Thursday, February 9, 2023

Basketball HalfCourt Offense 4 Out 1 In: Get Simple

Offensive Process:

1) Set spacing.

2) Create advantage. 

3) Execute scoring. 

Successful teams complete all. My first choice for offense would be "5 Out" or "spread offense." 4-Out, 1 In is another simple choice.

First, with limited practice time, prioritize fundamentals over strategy. And practicing 2-on-2 play is a vital part of that. 


A "base action" is a Dribble Handoff (DHO) with a downhill drive. Obvious options are:
1) Dribble At with backcut of the initial receiver
2) Dribble At with crossover dribble "against the grain" of the DHO
3) Sequential screening (Right) bringing the opposite post into play. Complex screens present major defensive challenges. 


A good alternative is running PnR on the "ball" side and screening away on the help side. 

Coaches who like Flex actions have that. 


There are a host of options including basket attack for '2' with 3 finishing her cut through to the corner and 5 lifting. 

Summary: simple actions work.
  • DHO 
  • PnR 
  • Flex
Simple is better. Especially with young players, complexity can result in confusion and turnovers. 

Lagniappe. 


Good to see but unrealistic to expect elite execution with low level players. Perhaps the high value teaching is the ability to play off two feet.