as wing isolation action to create possible scoring opportunities near the perimeter or near the basket.
It is derived from Encyclopedia of the Elevation Offense by Tyler Whitcomb.
To begin, 1 executes a dribble entry towards the right side wing. When that occurs, 3 initially cuts toward the basket and after that, 3 cuts to the top via the elevator screen set by 4 and 5.
Part 2
Next, 1 could use one or more dribbling moves to get around the on-ball defender and drive to the basket, preferably near the baseline side. Afterwards, 1 could score at the rim if possible.
Additionally, if X2 slides into the paint from the weak side to provide help defense, then 2 could receive the ball from 1 via the drift pass. Following that, 2 could take the three-point jump shot if open.
Furthermore, if X4 decides to execute a defensive closeout on 2, then 4 could pop out towards the wing area, receive the ball from 2, and then take the three-point jump shot if feasible.
Part 3
Conversely, if 1 does not drive towards the basket from the right side wing, then 3 could receive the ball from 1, which triggers the continuity pattern.
From there, if 3 happens to be open after going through the elevator screen, then 3 could take the jump shot.
Otherwise, 3 executes a dribble entry towards the left side wing area. When that happens, 2 initially cuts toward the basket and then, 2 cuts to the top via the elevator screen set by 4 and 5.
Next, 3 could drive towards the basket, preferably near the baseline while 1 executes a drift cut towards the right side corner. Following that, 3 could potentially score at the rim with a layup or dunk.
Moreover, although it is not shown on the diagram, if the defender who is guarding 1 were to slide towards the lane to provide help defense, then 1 could receive the ball from 3 via the drift pass and take the jump shot if open.
In addition to that, if 3 does not drive to the basket, then 2 could receive the ball from 3. From that point, 2 could take the open shot or dribble towards the right side wing to execute the continuity pattern again.
What are examples of Horns offense drills
This section contains a few example diagrams of Horns offense drills that utilize the high post and ball screens. Additionally, when running the drills, perimeter players can typically be formed into lines.
For example, if a player is at the top, there could actually be multiple players formed in a line during the execution of the drills. However, this is not shown on the diagrams for simplicity purposes.
Drill #1 – High Post Handoff
This is an example of a Horns drill that emphasizes handoffs from the high post. To start, 2 or 3 could receive the ball from 1.
After that, 1 simply cuts to the basket on ball side, receives it again from the high post player, and then scores at the basket with a layup or dunk.
Drill #2 – Kick Out
This is an example of a Horns drill that works on the handoff action as well as the kick out pass to a three-point shooter. To start, 3 receives the ball from 1.
Afterwards, 1 cuts towards the basket, receives it again from 3 via a handoff and attempts to score near the basket.
However, X4 slides into the paint to prevent easy layups/dunks. So, to counter that defensive execution, 2 receives a kick out pass from 1 and could possibly take the open jump shot.
Also, as the jump shot occurs, 4 could cut towards the basket to challenge for an offensive rebound. Additionally, after the jump shot, the two perimeter players could switch spots on the floor.
So, 1 could fill the right side corner and 2 could cut to the top.
Drill #3 – Ball Screen
This is an example of a Horns drill that occurs when the player in possession of the ball at the top and the high post players execute basic ball screen action. To start, 1 can dribble towards the left or right side of the court via the on-ball screens set by 2 or 3.
Afterwards, 1 can drive to the basket and score with a layup or dunk. Additionally, 1 could take a mid-range jump shot instead of driving to the basket.