This web page contains brief explanations of various offensive topics within the game of basketball.
Additionally, each respective topic includes a link to another web page that contains more details about that subject.
1-4 high offense: Basketball offensive strategy that primarily utilizes the high post as well as the wing areas to create scoring opportunities near the basket or from the perimeter, typically with a variety of basketball cuts and/or basketball screens.
1-4 low offense: Basketball offensive strategy that features one offensive player at the top beyond the three-point line and four additional players adjacent to the baseline, specifically near the low post blocks and corners areas on the left side and right side of the court.
1-4 press break: Basketball offensive strategy that can be implemented against press defenses such as the 1-2-1-1 diamond press, the 2-2-1 press, the 1-2-2 press or a full court man to man press.
2 out 3 in motion offense: Basketball offensive strategy that emphasizes ball movement, post split action, and continuity patterns to create scoring opportunities near the basket or from the perimeter.
3 out 2 in motion offense: Basketball offensive strategy that seeks to create multiple scoring opportunities through the use of set plays as well as offensive actions such as basketball screens, basketball cuts, continuity patterns and pick and roll options among others.
4 out 1 in motion offense: Basketball offensive strategy that creates scoring opportunities via a variety of sequences such as basketball cuts, basketball screens, and dribble drive action.
5 out motion offense: Basketball offensive strategy that utilizes the fundamental skill sets of passing, cutting, and screening as well as continuity patterns to create scoring opportunities, typically near the basket or from the perimeter.
After timeout plays: Special half court sets that are designed by the coaching staff during a timeout which consist of various offensive actions such as basketball screens or basketball cuts with the main purpose of creating scoring opportunities near the basket or from the perimeter.
Air pass: Action that occurs when an offensive player in possession of the basketball throws any particular pass via the air to a potential offensive receiver without the ball touching the floor.
Alley-oop: Offensive action in which a player in possession of the basketball throws it toward the basket, particularly with a high arc, for a teammate that jumps off the floor, catches the ball while it is still in the air, and completes the action at the rim with a layup or dunk.
Attack and react offense: Basketball offensive strategy that utilizes the fundamental principles of dribble drive, read and react, and motion offense to create scoring opportunities near the basket or from the perimeter.
Backdoor cut: Offensive action that occurs when an off-ball player generally takes a quick step towards a player in possession of the basketball, which is then followed with an immediate cut to the basket.
Back screen: Action that occurs when one offensive player is able to set a screen behind a defender who is guarding a second offensive player and after that, the second offensive player could then use that screen to get open, particularly near the basket, for a potential scoring opportunity.
Bank shot: Action that occurs when an offensive player shoots the basketball so that it makes contact with the backboard, particularly at an certain angle, before falling into the rim.
Ball reversal: Offensive tactic that occurs when the basketball moves from one side of the court to the other via various passes.
Baseball pass: Offensive action in which a player in possession of the basketball throws it to a receiver, typically using a throwing motion that is somewhat similar to a pitcher’s throw in the sport of baseball.
Baseline out of bounds plays: Specific plays that feature one offensive player that will inbound the basketball and four additional offensive players that will execute actions such as cuts or screens to generate potential scoring opportunities at the rim or from the perimeter.
Basketball cuts: Offensive skill in which a player without the ball will use a specific action to move from one location on the court to another with the primary purpose of creating space and getting open from a defender.
Basketball dribbling: Fundamental skill that occurs when an offensive player in possession of the basketball bounces it to the floor at least one time before grasping it with both hands or holding it in the palm of one hand, which would indicate the completion of the dribbling sequence.
Basketball offense: Foundational component within the game of basketball and its primary emphasis is to use a combination of individual player skills as well as team strategies and tactics to create scoring opportunities near the basket or from the perimeter.
Basketball passing: Fundamental skill and offensive action in which a player in possession of the ball throws it, generally through the air, to a teammate as the intended receiver, with the typical objective of creating scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter areas of the court.
Basketball screens: Offensive skill in which one or more players block another player’s defender with the purpose of creating space and separation so that the player receiving the screen could have the opportunity to either score with the ball or execute playmaking abilities.
Behind the back dribble: Action that occurs when an offensive player dribbles the basketball with one particular hand behind their back, as the name implies, and afterwards, that same player catches the ball with their opposite hand.
Behind the back pass: Offensive action that occurs when a player in current possession of the basketball throws it behind their back to an open teammate for a possible scoring or playmaking opportunity.
Between the legs dribble: Action that occurs when an offensive player dribbles the basketball with one particular hand between their legs and afterwards, that same player catches the ball with their opposite hand.
Blind pig: Offensive action that occurs when an initial player, commonly near a slot area, passes the ball to a second player who cuts to the high post and afterwards, a third player, typically near the opposite slot, executes a backdoor cut to receive the ball from the second player, which could then lead to a scoring opportunity at the rim.
Bounce pass: Offensive action in which a player in current possession of the ball throws it with a sufficient amount of strength and at a certain angle to the floor so that a teammate can receive it, preferably near their chest or waist area.
Box and 1 offense: Offensive strategy that seeks to limit the effectiveness of the box and 1 defense by utilizing a series of off-ball screens and continuity patterns to create multiple scoring opportunities for the offensive team’s best player as well as additional players.
Box offense: Basketball offensive strategy that utilizes quick hitting set plays with various basketball screens to create scoring opportunities near the basket or from the perimeter, particularly for the team’s best players.
Brush screen: Action that occurs when one offensive player moves toward the direction of a second offensive player and immediately afterwards, the second offensive player moves underneath the first.
Chest pass: Offensive action in which a player in possession of the ball throws it with two hands from their own chest area towards the chest area of a teammate.
Circle offense: Basketball offensive strategy that utilizes cuts and continuity patterns to create scoring opportunities near the basket.
Close-range shot: Any type of shot by an offensive player in possession of the basketball that is taken near the basket, which could then lead to a scoring opportunity.
Continuity ball screen offense: Basketball offensive strategy that seeks to create scoring opportunities near the basket or from the perimeter by utilizing ball screens or pick and roll action with a constant sequence on both sides of the floor.
Continuity offense: Basketball offensive system which incorporates specific patterns of cuts, screens, passes, or dribble actions executed in a continuous manner on both sides of the court to generate the highest quality scoring opportunity near the basket or from the perimeter.
Crossover dribble: Action that occurs when an offensive player dribbles the basketball with one hand across their body and then catches it with the opposite hand, ultimately to generate scoring or playmaking opportunities.
Cross screen: Action that occurs when one offensive player sets a screen, typically near the middle of the lane, on a defender who is guarding a second offensive player, and afterwards, the second offensive player utilizes the screen to get open and receive the ball for a possible scoring opportunity around the basket.
Delay offense: Offensive strategy that emphasizes executing actions that could be utilized to run down the game clock and/or shot clock prior to attempting a field goal such as a jump shot near the perimeter or layup at the basket.
Down screen: Action that occurs when one offensive player faces the general direction of the baseline to set a screen on a defender who is guarding a second offensive player. Following that, the second offensive player can then use the down screen to get open for a possible scoring or playmaking opportunity.
Drag screen: Action that occurs when an offensive player in possession of the ball receives a screen from another player without the ball, typically during secondary break of transition offense before the defense is fully set.
Dribble handoff: Tactic consisting of offensive action that occurs when one player in possession of the basketball initially dribbles it toward a second player and then that same second player receives the ball, particularly via a handoff, to essentially dribble it as well for scoring or playmaking opportunities.
Dribble moves: Skilled action that occurs when an offensive player in possession of basketball dribbles it in a certain fashion, primarily to create separation from one or more defenders.
Dribble pass: Offensive action in which a player in possession of the basketball initially dribbles it and then immediately throws it, particularly with one hand, to an open teammate for a possible playmaking or scoring opportunity.
Drift pass: Basketball offensive action in which a player with the ball generally accomplishes dribble penetration towards the baseline near one side of the lane and afterwards, that same player executes a quick pass to the opposite corner or opposite wing of the court.
Elevator screen: Offensive action that occurs when one particular player being guarded by a defender cuts through a small gap between two additional parallel players who then execute the elevator screen by immediately closing the gap before the defender has the opportunity to cut through it themselves.
Entry pass: Action that occurs when an offensive player in possession of the ball throws it from the top/slot to the wing area and/or from a perimeter area of the court towards a post area, especially the low post area.
Escape dribble: Action that occurs when an offensive player breaks away from an on-ball defender while dribbling in a reverse direction instead of advancing towards the basket as usual.
Fadeaway: Type of basketball move that occurs when an offensive player in possession of the ball jumps in the air to take a shot while moving away from the basket and the on-ball defender that would be guarding that same offensive player, ultimately to create a scoring opportunity.
Fade cut: Action that occurs when an offensive player utilizes an off-ball screen such as a down screen to cut towards one area of the basketball court, typically the wing area, but afterwards, that same player cuts away toward another area, which is usually the adjacent corner.
Fake pass: Offensive action in which a player in possession of the basketball effectively pretends to throw it to a teammate but then keeps the ball to perform another action, which would commonly be an authentic pass for a scoring or playmaking opportunity.
Fast break: Offensive action that occurs when a team gains possession of the basketball and then attempts to quickly score points, primarily before the opposing team is able to fully prepare their respective defensive strategies.
Finger roll: Type of layup shot that occurs when an offensive player in possession of the basketball near the basket jumps in the air and rolls the ball over the front of the rim with an underhanded shooting motion.
Flare screen: Action that occurs when one offensive player, being guarded by a defender, cuts away from the basketball to use a screen that is set by a second offensive player and afterwards, the first offensive player could then receive the ball, particularly near the perimeter areas of the court.
Flex offense: Basketball offensive strategy that creates scoring opportunities near the basket or from the perimeter by way of two types of basketball screens known as the flex screen and the down screen.
Flex screen: Action that occurs when one particular offensive player cuts toward the general area of the court that is between the low post block and the adjacent corner while facing the sideline to set a screen for a second offensive player who occupies that same corner.
Floater: Action that occurs when an offensive player in possession of the basketball jumps in the air near the basket, and shoots the ball with a high-arcing shot over the front of the rim.
Floppy set: Action that occurs when an offensive player is initially near the lane or underneath the rim, and afterwards, that same offensive player executes a cut towards the perimeter by way of a single screen on one side of the lane or a double screen on the other side to receive the basketball.
Give and go: Action that occurs when an offensive player in possession of the basketball near a perimeter area of the court passes it to another offensive player and then, the initial offensive player immediately cuts toward the basket.
Hammer set: Offensive action that occurs when a weak side player cuts to the nearby corner, usually by way of a screen, and afterwards, that same weak side player could receive the ball from another player who is typically near the strong side baseline, which then commonly results in a three-point attempt.
Hawk offense: Unique basketball offensive strategy that utilizes high post action, a stack alignment, and various basketball screens to create scoring opportunities from the perimeter or near the basket for one or more players on the offensive team.
High low action: Basketball offensive tactic in which a player, typically near the high post area, passes the ball to another player by the low post area for potential scoring opportunities near the basket.
Hook pass: Offensive action in which a player in possession of the basketball propels it through the air with a throwing motion that is somewhat similar to a hook, which could then lead to scoring or playmaking opportunities.
Horns offense: Basketball offensive strategy which emphasizes spacing to create scoring opportunities near the basket or from the perimeter by way of various actions such as basketball screens and dribble handoffs.
Illegal screen: Offensive action that generally occurs when the screener does not stay within their vertical plane while setting a screen or the screener does not allow a defender, who would be the target of the screen, enough time and/or distance to avoid the screen.
Inbound pass: Offensive action in which a player that has current possession of the basketball throws it to a teammate after initially standing out of bounds at the sideline or baseline.
Iverson cut: Action that occurs when an offensive player who is initially on one side of the court, usually near a wing area, cuts through to the other side, which is typically the opposite wing area, ultimately to get open and receive the basketball.
Jump pass: Offensive action in which a player in possession of the basketball jumps in the air and throws the ball to a teammate before contacting the floor again with their feet.
Kick pass: Offensive action in which a player that has possession of the basketball while already near the basket or at least moving towards it, throws the ball to a teammate that is near one of the perimeter areas of the court.
Laker cut: Action that occurs when an offensive player in possession of the basketball, typically near the wing, passes it to another player near the low post, immediately cuts toward the basket, and then possibly receives the ball again from that same low post player for a scoring opportunity.
Layup (basics): Action that occurs when an offensive player in possession of the ball takes a close-range shot, particularly within the lane area, directly over the front of the rim or off the backboard.
Lob pass: Offensive action in which a player in possession of the basketball throws it into the air with a high arc, usually over at least one defender, to a teammate who could then catch the ball and potentially score.
Motion offense: Basketball offensive system that primarily utilizes at least one of the fundamental elements of passing, cutting, screening, or dribbling while also incorporating player movement and ball movement to create scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter.
No look pass: Offensive action in which a player in possession of the basketball throws it to a teammate without looking directly at that same teammate.
Numbered fast break: Basketball offensive strategy in which each of the five players, during transition offense, are assigned distinct numbers and given specific roles related to those numbers with the primary objective of creating quick scoring opportunities near the basket or from the perimeter.
Off-ball screen: Action that occurs when at least one offensive player sets a screen for another offensive player that does not have current possession of the basketball to ultimately create a potential scoring opportunity near the basket or near the perimeter areas of the court.
Offensive foul: Infraction that occurs during a basketball game when an offensive player uses any part of their body such as their hands, arms, legs, or feet to make illegal contact with an opposing defensive player.
On-ball screen: Action that occurs when at least one particular offensive player cuts to an area of the court to set a screen on a certain defender who is directly guarding another offensive player in possession of the basketball.
Outlet pass: Action in which an offensive player throws the basketball to a teammate, generally as a method to initiate and execute transition offense, typically after gaining possession of the ball via a defensive rebound or in certain instances, as a baseline inbound thrower.
Overhead pass: Basketball offensive action in which a player in current possession of the ball places it over their head before throwing it with two hands towards a teammate that is able to receive it.
Pass and cut: Basketball offensive tactic in which a player with the ball, typically near the perimeter, passes it to another teammate, and afterwards, the passing player executes a cut, generally towards the basket in an effort to limit the effectiveness of the defense.
Pass and screen away: Basketball offensive tactic in which a player with the ball, typically near the perimeter, passes it to a teammate, and afterwards, the passing player sets a screen away from the ball for another teammate, in an effort to limit the effectiveness of the defense.
Pitch ahead pass: Type of basketball pass that generally occurs when a player, usually in the backcourt, throws the ball ahead to another player that is either near one of the wings, corners, or around the basket in the frontcourt.
Pocket pass: Consists of action in which an offensive player in possession of the basketball throws it to a teammate, particularly between the open space of an on-ball primary defender as well as an adjacent off-ball secondary defender.
Power layup: Action that occurs when an offensive player in possession of the basketball near the rim, jumps in the air with both feet, and shoots the ball off the corner of the backboard’s inner rectangle.
Press offense: Generally comprises various actions that could be used to break a press defense while also potentially creating one or more scoring options near the basket or near perimeter areas of the court.
Primary Break: Basketball offensive strategy as well as the initial fast break phase of transition offense and its general purpose is to create quick scoring opportunities against an outnumbered defense, usually within the first two or three seconds after gaining possession of the basketball.
Princeton offense (Fundamentals): Basketball strategy that utilizes certain fundamental skills such as passing, cutting, and screening to create one or more scoring opportunities near the basket or near perimeter areas of the court.
Princeton offense (Chin series): Unique set of actions within the Princeton offense that emphasize creating high percentage scoring opportunities near the basket or near perimeter areas of the court, primarily via certain basketball screens.
Princeton offense (Point series): Sub-strategy within Princeton offense that primarily features a high post entry pass followed up by additional actions, ultimately to create scoring opportunities around the rim or near perimeter areas of the court.
Quick hitters: Type of offensive set play that utilizes a brief number of passes, cuts, screens, or dribble actions to create one or more scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter, typically for the team’s best players.
Ram screen: Basketball offensive action that occurs when one player will set an off-ball screen for a second player and afterwards, the second player will attempt to set an on-ball screen for a third player who is currently in possession of the basketball.
Reverse layup: Action that occurs when an offensive player in possession of the basketball near the rim, jumps in the air and shoots the ball on the opposite side of the backboard’s inner rectangle.
Roll and replace: Action that happens when one offensive player rolls towards the basket from a perimeter area of the court after setting an on-ball screen while another offensive player replaces towards the perimeter from an area near the basket.
Screen the screener: Basketball tactic that occurs when one particular player cuts to a certain area of the court to set an initial screen for a secondary player and after that, the initial screener seeks to get open via an additional screen.
Secondary break: Basketball offensive strategy as well as the alternative phase of transition offense which includes scoring options near the basket or near the perimeter areas immediately after the defensive team prevents the initial primary fast break action.
Shuffle offense: Basketball offensive strategy that utilizes the shuffle cut, certain types of basketball screens, and a possible continuity pattern to create scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter.
Sideline out of bounds plays: Special plays comprised of one offensive player that will inbound the basketball by standing near a sideline and four additional offensive players that will execute actions such as basketball cuts and basketball screens to generate potential scoring opportunities at the rim, near the mid-range, or beyond the three-point line.
Skip pass: Type of basketball pass that is demonstrated when an offensive player in current possession of the ball passes it to another non-adjacent offensive player, usually on the opposite side of the court.
Slip screen: Action that occurs when a certain offensive player initially begins to set a screen on a particular defender but then, that same offensive player swiftly cuts to the basket, typically before the screen is completely set.
Snake dribble: Action that occurs when an offensive player in possession of the basketball momentarily dribbles toward the basket via an on-ball screen but afterwards, that same offensive player swiftly turns and dribbles in a lateral direction, which could eventually lead to a possible scoring opportunity.
Spain pick and roll: Tactic that occurs when one particular player sets an on-ball screen and afterwards, that same player receives a back screen while rolling to the basket for a potential high percentage scoring opportunity.
Speed dribble: Action that occurs when an offensive player in possession of the basketball quickly dribbles it, typically while moving from one end of the court to the opposite end.
Split cut: Specific action within basketball offense that occurs when a perimeter player (usually near the wing area on the court) passes the ball to a low post player and afterwards, that same perimeter player cuts away from the post, typically to set or receive a screen.
Stack offense: 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.
Stagger screen: Basketball action that occurs when an offensive player cuts from one area of the court to another area via consecutive double screens that are set by two additional offensive players.
Step-up screen: Action that occurs when a certain offensive player cuts to an area of the court, typically near the wing or slot, while facing away from the adjacent baseline to set an on-ball screen for another offensive player that currently has possession of the basketball.
Stutter step: Basketball move that occurs when an offensive player dribbles the ball while simultaneously executing a series of short and quick steps, particularly against a defender, primarily to attack the basket or take a jump shot.
Swing offense: Basketball offensive strategy that utilizes several basketball screens alongside ball reversal action and continuity patterns to create scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter.
Transition offense: Basketball offensive strategies in which the main objective is to score points quickly and efficiently, particularly when a team converts from defense to offense.
Triangle offense: Basketball offensive strategy in which three players form a sideline triangle on one side of the court to create scoring opportunities via the use of various actions such as ball movement, basketball cuts, and basketball screens, primarily based on the reactions of the defense.
UCLA offense: Basketball offensive strategy developed by Coach John Wooden that focuses on the fundamentals of passing, screening, and cutting to create various scoring opportunities, primarily near the basket but also from the perimeter.
V-cut: Action that occurs when an offensive player utilizes a cut that is in the shape of the letter V, ultimately to get open, receive the basketball, and create a potential scoring opportunity near the perimeter or near the rim.
Violations — Infractions that are committed by one or more offensive or defensive players during a game, which would commonly result in a penalty for the offending player and/or team.
Wheel offense: Basketball offensive strategy that utilizes cutting and screening actions alongside continuity patterns to create scoring opportunities near the basket or near the high post elbow areas of the court.
Wrap around pass: Offensive action in which a player in possession of the basketball throws it around an opposing defender to a teammate, ultimately leading to a possible scoring opportunity or an additional playmaking option.
Youth basketball offense: Basketball offense that consists of simple plays and actions that can help young basketball players score points near the basket or from the perimeter.
Zipper Cut: Basketball offensive action in which a player without the ball cuts from the low post area or the corner, generally through the lane, to the top, usually via a down screen, as a method of getting open to receive the ball.
Zone offense: Type of basketball offense with the main purpose of creating scoring opportunities against zone defenses via the use of offensive actions such as screening, cutting, ball reversal, and dribble penetration.