It's synonymous with playing hard and playing smart. "Play with purpose." Running the floor is more than a mandate, it's a mentality.
Offensively, wings "run wide". In the classic "Laker Break" the wings were expected to have their outside foot at the sideline at half court. This helps spread the defense and keeps passing and cutting lanes open.
Offense also demands running but both change of direction and change of pace. Short-burst running regularly occurs during a variety of classical cuts and Floppy sets.
Running the floor demands superior conditioning. Players must be ready to go on the first day of practice. The Boston Celtics have a legendary conditioning and effort test at the end of their tryouts. Another workout test is a series of eight by 220 yard runs among guards, forwards, and centers with time requirements for each 'set'. Three separate groups are tested with one running and two resting until their next set. Depending on your age group, you establish "baselines" per set.
Defensively, we first think of running in transition. That demands top speed within three steps, running and thinking, communication ("communication is a skill") and shaping up (protecting the basket as first priority), beating your assignment to half-court, and no "buddy running."
Drill: 5 on 5, shooter must touch baseline (miss or make)...creates 5 on 4
Drill: 3 on 3 (continuous transition)
