Fast Five: Bailout Offense

Offense comes in many forms - transition, early offense, motion, sets, zone, delay, and bailout. What do players look for as the shot clock or quarter runs out? 

Our team has many needs so we'll never discuss this, but the topic is worthy. A few thoughts to ponder...

Players need clarity and direction. It's about choice, not chance. We'll be lucky to have one 'closer', never mind expecting multiple. 

Players should know which shooters and shots you want. Choice depends on personnel. That might mean isolation plays (post or perimeter), screen and roll, or off-ball screens. Additionally, many teams are taught to switch all screens end-of-clock or end-of-quarter.

Employ principles of mismatches, misdirection, and reversals. 

Mismatches. Emphasize off-ball screens to establish mismatches. Screens can go outside in (as shown) or inside out to get small on big speed mismatch. 

Misdirection can add value. 

The perimeter player screens down to initiate the high ball screen. When the screen-and-roll occurs, 4  rolls up to move the help defender. The point guard gets a lot of options - drive, pass to roller or pick-and-pop, pass to 4 or 2 depending on 'helper' actions. 

Reversals. Against zone, players consider actions "behind" the zone. 

Players cutting behind the zone are "invisible". Using the dribble to set up passing across or behind can draw defenders (yellow), facilitating perimeter shots.