Basketball Offense Tips

BASIC BASKETBALL OFFENSE AGAINST MAN  FOR MAN  DEFENSE

Keep your basketball offense simple. I certainly believe that it is best to do a few things well, than a lot of things poorly. It is also my belief that basketball is a game where the individuals' skills and habits must be utilized to their fullest capacity. Therefore, I feel that you must not regiment the players too much, but should instill a type of play that will enable them to free lance a bit and not become mechanized slaves to pattern basketball.

My teams always try for the fast break basket. If we succeed in this, then I feel the psychological damage to our opponents in our picking up the cheap basket is much greater than the added two points on the Scoreboard might indicate. If we fail in our fast break attempt, we set up most generally in a single post basketball offense.

I call our basketball offense the continuity offense because the players are continually cutting for and away from the basket. With this type arrangement I have found that the players can utilize their individual talents and still keep good floor balance.

Here is the general floor plan of the single post set up.

BASIC BASKETBALL OFFENSE AGAINST MAN   FOR  MAN   DEFENSE

You may set up your basketball offence drill as follows:

Inside Series.
 

#3 passes to #2; #2 fakes with a sharp stab step toward the baseline and then comes back into the ball. This maneuver makes it more difficult for the pass to be intercepted. #3 fakes a step away from the ball and then moves toward #2 and sets an inside screen with a jump shot. #2 fakes a drive toward the baseline and then comes back around #3 with a close enough drive so he brushes his man off. #2 may either drive all the way, stop and shoot a jump shot from the free throw line, or throw a quick return pass to #3 if the defense is caught switching. You may run this basketball offense drill a number of times without defense and alternate your offensive men so they can run either position. Later on, when you add the defense, you get a good two man defensive workout also.

The second basketball offence drill has only one change. It is done exactly the same as No. 1, except as #3 approaches #2 he fakes the screen, and suddenly "shifts gears," and bursts for the basket. #2 then hits him with a 2 hand overhead pass, or a side-arm bounce pass. We call it our GIVE and GO option.

Our floor arrangement is the same as before. In this basketball offense plan #3 passes to #2, and they execute the same foot fake as before. This time however, #2 starts a hard dribble toward the center of the floor, and #3 times his cut, so that he moves right behind #2, #2 drops the ball off his dribble, and #3 receives it on the dead run, with his eyes up. The reason for this is, if the defense shifts, then #3 can stop when he receives the pass, and 1 on 1 the defensive man. If this move is worked properly, you will score a lot of points with it.

In the following picture Jack Thiesen has received a drop pass off the outside screen series and is completing a successful scoring drive down the baseline. Notice the excellent control and protection of the ball, defensive man on hip, and fierce concentration on the basket.

BASIC  BASKETBALL OFFENSE PATTERN

Now we are ready for the three man play. I simply add the post man, and work on Simple 1-2 cuts off the single post.
We almost always work our plays to the side away from the post man, so we have him practice breaking into the ball, to receive the pass from the other side of the free throw slot. Practice rolling the ball to him and throwing low passes so that he learns to pick up the bad pass. I know this is a difficult pass to pick up but I have found that the post man will be getting a lot of these passes during the game, so we practice this in the hope that this practice will cut down a lot of fumbles during the game and especially in our basketball offense.

3 man play No. 2

This time I use the two outside men or guards, and one inside man or forward. In this basketball offense plan I have #2 pass to #3 and cut over as if to set an inside pick. Instead, #3 throws a quick pass to #5 and #2 continues right through for a quick bounce pass from #5. Another option of this would be for #2 to set a rear screen for #5 and let him drive. If the defense switches #5 could throw the quick return pass to #2, as #2 rolls off toward the basket.
Option


Here is a fine example of the 1-2 cut. Notice the excellent position of the post man. The post man has faked to the first man cutting by and has flipped a perfect float pass to the second cutter.

SHIFTING BASKETBALL OFFENSE

Now we are ready to put the basketball offense together, and run it as we would in the game. The floor position of your players is very important for the continuity of the offense to flow properly. I tell our post man to play along the "slot" and move between the baseline and free-throw line. The outside men line up three to five feet outside of the top of the "slot," and are as wide apart as the width of the foul lane. The inside men, or "wings" line up three feet in from the side-line, and directly out from the free throw line. The floor position of the team now looks like this.

Our pivot man is also the quarter-back of the ball club. If he doesn't want the ball he shakes his head no, and the ball is moved to the weak side away from the pivot.

I have diagrammed the basketball offense so you can see the moves that can be made.

1-2 cut off post-weak side exchange.



In this basketball offense maneuver #2 has hit the post man with a direct pass, then he and #4 make a 1-2 cut or scissors off the post. Meanwhile #3 and #5 have changed positions. My post man has a variety of options now. He may either pass the ball to #2 or #4 cutting by, or he may shoot. He may drive, or he may throw a diagonal bounce pass to #3. He may give the ball to #5 to set up the play again. If he chooses the latter option, then #2 and #3 buttonhook back and become the inside men while #4 comes across and becomes an outside man. Your lineup would then look like this.

In the following basketball offense diagram #2 and #4 run the inside screen series. #6 stays away from the play, but keeps in position to swing over and receive the ball if he is needed. He may also set a blind pick for #4 to shoot over, or drive by.

The value of the pivot man is of course obvious in the single post basketball offense. It is also easier to build an offense around an outstanding pivot man, than any other single ball player.
 
The pivot man does not necessarily have to be a big "goon," in fact he doesn't have to be the tallest man you have. The small agile man with quick hands, who is a good passer can be a very valuable pivot man. Johnny O'Brien, the 5'9" Seattle U. star was an All-American, and he played the center position on many occasions. Gene Melchiorre, former Bradley U. pivot man was only 5'9l/2", but in 1950 he was not only a unanimous All-American pick, but the No. 1 draft choice of the Pro's. The real success of the small pivot man lies in his ability to get good position in basketball offense. Once he has acquired this knack, the success of the team is assured.

Many teams have abandoned the single pivot attack in their basketball offense plans, because they felt the pivot man was too easily defensed when he stayed in one area. This brought about the "flash pivot" attack, first developed by Everett Case at North Carolina State, and then greatly utilized by Ken Loeffler at LaSalle U. I also have utilized this flash pivot in high school to great advantage. If the team has difficulty getting the ball into the pivot, he moves to the corner, to screen for the offensive "wing man," so that he can acquire good floor position.

When the pivot man comes into the area where he wants the ball, he comes to a "jump stop," in a crouched position, with his elbows out, and with his feet in such a position, so as to assure perfect body balance. As he comes toward the ball, and makes his jump stop, he claps his hands sharply together to signify that he wants the ball. I say to our basketball offense players that he is telling you, "I want the ball, and I'll get it, if you throw it," so give it to him. If he doesn't get it, it is his fault, not yours. Of course, we always hope that he does get it.
Example of a good hooker.

The man is looking at the front rim. He has perfect body balance and excellent follow through.

SHOOTING FROM THE  PIVOT

A variety of shots may be attempted from the pivot position. Of course, the type of shot will be determined by the floor position of the pivot man, but he must have a variety of basketball offense threats going for him if he is to be successful. I feel, however, that he must have a "pet" shot in which he has tremendous confidence so that in that crucial situation, when we have to have the clutch basket, he can get it for us.

I had a boy playing for me one time, who had the greatest ability in the world to maneuver for a shot during basketball offense. He would get the ball, wheel toward the basket, and "bob and weave" around until he got the basket, or got fouled, and more often than not, got both. He was only 6'2", and his name was Ed Dolly, but regardless of the odds against him, he always got the job done. In one twenty-eight game season, he scored 702 points. Small wonder he was referred to, as the "Dolly who never said Mamma."

Another year I had a boy who was 6'5", and couldn't maneuver very well during basketball offense. He still had the awkwardness that goes with fast growing. He would get the ball, step out and hook. It made very little difference which side of the floor, his position on the floor, or with which hand he shot. His shooting percentage was excellent, and although I often cringed when he let fly, he had confidence in his hook shot, and he pulled us out of some very tough games with his shooting.

All of my centers had one thing in common; they had a very soft shot. Many times if they didn't hit the basket on their first attempt, the ball would roll around, and finally either drop in, or be tipped in by another offensive player.

FLASH  PIVOT PLAY

If you find yourself with three boys who can all play the post you will find it very useful to rotate your front line men as illustrated in the following diagram.

In this diagram #4 is the new post man. This can be done several times if necessary. My boys find it most successful to rotate toward the side the ball is on.

DELAYED BASKETBALL OFFENSE

The strategy that I attempt to employ when delaying our basketball offense, is to spread the defense. I do this by moving everyone out six feet from their normal positions. By moving our men out six feet all around, the pass that we throw is actually the same distance as our normal pass.

The rules we follow are these: 1. Straight cuts. 2. Keep away from the pivot. 3. Cut away from the ball.
If the team is putting on a complete freeze, they will not shoot a shot, unless they have an uncontested layup. All other times they attempt to score if they get what they consider a good percentage shot.


OFFENSIVE SYSTEMS OF PLAY

ZONE OFFENSIVE PLAY

The most effective method of defeating the zone defense, is to fast break against it. A good zone defense plays the ball, and a specific area, so a good fast break will be very effective in helping to defeat the zone. I always tell our kids to put the pressure on, when breaking against a zone. I want them to literally be running on their opponents heels. With this type of basketball offense applied, the zone will quickly become disorganized, and you are on your way to victory.

Too many teams fast break against the zone, and then take a wild hurried shot. You must stress to your team the necessity of taking the percentage shot, once your fast break attack is stalled. If we don't have a 1 on 0, 2 on 1, or 3 on 2 advantage, we always slow up the break, and go into our basketball offense. This is part of our "controlled fast break" plan, which we will discuss in chapter 4.

The "overload" is the common weapon used against a zone. This can be accomplished by using your basketball offense pattern to maneuver two men in such a position, so as to increase the responsibility of one defensive man.

Since the zone defense plays the ball at all times, your passing must be very well executed or interceptions will result. We always try to use the short, snap pass, which is accurate, and makes the defensive players move quickly to keep up with the ball. This causes the zone to start moving too, which often opens up scoring opportunities, when a defensive man moves out of position. Bounce passes are used sparingly, because they are too slow, and lead to added interceptions. Cross-court passes are of course what the zone invites. They will be picked off greedily by a good zone defense.

If you have a big center, you can often throw him a high lob pass, which he can take in stride, and have an easy lay up. This basketball offense maneuver must be practiced often so that the proper timing will result.

I drill our players on "looking one way," and passing the other way, so that we might avoid telegraphing our passes. Don't be too tricky with your passes, keep them simple, and short.

For many years it was the belief that you should not attempt to drive against the zone. I have found the drive to be one of our most effective weapons against the zone when it is set up properly in our basketball offense.

I feel we can rebound better against the zone, than any other defense. Many teams "fire up a shot, and fall back" against the zone, conceding the rebound to the defense. They seem to be overcome with the fear that the zone will fast break them off the floor, if they don't hurriedly drop back. This is correct, but if you concede the rebounds to the zone defense, it will greatly enhance the zone's chances of winning.

We fast break every time we get the ball, but remember this is a "controlled" break. We always try and gain the advantage, 1-0, 2-1, or 3-2, if we don't have this, we will stop the break, and set up our basketball offense.

1. Fast break against the zone. Beat the defense down the floor, and get your basket, before the zone sets up.
2. Throw quick, short, sure passes. Don't telegraph your passes. Throw the weakside pass, whenever possible.
3. Overload the zone areas.
4. Always run a man through, with another man swinging over for floor balance.
5. Drive against a zone, but don't force the drive.
6. Work on your position against the zone, so you have one offensive man between two defensive men. SPLIT THE DEFENSE.
7. Make sure of your shots. Patience is a great virtue, if you are completely unselfish, and wait for the good shot, the zone will be beaten.
8. If a team uses a good zone defense, throw a press against them to "shake them up," a bit.

Zone defenses vary considerably, and it is almost impossible to develop one basketball offense to properly combat all of them. I do however, have a basic offense that I use against most types of zone defense. I add several other offenses during the season to fit special zones that my scouting notes have acquainted me with.

Through the years I have used the 2-1-2, and the 1-3-1 formation as my basic basketball offense plans, with the emphasis on the 2-1-2 attack. As I diagram the 2-1-2 zone offense, it becomes immediately apparent why this offense is my favorite. It is basically the same as the Single Post offense that I use against the man-for-man defense. It is my belief that the mental pressure is released and the players develop more confidence if they can successfully combat any defense with the same offense, and this I have been able to do on many occasions with this offense. I feel that we have an offense that is equally effective against all defenses.

In attacking the zone remember, we first try to penetrate our opponents territory with the fast break. If this maneuver is unsuccessful, we slow down the play and set up our Two-One-Two basketball offense.

If your scouting notes have been thorough, you have a good idea already which areas of your opponents zone are the most vulnerable and you will work toward this weakness. This is where you must rely on your "quarterback" to exploit this weakness.

A "quarterback" on the floor can help you immeasurably. One year I had a 5 '9" boy who was always a play ahead of our opponents. He knew what I wanted and how to accomplish it. When a team changed its defense, he would work all of our offenses. It was his ability to quarter back the team that enabled us to record a 26-3 season.

This is the basic basketball offense pattern that I employ against all zones. Our players are fully aware that most zones lose their effectiveness if the zone is kept moving, so they keep the ball moving. Because of the tendency of the players in the zone to face the ball, our players realize that a zone is weak against the "blind side" attack. Movements from the rear, or behind their zone opponents are continually stressed, especially to our baseline men, and pivot men. I also stress the strong follow game to our crashing rebounders. I feel that due to the tendency of the zone to turn toward the basket on the shot, we can successfully obtain position by "crashing" in from the side, using the "slide step" maneuver stressed in the fundamental drills on rebounding.
The offensive alignments shown in the five phases of our basketball offense will of course vary somewhat depending upon how the zone defense shifts. We try to work all of the options early in the game to see which work best. If we find a definite weakness in the zone, we exploit it until the zone adjusts or until they change their defense. It might surprise you some night to see how long it takes a zone to adjust to an offensive maneuver.

If our basic 2-1-2 zone offense fails to work, we shift into our 1-3-1 basketball offense. We sometimes rotate the offenses each time down the floor, especially early in the game to show how the defense reacts. At the half I discuss the respective merits of each offense with our assistants, and the players; then decide which to start out with the second half.

#2 passes to #5, and cuts to baseline. #6 times his roll off so that he doesn't interfere with #2's cut. #3 moves over for balance. While #4 moves toward free throw line, ready to "crash" for the rebound in case a shot is taken. #5 may shoot, or pass to 2, 3 or 6.

Don't overpass—if you get the good shot on the 1st pass, take it.

2nd Phase

Our alignment now looks like this. Let us assume #5 has passed to #2, who may shoot, or pass to #6 who has rolled off to baseline. If #6 gets the shot #4 still takes the outside, but #5 goes to the middle and #6 follows his shot on the inside. #2 and #3 keep same responsibility.

We have our offensive rebounding triangle, regardless of who gets the shot. If #2 shoots, #4 takes the outside, #6 the middle, and #5 the inside. #2 then moves to middle of floor for the long rebound, while #3 stays out as the safety valve.

In this option #5 fakes a pass to #2, and quickly throws a pass to #3, (the team now knows the quick reverse is on) who in turn passes to #4. Meanwhile, as the zone shifts toward the ball, #2 advances down the baseline and #6 hesitates, then rolls off. Both of these men (2 and 6) maneuver in an attempt to "split the defense." #4 may shoot, or pass to #2 or #6.

Rebounding triangle is again set up with #5 becoming the "crashing" rebounder, and #4 and #6 assuming the other spots. If #2 shoots, #6 takes the middle and #4 the inside. If #6 shoots, #4 takes the middle and #6 the inside. #2 and 3# keep same responsibility as before.

Here is an example of perfect execution of the basketball offense. The ball handler (#24) has maneuvered by the front line of defense, and pulled the defensive man (#52) away   from   his   under   the   basket   responsibility. Our baseline man, (#10) has started moving into the area vacated by the defensive center. Our wing man (#50) at the top of the picture has started to break as a crashing rebounder, while #22, and #30 have started to turn toward the boards to form our offensive rebounding triangle. If #10 does not receive the pass, he continues on out as the safety valve.

4th Phase
In this basketball offense option #5 throws the quick reverse pass to #3, who quickly returns the ball to #5. #6 rolls off and becomes the baseline man, #3 moves into the pivot, while #4 and #2 exchange positions on the weakside. This maneuver takes advantage of the quick, clever, pivot man we discussed earlier.

ZONE OFFENSE
5th Phase
#3 has received the quick reverse pass from #5. #6 takes baseline, and #3 throws quick return pass to #5 breaking into pivot. #3 fills wing position vacated by #5, #4 swings over for floor balance, and #2 jockeys for position and becomes crashing rebounder.

OFFENSIVE  REBOUNDING

Here is a fine example of rebounding against the zone. #35 has successfully maneuvered inside of the defensive triangle and timed his leap perfectly to get an easy two points on a follow shot.

BASIC ZONE OFFENSE  1-3-1

1st Phase

#2 passes ball to #3. #3 makes quick move to shoot to draw defense E up. #5 moves up in position that defense vacated and receives pass from #3. If defensive D moves over to guard #5, then #6 rolls off into spot vacated and receives pass from #5 for easy layup. #4 is "crashing" rebounder, and #2 is safety valve.

#2 starts the basketball offense by passing the ball to #4, #6 or #3. On rare occasions if you have the BIG boy in #5's position a high lob can be thrown by #2. A lot of practice should be devoted to this pass to insure perfect execution. #5 remains close, and always faces the basket. He must move to the side of the ball.

Let's assume #2 throws a direct pass to #6. #6 makes a quick turn to face the basket. He may either shoot, or if defensive D moves up to guard him he throws a soft pass to #5. If defensive E retreats to defend against #5, then #3 takes the vacated spot, and receives the pass from #6. The play may also originate by #2 passing to #4, or #3, who in turn passes the ball into #6. #2 holds his position for pass-outs.

This explanation should point out a simple pattern of a triangle in which a team attempts to isolate one of the defensive guards. A good example of splitting the defense.

I will often have #6 set a rear pick on one of the defensive guards so that #2 might drive by for a jump shot.

Work for 10 minutes everyday against zones, and you will be prepared the night you face one.

There are many basketball offense styles that will meet the peculiarities of any zone you may encounter. If my scouting notes inform me that a specific weakness exists in an opponents zone, I may set up a "special" zone offense immediately, to take advantage of this weakness.

SPECIAL OFFENSE AGAINST 1-3-1   ZONE

The 1-3-1 zone is a strong defense and confuses many coaches, but the illustrated basketball offense has proved satisfactory to break such a zone.

This basketball offense requires player No. 2 to dribble down the center of the floor to hold the point man on the zone in position. No. 2 passes to No. 3, who in turn quickly passes to No. 4, who either immediately shoots, or passes to No. 5, or No. 6. Player No. 5 may set a pick on the baseline defensive man, and give No. 4 the second he needs to get off his jump shot. Player No. 2 breaks around defensive man and goes to the baseline. When this occurs No. 3 must become the safety. Normally defensive man B will attempt to stop No. 6 and guard C shifts to guard player No. 5. This being the situation, player No. 6 is in the position to score. Experience has shown that the offensive triangle formed by players 3, 4, and 6 will get off enough good shots to break this zone. Use this offensive pattern on both sides of the court. Always keep your best jump shooter in the No. 4 position regardless of which side of the court is used. Shooting charts show this is the position where most shots come from against the 1-3-1 zone. Your most rugged rebounder should be in the No. 5 spot. Your regular pivot man in the No. 6 spot, and a good long jump shooter in the No. 3 spot. Your worst shooter can play the No. 5 position.

Let me emphasize again, this basketball offense is a spot offense, that we employ for short periods of time, in an effort to take advantage of a particular weakness in the zone.

1. Excellent shot, good knowledge
2. Excellent shot, good knowledge
3. Best rebounder, poorest floor maker
4. Good dribbler, good play maker, good long shot
5. Poorest player

Try to out-run the zone.

The 2-1-2 zone is tough and needs special basketball offense tactics. Practice daily, insist on perfect timing. Before you set the attack, be sure that the following location of players is well in mind.

Players No.(1) and No. (2) should face in, that is, they have their backs to the sidelines respectively; actually they almost face the guard (C) This position gives them a quicker drive to the basket and prevents a pivot before their drive.

Player No.(3)must stay close and face the basket always. He walks from side to side depending on the location of the ball. Player No. (4) brings the ball down court. His position is slightly over to right of the center of the court. He attempts to isolate guard [A] Player No. (4) and player No.(5)play by and around guard (B)
Lets assume that player No.(4)passes to No.(5) who passes to No.(2) Player No.(3)moves over back of guard [E] NO. (2) dribbles directly toward guard [E] If guard [E] moves up to stop No. (2) the ball is passed to No.(3)who is close and facing the basket. Under this play situation, player No.(3) should score easily. However, if guard [C] moves to cover player No.(3) player No. 1 moves into the spot vacated by guard (C) and he is in a position for an easy shot. If guard [D] moves to cover player No (1)then player No.(4)breaks around to the basket. Player No.(5) holds a defensive position. This basketball offense pattern will work from either side of the court. That is, player No.(5)can start the play as well as player No.(4)The other players react accordingly.

SPECIAL ZONE OFFENSE AGAINST 3-2



Key to chart to chart for the 3-2 zone

1. Best pivot man, best basketball knowledge
2. Fastest and best drive-in player
3. Fast, left-handed, good drive-in player
4. Good passer, good dribbler, good long shot
5. Good passer, good dribbler, good long shot

EXPLANATION OF  THE 3-2 ZONE
Try to out-run the zone! ! !

The 3-2 zone is the oldest zone in the history of  basketball and is stronger than it appears Do not take it lightly.

This is the best zone to fast break from, as they have 3 men out on the floor ready for the fast break.

To defeat this zone, first try to race down the floor before this defense gets set. After it is set, use the following basketball offense.

The No. (1) man should play right in the "middle" of the zone. Players No. (2)and No. (3)play just outside of guards [AJ and [C] Players No. (4)and(5) play very close together and work the ball to player No.(1)who turns sharply and drives for shot. Players No. (3) and No. (2) drive at the same time. This should give a (3)on (2)situation. If guard |D| should move to stop No.(1)the ball is passed by No.(1) to player No. (3) If, however, guard [E] moves forward then of course the pass goes to No. (2) If neither guard moves forward, No. (1) must decide whether to drive all the way to the basket or use a short set or jump shot. The ball can be played to No.(1)by either No.(2)or No.(3)but the basketball offense pattern remains the same.

Constant passing until the defense is pulled out will set up this beautiful play.

Players must hold positions and work for a team basket. Remember that zones were created to stop star pivot men and hard driving players. The way to beat a zone is to pass, pass, pass until a good scoring opportunity arises.

1. Regular pivot man, must have excellent judgment
2. Good shot, good dribbler
3. Good rebounder. Used mostly for decoy. Usually poorest ball handler.
4. Good shot, good dribbler
5. Excellent dribbler

The 1-2-2 zone is good. Peoria Manual won the Illinois State Tournament in the early thirties with this type of zone defense. Usually the guard A is a quick fast boy who has a great deal of endurance and is able to "dog" the ball over the entire court. One rarely has a to compete against this type of a zone, but it cannot be overlooked. By placing four big boys in a "box" in front of the basket and sending a fast boy after the ball, one can beat a "one star" team. Villanova U. has on several occasions used the 1-box defense to successfully combat a star player on the opposition and ruin the enemy's basketball offense plans.

Here is how it works. Player No.(1)is placed right between guards [B] and [C] No. (3) player holds his position directly beneath the basket but out of the three second area. Player No. (5) dribbles slowly up the center of the court until he meets the "dogger" or guard [A} He holds the guard [A] there and fires a quick pass to either player No.(1)or(2)or (4) preferably No. (4)or No. (2) then in to No. (1) If No. (2) gets the ball, he will dribble toward the basket, No. (1) holding his position but moving just a little closer to the basket. As a rule guard [C] will move immediately to cover No. (2)leaving No. (1)) open for a shot. Player No. (3) holds guards [D] and E close to the basket. If either comes out to stop No. (2) or No. (1) player, No. (3) should move into vacated spot for an easy lay-up. Of course, player No. (4) moves toward the basket at the same pace as No. (2)

Here again passing is the secret to get into position for a good shot. Our chart shows that No. (3) will score heavily, because as a rule either guards [D] or [E] will break away to stop players (1)(2) or (4) leaving a quick pass open to  No.  (3)

Don't forget to teach No. 5 deliberately to hold guard A in the center of the court during this kind of basketball offense.

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