Tuesday, September 26, 2023

Basketball: Horns Reimagined - Five Considerations for "Core" Actions

Why horns? Fifty plus years ago we ran a 'simple' 1-4 high offense with  6'6" and 6'7" twin high posts. Cross-screens and post roll downs got lots of size mismatches down low. 

Horns improves the spacing and fills both corners creating chances for open threes if defenders help. There's no 'natural' weak side and horns opens the lane for driving, cutting, and passing. 

Additionally, the great spacing helps 'teach' young players core offensive actions. 

1. Good action from Marc Hart. Iverson action. 

2. Favorite action, double downscreens sets up curls, flare lifts, or a drive for proficient point guards.


In a 7th grade playoff game years ago, horns "down" helped upset a better team as we scored seven points in five possessions using the action. 

3. Duke Elbow "Handoff/Iso" Series. 


4. Simplicity works. High ball screen, curl across post screen, corner 3 off help. 


Few teams in high school defend the PnR well. 

5. 15 'Get' 


For teams with a 5 who can take the ball to the hole, this is another option. 

Horns offers flexible, versatile, and simple actions depending on the skill and basketball IQ of players. Urgent cutting and on-time, on-target passing get emphasized for any offense. 

Lagniappe. Cross-step and rock. 

Lagniappe 2. SLOB double zipper entry with backscreen for inbounder.  

Lagniappe 3. Winners. 









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