Horns Offense in Basketball

What is the Horns offense in basketball?

• The Horns offense is a basketball offensive strategy that generally focuses on creating scoring opportunities via an alignment or formation that includes one offensive player at the top, two additional players at the high post elbows, and another two players in the corners.
• The Horns offense also opens up the low post areas with great spacing to create scoring opportunities via the use of offensive actions such as pick and rolls and off-ball screens.
• Additionally, the Horns offense is utilized at various levels of basketball including high school all the way to the professional levels such as the NBA, WNBA, or FIBA.

What is another term for the Horns offense

• The Horns offense is sometimes referred to as the A-set alignment, the A-set offense, or simply the A-set.
• Essentially, if a line is drawn, starting at one corner player, continuing through both high post players, and ending up at the opposite corner player, that would form the letter A on the court.

What are example demonstrations of Horns offense

• The Horns offense can start with some type of initial action such as a ball screen, a pass into the high post area, or a dribble/wing entry.
• After that, the initial action could be followed up by additional sets or options to create various scoring opportunities.
• The examples below demonstrate these concepts in greater detail, which also features diagrams and key actions in bold text..

How to understand the diagrams and player roles via a brief legend

In reference to any diagrams below, each of the offensive players are generally represented by the standard basketball positions in number format, unless otherwise noted.

• 1 through 5: 1 through 5 represents the offensive point guard (1), shooting guard (2), small forward (3), power forward (4), and center (5), respectively.
• X1 through X5: X1 through X5 represents the defensive point guard (X1), shooting guard (X2), small forward (X3), power forward (X4), and center (X5), respectively.
• 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.

Basic

The basic set starts with the two high post players stepping out to set ball screens. The player at the top in possession of the ball can use the screen on either side. Afterwards, the high post player whose screen was utilized rolls to the basket while the other high post player pops towards the top area.

• On-ball screen option: To begin, 1 has the option to use the on-ball screen of either 4 or 5.
• Dribble action: For this case, 1 uses the screen set by 5 and dribbles toward the basket from the right side of the court.
• Roll action: Following that, 5 rolls to the rim and could receive the ball from 1.
• Scoring opportunities:
  • 3 could receive the ball from 1 and take the open three-point shot.
  • 4 could pop to the top and also be a potential recipient, which could lead to another three-point shot.
  • 1 could simply retain possession of the ball and take the mid-range shot.

Point of emphasis: Similar actions

• It should also be noted that if 1 chose the screen of 4, then all of the actions would be similar.
• The difference though is that those actions would be on the other side of the floor.
• Therefore, 4 would roll and possibly receive the ball. Alternatively, 2 could receive it instead and take the three-point shot if open.

Backdoor cut

Part 1

• Top to high post pass: Starting off, 1 passes the ball to 4 at the left side high post area.
• Wide pin down screen: 1 cuts over the top to set a wide pin down screen near the left side corner.
• Screen rejection: 2 rejects that screen though and performs a backdoor cut to the basket.
• Scoring opportunity: 4 could pass the ball to 2 if that is open.
• Fill cuts: 2 continues the cut through the lane to the right side low post area if that is not open. Also, 1 occupies the vacant left side wing following the screening action.
• High post to wing pass: 4 passes the ball to 1 from the high post to the wing.

Part 2

• Flex action: 3 cuts to the rim via the flex screen set by 2.
• Double screen: After setting the screen, 2 cuts to the top by way of the double screen set by 4 and 5.
• Scoring opportunities:
  • 3 could receive the ball from 1 and score via a layup.
  • 2 could receive the ball from 1 and take the open three-point shot.

Point of emphasis: Screen the screener

• When 2 sets the screen for 3 but then takes part in additional screening action, particularly by 4 and 5 afterwards, this is generally referred to as screen the screener.
• This action can be useful because it causes defenders to guard multiple actions within one general sequence.
  • For this case, defenders have to guard the flex screen and the double screen, which can be challenging.
  • It can also lead to mismatches if defenders try to switch assignments.

Related: Horns Backdoor Offense

Continuity

Part 1

• Dribble entry: 1 executes a dribble entry towards the right side wing.
• Basket cut from corner: When that occurs, 3 initially cuts toward the basket from the corner.
  • This initial basket cut can be utilized as a backdoor cut as well, especially if 3’s defender is overplaying the passing lane or simply not paying much attention.
  • Generally speaking though, the initial basket cut is utilized to occupy the defender and make it easier for corner player (3, in this case) to utilize the following screen.
• Elevator action: 3 cuts to the top via the elevator screen set by 4 and 5.
• Scoring opportunity: 3 could potentially receive the ball from 1 and take the open three-point shot.

Part 2

A player could drive the baseline, which could lead to various scoring opportunities.

• Baseline drive option: If 3 does not quickly receive the ball, then 1 could use drive to the basket especially on the baseline side.
• High post to wing pop out: Once 1 drives to the basket, 4 at the weak side high post could pop out towards the wing.
• Kick out pass to corner: 1 could throw a kick out pass to 2 if that is open.
  • Generally speaking, 2 would more than likely be open if X2 slides into the lane to provide help defense.
• Corner to wing pass: If 2 receives the ball from 1 but is not open, then 2 could quickly pass the ball to 4.
  • This option may be feasible if X2 slid into the lane to help on 1’s drive and X4 decided to closeout on 2, ultimately to prevent the corner 3-pointer.
• Scoring opportunities:
  • The first and immediate scoring option is after 1’s drive. 1 can basically take their defender off the dribble and score via a layup at the basket.
  • The second possible option occurs when 1 throws the kick out pass to the corner. 2 could take the three-point shot if open. Again, this may be viable if X2 helps in the lane.
  • The third possible option happens if 2 passes the ball to 4. From there, 4 could take the open shot or possibly even drive middle, which could lead to mid-range or close-range shot opportunities.

Part 3

The offensive team could execute the continuity, which may lead to additional scoring opportunities.

• Wing to top pass: If 1 does not drive towards the basket as shown in part 2, then 3 could receive the ball from 1. That pass also potentially triggers the continuity pattern.
  • 1 (or one of the other wing players) might not drive to the basket if the defender is above average.
  • Another instance where 1 (or other wing players) might not drive to the basket is if their dribbling and isolation skills are only average or less.
  • In either case, it’s not an issue to simply run the basket cut from the corner and the elevator action continuously.
• Dribble entry: Assuming 3 does not shoot the ball, 3 executes a dribble entry towards the left side wing area.
• Corner fill cut: 1 could shift down towards the right side corner.
• Basket cut from corner: When that happens, 2 initially cuts toward the basket.
• Elevator action: 2 cuts to the top via the elevator screen set by 4 and 5.
• Wing isolation option: 3 could possibly drive towards the basket, preferably near the baseline.
• Scoring opportunities:
  • 3 could score at the rim via the baseline drive.
  • 1 could receive the ball and take the open three-point shot.
  • 5 could potentially pop towards the right side wing and receive the ball from 1. Afterwards, 5 could shoot or possibly drive middle.
  • 2 could take the open three-point shot at the top following the elevator action.

Note: The continuity set above was derived from insights within Encyclopedia of the Elevation Offense by Tyler Whitcomb.

Flare

• Wide pin down screen: 5 cuts towards the corner to set a wide pin down screen.
• Cut to wing: 3 cuts towards the left side wing via that wide pin down screen.
• Cross screen: As that happens, 2 cuts into the lane to set a cross screen.
• Post-to-post cut: After setting the wide pin down screen, 5 initially cuts towards the left side post area before eventually cutting across the lane towards the right side post.
• Flare screen: Furthermore, 4 steps up towards the right slot to set a flare screen.
• Top to wing cut: 1 utilizes the flare screen and cuts from the top to the right side wing.
• Fill cut: 2 can fill out towards the left side corner after setting the cross screen.
• Scoring opportunities:
  • 3 can receive the ball from 1 after cutting to the left side wing. That made lead to a three-point shot opportunity.
  • 3 can throw a skip pass across court to 1 if the initial three-point shot is not open. 1 could potentially take a three-pont shot.
  • 1 can pass the ball inside to 5, which could result in a scoring opportunity via a low post move.

Flex

Part 1

• Pick and roll: 1 can dribble towards the right side wing via the screen set by 4 who also rolls to the basket.
• Flex action: 4 can cut out of the lane to set a flex screen near the left side low post area.
• Cut towards lane: 3 can use the screen and cut into the lane.
• Scoring opportunities:
  • 4 can receive the ball from 1 on the initial roll to the basket following the pick.
  • 3 can receive the ball from 1 and score in the lane.
• Fill cuts: 4 can fill the left side wing area. 5 can fill the top. 3 can fill the right side low post area.
  • 5 can fill the top as soon as the pick and roll action is initiated.
  • 3 can also receive the ball near the low post and try to score from there, particularly if there is a mismatch advantage.

Part 2

• Ball reversal: Ball reversal can occur from the right side wing to the left side wing via 1, 5, and 4, respectively.
• Flex action: 3 can set a flex screen.
• Cut towards lane: 2 can use the screen and cut into the lane.
• Scoring opportunity:2 could receive the ball from 4 and score via a layup.
• Fill cuts: 3 fills the right side corner after setting the screen. 2 can fill the left side corner if the scoring opportunity is not there.

Part 3

• Stagger screen: 1 and 5 could cut towards the right side corner to set a stagger screen.
• Cut towards top: 3 could use the screen and cut towards the top.
• Scoring opportunities:
  • 3 could receive the ball and take the open three-point shot.
  • If 5’s defender attempts to switch the screen, then 5 could slip to the basket, receive the ball, and score.

Handoff

Part 1

• High post pass: 1 starts by passing the ball to 4 at the right side high post area.
• Follow action: 1 follows the pass and can receive it again via a handoff from 4.
• Scoring opportunities: 1 could drive all the way to the basket and score via a layup or possibly take a mid-range shot.
• Fill cut: 1 could cut through to the left side low post area if 1 was not open for the initial handoff.

Part 2

• Dribble handoff: 4 dribbles toward the right corner to perform a dribble handoff with 2.
• Dribble towards slot: 2 dribbles the ball towards the right slot area.
• Fill: After setting the screen, 4 fills and replaces at the right corner.

Part 3

• Screen the screener action: 1 sets a flex screen for 3 but then utilizes another screen set by 5.
• Scoring opportunities:
  • 3 could cut to the basket, receive the ball from 2, and score via a layup.
  • 1 could cut towards the left slot area, receive the ball from 2, and take the open three-point shot.

Related:

High post

• High post pass: 1 passes the ball from the top to the high post, which is received by 4.
• Double flare: 5 and 3 set a double flare screen near the right slot and just inside the three-point arc, respectively.
• Wing cut: 1 cuts to the right side wing area via the double flare action.
• Scoring opportunities:
  • 4 could pass the ball to 1, which can lead to a three-point shot opportunity or perhaps even a baseline drive.
  • If 3’s defender attempts to switch onto 1 to stop the potential three-point shot, then 3 could slip to the basket, receive the ball from 4, and score via a layup.

Pick and roll

Part 1

• Pick and roll: 1 dribble towards the right side free-throw extended area just inside the arc via the pick set by 4 who also rolls to the basket.
• Scoring opportunity: 1 could pass the ball to 4 on the roll action, resulting in a possible layup.
• Escape dribble: If 4 is not open, then 1 could simply escape dribble out towards the right side wing.
• Fill cut: Additionally, 5 could fill the top, 4 could cut out towards the left side corner, and 3 could fill the left side wing.

Part 2

• Pick and roll: 5 cuts from the top towards the right side wing to set a pick. 1 uses that and dribbles toward the middle while 5 rolls to the basket.
• Shake action: 2 executes shake action by lifting up towards the vacant right side wing from the adjacent corner.
• Scoring opportunities:
  • The first option is 1 passing the ball to 5 rolling to the basket for a potential layup.
  • Other options include 1 passing the ball to either 2, 3, or 4, which could lead to possible three-point shots.
  • 1 could even keep possession of the ball and take the mid-range shot.

Point of emphasis: Piece of paint

• 1 should try to get a piece of the paint (basically, getting into the lane) when dribbling towards the middle.
• This essentially puts more pressure on the defense and can make it easier for the off-ball players to score.
  • Putting it another way, if 1 gets into the paint, then at least one of the other defenders will most likely have to provide help by collapsing towards the lane.
  • This is even more of a factor if 5 sets a good on-ball screen and 1’s defender gets caught on it or 1’s defender struggles to fight over it.
  • Also, it should be noted that if 1’s defender were to go under the screen to cut off 1’s drive option, then 1 doesn’t have to worry about getting into the paint.
  • Instead, 1 could simply shoot the three-point shot or shoot within the open space that is generally created once 1’s defender goes under.

What are the general advantages of the Horns offense?

Creation of exceptional spacing via the Horns alignment

• The Horns offense and its A-set type of alignment feature exceptional spacing.
• This spacing is most apparent between the high post players and corner players on each respective side of the half court.
• Within the Horns set, each player is positioned at least 12-15 feet from each other.
• That type of spacial positioning makes it easier to perform various offensive actions such as backdoor cuts and dribble penetration via picks.
• What’s more, due to the high-level spacing, it is generally more challenging for the defense to be as effective.
• This can especially be a key factor in terms of providing solid help defense or even double-team action without leaving an offensive player open.

Potential neutralization of shot blockers by opening up the low post areas

• The Horns offense opens up the low post areas.
• Doing so potentially keeps low post defenders, especially shot blockers, of the opposing team away from the basket.
• That opening can neutralize or at least mitigate those defenders’ ability to protect the rim.
• As a result, the offensive team could possibly produce various scoring options.
• Those opportunities could include basketball cuts, dribble drive action and/or via kick passes to three-point shooters near the perimeter areas of the court.
• Furthermore, opening up the low post areas could be particularly helpful for an undersized basketball team.
• That type of team would typically have offensive challenges against defensive opposition with more size and/or length.

Identification of man to man vs. zone defenses

• The Horns offense could be implemented to determine if an opposing team is executing man to man defense or zone defense.
• This can especially be a factor at the beginning of a period within the game or immediately following the secondary break portion of transition.
• To give a brief example, let’s say that the offensive team sets up their Horns alignment but the post defenders do not swiftly match up with the high post players.
• Furthermore, the wing defenders do not quickly match up with the offensive corner players.
• When that occurs, it is very likely the opposing team is running a zone defense.
• The YouTube video below showcases an example of a Horns set vs. 2-3 zone defense.

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Related: Horns Offense – Lason Perkins