Friday, November 17, 2017

Basketball Offense: Reading Lessons

"See the game." Vision heralds solid decisions and execution. Make the right decision at the right time. Reviewing all possible offensive decisions would be impossible. 

Read defenders quickly and accurately. They almost always give you something. Young players often cannot picture the decision to be made. 

Individual moves are words. Combination actions are phrases. An offensive play is a sentence. Exceptional offense creates poetry. Examples:

Individual moves:


1. Defender plays high or low (off the ball) dictating back or front cuts. 
2. Attack the front hand, front foot. Defenders must drop step versus slide. 
3. Head turners...basket cut
4. Defender up, drive...back...open shot. 
5. Establish "Go-to" and counter moves.
6. Find four ways to score (appropriate for you) - post-midrange-perimeter, driving game, putbacks, transition, free throws 

Combination moves:
1. Give-and-go.
2. Pick-and-roll.
3. Off-ball screens - curl, back cut, bump, slip



4. Three-on-three actions (above and below)



5. Numbers: 2-on-1s, Transition 3-on-2

Be aware of 'sometimes' high risk/low-reward passes
1. Wing-to-top 
2. Top-to-low post

Shot selection: "Know Thyself" 
1. Open, rhythm, range, situation
2. Know each teammates' range and proficiency "nonshooters are always open"

Halfcourt offense: Phrases into Sentences