Offensive Delay Game

Excellent teams manage special situations. Players must be able to identify and execute in high and low pace situations. Coaches may not have 'discretionary' timeouts to map strategy and players must understand their responsibilities and what the goals and limitations of 'delay' may be. They must know how defenses are likely to approach delay defensively (extreme ball pressure, overplay, fouling poor free throw shooters).

The emphasis should include adequate spacing, ball control and turnover avoidance, using time, having capable free throw shooters, and recognizing opportunities for layups. You want to avoid providing the defense trapping chances.

The most renowned delay game was North Carolina's "Four Corners" piloted by Phil Ford.

Ford had exceptional ballhandling and distribution skills and could score off the dribble or at the free throw line if he got separation or fouled. Note how Carolina spreads teammates out and Ford works to penetrate or threaten to score. Strength and stamina help the point guard run this offense. Running this offense successfully requires extreme competence at point guard. When players help off the low teammates, backdoor opportunities become paramount.

It can be run as a primary offense against high pressure defenses.

Another simple delay offense runs off downscreens, passing, and cut through by the passer with layups an option on the give-and-go. This keeps the middle open and sets up mismatches on defensive switching.

Here's another simple delay game that requires fewer capable ballhandlers.


1-4 high delay with multiple options. Principle is shallow cuts from wing.

Triangle arrangement with screens away from the ball is another good option, especially if you have an exceptional post player.

You don't need many schemes, just one or two with players who can execute and make free throws.