What is loop action in basketball?
Loop action in basketball generally occurs when a player in possession of the basketball initially dribbles it, typically towards a wing and/or free throw line extended. Additionally, as that dribble action occurs, another player on that same side, usually located in the corner, cuts up high to possibly receive the ball.
What is loop offense?
Loop offense, also known as loop series, consists of strategies and/or general tactics that involve loop action to create scoring opportunities around the perimeter areas of the court or near the basket.
How to understand the player roles and diagrams on this page
In relation to any diagrams below, each of the offensive players are generally represented by the standard basketball positions in number format, 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.
Furthermore, 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 loop action within 1-4 low offense?
An example of loop action within 1-4 low offense could include a player in possession of the ball such as the point guard dribbling it inside of the three-point line near free throw line extended. Furthermore, as that happens, an off-ball player near the strong side corner could cut towards the adjacent wing and receive it, resulting in a potential three-point shot.
It should be noted as well that in this particular instance, the action is generally referred to as a loop behind. This is because the player who is cutting high goes behind the player in possession of the ball.
Furthermore, following the loop behind action, it’s possible to implement another loop on the opposite side as well.
The example diagrams below demonstrate this concept.
Part 1: Re-screen and fill
To begin, 5 lifts up to set an on-ball screen at the top. Afterwards, 1 uses that screen and takes a dribble or two towards the right side. From there, 5 immediately turns to set a re-screen.
Following that, 1 also shifts direction, uses the re-screen, and begins to dribble towards the free throw line extended inside of the three-point line on the left side.
As all of that occurs, 3 cuts up to fill the top, 4 cuts through to fill the right side corner, and 5 fills the vacant left side low post area.
Moreover, as 1 dribbles toward the free throw line extended or just slightly below it, 2 cuts up to the adjacent strong side wing and loops behind 1.
From that point, 2 could receive the ball from 1 and take the open three-point shot. Otherwise, 2 can keep possession of the ball while 1 fills the vacant left side corner.
Part 2: Post entry, top pass, and loop
Next, 2 can give a quick look inside to 5 if that is open. After that, 5 can try to score with a low post move.
On the other hand, 2 could pass the ball back towards the top, which is received by 3. From there, 3 could dribble towards the right side wing, which triggers another loop from the right side corner to the top by 4.
Additionally, 5 could cut across the lane to set a screen, which could potentially help 4 get open even further.
Following that, 4 could receive the ball from 3 and take the open three-point shot or possibly drive to the basket.
What is an example of loop action within transition offense?
An example of loop action within transition offense could feature a player on the strong side wing who could loop back to the top via a down screen set by another teammate such as a post player. Following that, the player who cut to the top via the loop could receive the ball from another player who was dribbling down the sideline on that same side.
The example diagram below demonstrates this concept.
Prior to starting the action, it’s assumed that the opposing team missed their field goal attempt, which led to a defensive rebound by 5. Now, the current offensive team can try to score early within their transition opportunity.
In essence, 1 gets open with a V-cut and receives the ball from 5. From there, 1 begins dribbling down the adjacent sideline towards the right side wing.
As that happens, 2 and 4 on the weak side run towards the left side wing and low post area, respectively. Moreover, 5 sprints hard toward the extended low post area on the right side to set a down screen.
Additionally, 3 sprints toward the right corner before looping back up towards the top via the down screen set by 5.
Upon reaching the right side wing, 1 could pass the ball towards the top with 3 as the recipient. From that point, 3 could take the open shot or execute secondary offensive action.
Affiliate Disclosure: I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through the link below.
Related: Loop and Elbow Offenses and Counter Sets – Cheryl Reeve