What is the Princeton offense in basketball
The Princeton offense is a basketball offensive strategy that utilizes the fundamental skills of cutting, dribbling, passing, screening, and shooting as well as three unique series of actions known as Chin, Low and Point to create scoring opportunities near the basket or from the perimeter.
The Princeton offense was popularized by Coach Pete Carril, particularly during his time as the head coach of the Princeton University men’s basketball team.
Furthermore, the Princeton offense has also been utilized by numerous other college coaches as well as several NBA coaches.
What is an example of the initial formation for the Princeton offense
This is an example of the initial formation for the Princeton Offense. It is typically initiated with two guards near the slot areas (also known as a two-guard front), two wing players, and one additional player near the high post or low post.
The players will typically pass, cut, or screen until a high percentage shot becomes available.
What are basic principles to consider for the Princeton offense
Proper spacing
All five players on the court should always be spaced apart no less than 12 to 15 feet. Good spacing creates the opportunities to score at the basket or from the perimeter.
Control tempo
The offensive team is able to control the tempo with actions such as quick hitters or with continuous ball movement. In either case, it could become a challenge for the defensive team to disrupt the offensive team’s tempo.
Patience is key
Players must read and react to the defense and then pass to open teammates for the best possible scoring opportunities near the basket or high percentage shots from the perimeter.
This might require the players to make four or five passes before the defense breaks down. Otherwise, players could end up turning the ball over from going too fast or taking low percentage shots which would be detrimental to the team.
Team-oriented offense
One of the benefits to the Princeton offense is that any player on the team could potentially score as opposed to one or two star players (although star players certainly will not hurt).
This is due to the cutting, passing, and screening concepts built into the offense. Therefore, the Princeton offense could theoretically build all players’ confidence, which in turn could create great team chemistry.
Also, if a team has great chemistry, that same team most likely has a decent chance to win a reasonable number of games, even if the individual talent level is only average at best.
Dedication is recommended
While not absolutely required, the Princeton offense is best suited for teams that will fully commit to implementing it during the entire season. One of the main reasons for this is that there are several options and counters that players can make depending on the defense.
So, if a team only runs the Princeton offense a few times during the season or maybe a couple of times during a game, then the players may not be able to recognize opportunities to score when the defense breaks down.
Furthermore, the players could have a hard time remembering any of the various options and counters that are available within the offense.
Backdoor cut when denied
If an offensive player, particularly on the perimeter, gets denied the basketball by the defense, then that player should execute a backdoor cut whenever possible.
In addition, the player with the ball should try to execute a bounce pass whenever possible because that type of pass is usually harder to deflect or intercept by the ball handler’s defender, especially if that same defender has active hands above their hips or shoulders.
What is an example of a high post entry for the Princeton offense
Pass and Screen Away
This is an example of a simple high post entry in which a player executes a high post pass and then screens away from the ball.
2 receives the ball from 1 and immediately afterwards, 5 receives the entry pass from 2. Next, 4 receives a screen from 2, but 4 rejects the screen, cuts to the basket, and can receive the ball from 5.
After that, if 4 does not receive the ball, then 4 can cut to the right side wing via a pin down screen set by 3. At the same time, 3 could cut into the lane.
From there, 4 could receive the ball and take the jump shot if open or 3 could receive the ball instead and score near the basket.
What is the Chin series within the Princeton offense
The Chin series is a sequence of actions within the Princeton offense which consists of a back screen, a flare screen, and a possible continuity pattern to create scoring opportunities near the basket.
Chin Example – Part 1 – Dribble Handoff and Interchange
This example of the Chin series begins with 1 executing a dribble handoff with 3 while players 2 and 4 interchange spots on the court. Also, as that happens, 5 lifts up from the low post to the high post area.
Chin Example – Part 2 – Back Screen
Next, 4 receives the ball from 3 and then 2 receives the ball from 4. Following that, 3 cuts to the basket via the back screen set by 5 and could receive the ball from 2 if open. If 3 is not open, then 3 continues the cut out towards the left side corner.
Chin Example – Part 3 – Flare Screen
Next, 4 cuts to the basket via the flare screen set by 5 and could receive the ball from 2 if open near the basket.
Chin Example – Part 4 – Continuity Set Up
If 4 did not receive the ball from 2, then the chin series flows into the continuity pattern which would be executed on the opposite side of the floor.
To start the continuity, 4 cuts out to the right side corner and then towards the right side wing. At the same time, 1 cuts up to the right side slot while 2 dribbles to the left side slot.
Also, 5 cuts across to the left side high post area while 3 lifts up from the left side corner to the left side wing.
Chin Example – Part 5 – Back Screen
Next, 1 receives the ball from 2 and then 4 receives the ball from 1. Afterwards, 2 cuts to the basket via the back screen set by 5 and could receive the ball from 4. If 2 does not receive the ball, then 2 cuts out to the right side corner.
Chin Example – Part 6 – Flare Screen
Next, 1 cuts to the basket via the flare screen set by 5 and could receive the ball from 4 if open.
Chin Example – Part 7 – Continuity Set Up
If 1 is not open, then the continuity gets initiated once again. 4 begins to dribble to the right slot while 2 fills the right side wing and 5 cuts to the right side high post.
At the same time, 3 fills the left side slot while 1 cuts out to the left side corner and then to the left side wing.
What is the Low Post series within the Princeton offense
The Low Post series is a sequence of simple actions within the Princeton offense which occur after the ball gets entered into the low post.
Low Post Example – Part 1 – Initial Action
To begin the simple low post action, 3 receives the ball from 1 and afterwards, 5 receives the ball from 3. Also, following that, 1 cuts through to the left side corner while 4 cuts over to the top.
Low Post Example – Part 2 – Straight Cut
Next, 4 executes a straight cut directly towards the basket, receives the ball from 5, and scores at the rim if that is open. If 4 is not open, then 4 continues the cut out to the left side corner.
At the same time, after 4 executes the cutting action, 2 replaces at the top while fills the vacated left side wing.
Low Post Example – Part 3 – Screen Away
Next, 3 executes a screen away from the ball while 2 cuts to the right side wing. At the same time, after setting the screen, 3 can cut to the basket.
From that point, 2 could receive the ball and take the three-point jump shot or 3 could receive the ball and score at the rim.
Additionally, as that action occurs, 1 could cut to the top while 4 fills the vacated left side wing. Afterwards, if 2 or 3 are not open, then the straight cut or screen away action could be executed continuously until a high percentage shot becomes available.
What is the Point series within the Princeton offense
The Point series is a sequence of actions within the Princeton offense which occur based on the initial action of the primary ball handler, also known as the point guard. The three initial actions that the point guard could execute are known as Point Away, Point Over, and Point Under.
Point Away occurs when the point guard executes a cut or screen away from the high post player towards the weak side wing.
Point Over occurs when the point guard cuts over the high post player towards the strong side corner. Finally, Point Under occurs when the point guard cuts under the high post player towards the basket.
Point Away Example – Part 1 – Initial Action
To begin this sequence, 1 dribbles towards the left side slot which triggers 2 to cut towards the right side corner. 5 also cuts toward the left side high post and receives the ball from 1. Also, 4 cuts down to the left side corner.
Point Away Example – Part 2 – Screen Away
Next, 1 executes a screen away from the high post player but 3 rejects the screen and cuts to the basket. After that, 3 could receive the ball from 5 and score near the basket.
If that is not open, then 3 could cut to the left side wing via the baseline screen set by 4. Following that, 3 could receive the ball from 5 and take the open three-point shot.
Point Over Example – Part 1 – Initial Action
To start this example, 1 dribbles towards the left slot which triggers 4 to execute a shallow cut towards the right slot.
Also, as that happens, 5 lifts up to the left side high post while 2 cuts down to the left side corner. After that, 5 receives the ball from 1.
Point Over Example – Part 2 – Screening Action
Next, 1 cuts over the high post to set a screen for 2 who then curls to the basket. From there, 2 could receive the ball from 5 and score at the rim.
If that is not open, then 2 could continue to the right side slot area via elevator screens set by 3 and 4. Afterwards, 2 could receive the ball from 5 and take the open three-point jump shot.
Related: Princeton Offense – Nebraska Wesleyan University – Brush Point Over – YouTube
Point Under Example – Part 1 – Initial Action
To begin, 1 dribbles toward the left slot which triggers a cut through towards the right side corner by 2. Also, as that occurs, 5 lifts to the left side high post area and receives the ball from 1.
Point Under Example – Part 2 – Handoff and Screen
Next, 1 cuts under the high post player towards the basket and could receive the handoff pass from 5. After that, 1 could score near the basket.
If that is not open, then 1 could cut towards the left side wing via the pin down screen set by 4. Afterwards, 1 could receive the ball from 5 and take the jump shot if open.
Also, 4 could duck into the lane, receive the ball from 5 via the high low action, and then score at the rim.
What are examples of Chin counters within the Princeton offense
Chin Counter – Example 1 – Part 1
This is a simple example of a counter for the Chin series that involves ball screens. To start, 4 receives the ball from 1 and then 2 receives the ball from 4. Following that, 1 cuts to the basket via the back screen set by 5.
However, X5 decides to drop back near the basket to prevent easy layups. When that occurs, 1 continues the cut out towards the left side corner and at the same time, 3 cuts down to the right side corner.
Chin Counter – Example 1 – Part 2
Next, 2 dribbles to the right side of the court via double ball screens set by 4 and 5. After that, 2 could take the mid-range jump shot or 3 could receive the kick out pass from 2 and take the three-point shot instead.
Also, 5 could receive the ball from 2 after setting the screen and rolling to the basket. From that point, 5 could score near the rim. Also, 1 could receive the ball from 5 and take the three-point shot if that is open as well.
Chin Counter – Example 2 – Part 1
This is another simple example of a counter for the Chin series that involves elevator screens. To start, 4 receives the ball from 1 and then 2 receives the ball from 4.
Following that, 1 cuts to the basket via the back screen set by 5. However, X5 decides to drop back near the basket to prevent easy layups.
When that occurs, this time, 1 continues the cut out towards the left side low post area instead of the left side corner as previously.
Chin Counter – Example 2 – Part 2
Next, 1 cuts back to the top via the elevator screens set by 4 and 5. After that, 1 could receive the ball from 2 and take the three-point shot if open.
Also, if 1 receives the ball but is not open to take the shot, then 4 could cut out towards the left side corner while 5 cuts to the right side low post block.
From there, the Chin counter could flow into the low post series where 3 would receive the ball from 1 and then 5 would receive the ball from 3.
What are examples of Low Post counters within the Princeton offense
Low Post Counter – Example 1 – Part 1
This is a basic example of a counter for the Low Post series that includes screen away action on the strong side and a flare screen on the weak side.
To begin, 3 receives the ball from 1 and afterwards, 5 receives the ball from 3. Also, 2 and 4 exchange spots on the court near the wing and slot areas.
Low Post Counter – Example 1 – Part 2
Next, 1 cuts to the right side wing via the screen away action set by 3 and at the same time, 2 cuts to the left side wing via the flare screen set by 4.
Afterwards, 1 could receive the ball from 5 on the strong side and take the open jump shot or 2 could receive the ball from 5 via a skip pass and then take the open jump shot instead.
Low Post Counter – Example 2 – Part 1
This is another simple example of a counter for the Low Post series which features post split action by way of a flare screen and pin down screen.
To start, 4 receives the ball from 1 and then 2 receives the ball from 4. Following that, 5 receives the ball from 2 and at the same time, 1 cuts away to the right side corner.
Low Post Counter – Example 2 – Part 2
Next, 2 cuts to the top via a flare screen set by 3. Also, at the same time, 1 rejects a pin down screen set by 4 and cuts to the basket.
From that point, 1 could receive the ball from 5 and score near the basket or 2 could receive the ball from 5 and take the open three-point shot.
What are examples of Point counters within the Princeton offense
Point Counter – Example 1 – Part 1
This is a simple example of a counter for the Point series that includes an elevator screen. The sequence begins with the typical point action.
1 dribbles toward the left slot which triggers a cut through to the right side corner by 2. Also, 5 lifts up to the left side high post and receives the ball from 1 while 4 cuts down to the left side corner.
Point Counter – Example 1 – Part 2
Next, 4 rejects the screen set by 1 and cuts to the basket. After that, 4 could receive the ball from 5 and score at the rim. However, if 4 is not open, then this initiates the counter action.
1 pops out to the left side wing and receives the ball from 5 while 4 continues the cut to the right side low post block. At the same time, 3 lifts up to the right side slot while 2 fills the vacated right side wing.
Point Counter – Example 1 – Part 3
Next, 4 cuts to the top via elevator screens set by 3 and 5 and receives the ball from 1. Afterwards, 4 could take the open three-point shot.
Point Counter – Example 2 – Part 1
This is a simple example of a counter for the Point series that includes a back screen. The sequence begins with the typical point action. 1 dribbles toward the left slot which triggers a cut through to the right side corner by 2.
Also, 5 lifts up to the left side high post and receives the ball from 1 while 4 cuts down to the left side corner.
Point Counter – Example 2 – Part 2
Next, 1 cuts to the basket, receives the handoff pass from 5 and scores near the rim. If 1 is not open to receive the ball, then 1 cuts back to the left side wing via a screen near the low post block set by 4.
Afterwards, 1 could receive the ball from 5 and take the open jump shot. Also, if 1 is not open for the jump shot, then 4 continues the cut towards the right side low post block while 3 cuts up to the right side slot and 2 fills the vacated right side wing.
Point Counter – Example 2 – Part 3
Next, 2 cuts to the basket via the back screen set by 4, receives the ball from 1, and then scores at the rim. Also, if 2 is not open, then 2 continues the cut out to the left side corner while 1 dribbles to the left side slot.
Additionally, 4 fills the right side wing and when that happens, the Point series could flow into the Chin series.
What are examples of breakdown drills for the Princeton offense
For these particular breakdown drills, players 1, 2, and 3 are interchangeable in terms of basketball roles/positions. In other words, player 1 is not necessarily the point guard or primary ball handler and at the same time, players 2 or 3 are not necessarily wing players as it would be shown on typical basketball plays/actions.
However, the players are labeled in that manner on the diagram primarily for demonstration purposes. Additionally, the empty circles are indicative of additional unlabeled players which are also shown for demonstration purposes.
Furthermore, the drills do not show defenders on the court but it is possible for the coaching staff to add defenders for a greater challenge if necessary.
Breakdown Drill #1A – Backdoor Cut – Top
This breakdown drill and its next two variations emphasizes the backdoor cut action, a fundamental concept within the Princeton offense. To start, 1 steps toward 2 but then quickly backdoor cuts to the basket.
Next, 1 receives the ball from 2 and scores at the basket. Following that, 1 gets the rebound out of the net and from there, the players could switch spots on the court. 1 becomes the passer near the wing and 2 becomes the cutter at the top.
Breakdown Drill #1B – Backdoor Cut – Wing
This is another variation of the backdoor cut drill. This time, the backdoor action occurs from the wing. To begin, 1 takes a dribble towards 2. This signals 2 to execute the backdoor cut action towards the basket.
Next, 2 receives the ball from 1, scores at the rim, and retrieves the rebound out of the net. Following that, the players switch spots so 1 becomes the backdoor cutter near the wing while 2 becomes the passer near the top.
Breakdown Drill #1C – Backdoor Cut – Corner
This is a third variation of the backdoor cut drill. This time, the backdoor cut action happens from the corner. To start, 1 takes a dribble towards the wing and when that occurs, 2 executes a backdoor cut towards the basket.
Next, 2 receives the ball from 1, scores at the basket, and gets the ball out of the net. After that, the players switch roles so 1 becomes the backdoor cutter near the corner while 2 becomes the passer near the top.
Breakdown Drill #2 – Back Screen
This breakdown drill seeks to improve back screens and basket cuts, particularly as they pertain to the Chin series within the Princeton offense. It also involves a cutter at the top, a passer near the wing, and a screener in the high post.
To begin, 2 receives the ball from 1 and after that, 1 immediately cuts to the basket via a back screen set by 3. Next, 1 receives the ball from 2 and shoots the layup at the rim.
Following that, the players could rotate positions. 1 becomes the high post screener, 2 becomes the cutter at the top, and 3 becomes the passer near the wing.
Breakdown Drill #3 – Handoff Pass
This breakdown drill involves working on the handoff pass, primarily as it relates to the Point Under series within the Princeton Offense.
To start, 1 cuts to the basket and receives the handoff from 3. Afterwards, 1 takes one or two dribbles and scores at the rim with a layup.
Following that, 1 gets the rebound and the players switch roles. 1 becomes the handoff passer and 3 becomes the cutter and handoff receiver.
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What is additional material to learn more about the Princeton offense
Installing the Princeton Offense
Installing the Princeton Offense by Mike Nienaber showcases several drills that emphasize actions such as backdoor cuts, dribble hand-offs and back screens. Additionally, Coach Nienaber demonstrates a variety of different sets such as Low, Chin, and Elbow among others with various scoring options.
Princeton Offense 2.0: Reads, Counters, Set Plays
Princeton Offense 2.0: Reads, Counters, Set Plays by Lee DeForest demonstrates different types of reads and counter strategies to use against the defense. Coach DeForest also shows common actions such as Chin, Low, and Point as well as additional scoring options such as quick hitters, opportunities from the secondary break, and NBA entries.
Modified Princeton Offense: Point Series
Modified Princeton Offense: Point Series by Dale Wellman showcases multiple scoring options from the Point Away and Point Over series. Additionally, Coach Wellman demonstrates different types of counters that could be implemented if the defense limits or prevents the primary options within the Point series.