What is transition low post offense in basketball?
Transition low post offense comprises actions that occur when a team in possession of the basketball attempts to score quickly primarily by way of low post players or via the low post area in general, before the opposing team is fully set to limit or prevent scoring opportunities.
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 a method to use a back screen within transition low post offense offense?
To use a back screen within transition low post offense, a wing player could cut down towards the corner before looping back up towards the high post area and setting the back screen for a low post player.
The example diagram below illustrates this with more clarity.
To begin, it’s assumed that the opposing team missed a field goal attempt and afterwards, the ball is then collected as a defensive rebound by 5.
Following that, 1 utilizes a mini v-cut to get open and receive the ball from 5. From there, 1 begins to dribble towards the right side wing area within the offensive team’s frontcourt.
Likewise, 3 runs to the left side wing while 4 runs toward the left slot area. Additionally, 5 sprints hard towards the frontcourt as well.
Moreover, 2 initially sprints towards the strong side corner but then loops back up to the high post area.
Next, 5 sets up the defender by faking towards the ball side before quickly cutting back in towards the lane by way of the back screen set by 2. Furthermore, after setting the screen, 2 could fill the right slot area.
If the timing of the cut and screen is good, then 5 could be open to receive the ball from 1, especially by way of a lob pass, which may result in an alley-oop dunk.
However, if 5 is not open in the lane, then 5 could cut out towards the right side low post area, receive the ball from 1 in that manner, and attempt to score via a low post move.
It should also be mentioned that the offensive team has now effectively transitioned into a 4 out 1 in alignment. Therefore, it’s possible to execute additional offensive actions based on that formation.
How can a team use a rim runner within transition low post offense?
To use a rim runner, a post player could collect a defensive rebound, pass it to a guard, and run straight to the basket. While that happens, the guard in possession of the ball could pitch it ahead to another guard near the sideline. From there, the second guard could dribble towards the wing and throw the ball inside to the post player who ran to the basket.
The example diagram below demonstrates this concept with more details.
To start, it’s assumed again that the opposing team missed a field goal and from there, 5 grabs the ball via a defensive rebound.
Following that, 1 gets open via a v-cut and receives the ball from 5. Next, 1 begins to dribble towards the frontcourt and eventually throws a pitch ahead pass, which is received by 2.
Simultaneously, 3 and 4 run to the left side wing and slot area, respectively. 5 also runs to the rim. Also, as 5 is rim running, 2 dribbles towards the right side wing.
As that occurs, 5 could receive the ball from 2 while in the lane and score via a layup or dunk.
However, if 5 is not open to receive the ball while running to the rim, then 5 could cut out towards the right side low post area while 2 continues to dribble towards the wing.
Afterwards, 2 could enter the ball into the low post while 1 fills the right slot area. After that, 5 could attempt to score via a low post move.
Also, once again, it should be noted that the team has segued into a 4 out 1 in formation so it’s possible to execute additional actions from that alignment.
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