One of the key aspects of a successful basketball team is their offensive plays.
These plays are designed to create scoring opportunities and exploit the weaknesses of the opposing team’s defense.
Here we look at the various types of basketball offense plays, their characteristics, and how they can be effectively utilized on the court.
Types of Basketball Offense Plays
Basketball offenses are designed to create open shot opportunities for a team.
While there are countless plays and variations, here are some of the most common types of basketball offense plays:
Fast Break/Transition Offense
This play is initiated immediately after a defensive rebound or a steal.
The objective is to score before the opposing defense can set up.
Players sprint down the court, trying to get an easy layup, dunk, or open shot.
Pick and Roll (or Screen and Roll)
One player sets a screen (the “pick”) for a teammate handling the ball and then moves towards the basket (the “roll”) to receive a pass.
Pick and Pop
Similar to the pick and roll, but instead of rolling to the basket, the screener “pops” out to an open area for a jump shot.
Isolation (Iso)
The ball is given to a single player who creates and takes a shot one-on-one against his defender.
Post-Up
The ball is passed to a player (usually a big man) positioned near the basket, who then tries to score by using various moves against his defender.
Give and Go
A player passes the ball and then immediately cuts to the basket looking to receive a return pass.
Backdoor Cut
A player on the wing or at the top of the key fakes moving away from the basket and then quickly cuts to the basket behind their defender for a pass.
Flex Offense
This is a continuous motion offense based on screens and cuts.
It’s known for its baseline screens and down screens.
Triangle Offense
Popularized by Phil Jackson and the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s, this offense is based on spacing, passing, and cutting from a triangle formation.
Princeton Offense
This is a high-post offense that emphasizes constant motion, passing, cutting, and setting screens.
Drive and Kick
A player drives towards the basket drawing multiple defenders and then passes out to an open teammate on the perimeter.
Swing Offense
This offense emphasizes ball movement and player movement with a series of passes and screens to create open shot opportunities.
Horns Offense
The setup includes two players at the elbows and two players in the corners, with the point guard dribbling at the top.
It offers multiple options based on how the defense reacts.
Dribble Drive Motion
This offense emphasizes driving to the basket and then either scoring, passing to a cutter, or kicking out to an open shooter.
Spread Offense
This play spreads the floor with shooters, allowing lanes for driving and kicking out to open shooters.
Double Down Screen
This involves two players setting screens for a teammate, usually a shooter, to get an open shot opportunity.
Elevator Doors
Two players stand side by side, allowing a third player (usually a shooter) to run between them.
As the shooter passes through, the two screeners close together, trapping the defender behind them, like elevator doors closing.
High-Low
This play involves two post players, one at the high post and one at the low post.
The player at the high post can either take a shot, drive, or pass to the player at the low post.
Wheel
Players move in a circular motion around the key, setting screens and looking for open shot opportunities.
UCLA Cut
Originating from John Wooden’s UCLA teams, this play starts with a pass to the wing followed by a cut to the basket, often using a screen from a post player.
Shuffle Offense
This is a continuous motion offense where players shuffle through positions, setting screens and making cuts to get open looks.
Four Corners
Primarily used to stall and run down the clock, this offense spreads players in the four corners of the half-court.
The ball handler can dribble-penetrate, and if the defense collapses, they can pass to an open teammate.
Box Set
Players set up in a box formation, two at the elbows and two on the low blocks.
From this setup, teams can run various plays, including screens, cuts, and post-ups.
Stack
Players line up in a vertical stack, usually on one side of the paint.
They can then break in different directions, using screens to get open.
Hammer
A player drives baseline, drawing defenders, while a teammate sets a back screen on the opposite side for a shooter to get an open corner three-point shot.
Spain Pick and Roll
A variation of the pick and roll where a third player sets a back screen on the roller’s defender, creating multiple scoring options.
Loop
A player runs in a loop motion, using multiple screens to get open, either for a shot or to receive the ball and initiate another play.
Zipper Cut
A player makes a vertical cut up the lane, usually using a screen from a post player, to receive the ball near the top of the key.
Flare Screen
A screen set for a player moving away from the ball, often towards the sideline, to get an open shot or create spacing.
Split Cut
After passing the ball to the post, the passer uses a screen from another perimeter player, creating options for both a shot and a return pass to the post.
Ball Screen Continuity
This involves a series of ball screens set in succession, allowing the ball handler to probe the defense and look for scoring opportunities.
Cross Screen
A player sets a screen for a teammate to cut across the lane, often used to get a post player an open look near the basket.
Down Screen
A player sets a screen for a teammate to cut from the top of the key down towards the baseline, often to get an open jump shot.
Pin Down
Similar to the down screen, but the screener “pins” their defender down to free up a shooter moving upwards.
Hawk Action
A combination of a down screen followed by a cross screen, often used to free up a post player.
Chin Action
A series of cuts and screens originating from the Princeton offense, involving a pass to the high post followed by cuts and screens on the wings.
Floppy
A baseline action where two players start under the basket and can use screens to cut to either side of the court, looking for an open shot.
Horns Flare
From the horns set, a player sets a flare screen for a shooter after the initial ball screen action.
Twist Action
Involves a pick and roll followed immediately by a re-screen, allowing the ball handler to change direction and probe the defense.
Ghost Screen
A fake screen where the screener slips to the basket or pops out before making contact with the defender.
Chicago Action
A handoff followed by a down screen, often used to free up a shooter.
Rip Screen
A screen set on the baseline, usually to free up a post player for an easy score.
Blind Pig
An action from the Triangle offense where a player cuts backdoor after passing to the high post.
Iverson Cut
Named after Allen Iverson, this involves a player using two screens set at the elbows to get open at the top of the key.
21 Series
A continuity offense involving a series of handoffs and ball screens.
Drag Screen
A ball screen set in transition, aiming to catch the defense off guard.
Angle Pick and Roll
The screener sets the screen at an angle, allowing the ball handler to attack the middle of the floor.
Double Drag
Two players set screens in transition for the ball handler.
Empty Corner Pick and Roll
The ball screen is set with the nearest corner empty, creating space for the ball handler to drive.
Ram Action
A screen set for the ball screener before they set the ball screen, aiming to free them up from their defender.
No More Set Plays! A Complete Guide to Basketball 5-out Motion Offense
Q&A on Types of Basketball Offense Plays
1. What is the purpose of offense plays in basketball?
Offense plays in basketball serve as a blueprint for the team’s offensive strategy.
They provide structure and organization to the team’s movements, ensuring that players are in the right positions to create scoring opportunities.
Effective offense plays can help teams overcome strong defenses, confuse opponents, and exploit mismatches.
By implementing different types of offense plays, teams can keep their opponents guessing and adapt to different game situations.
These plays also allow coaches to utilize the strengths of their players and maximize their potential on the court.
2. How do offense plays help overcome strong defenses?
Offense plays can confuse opponents and force them to constantly adjust and communicate.
By implementing different plays, teams can keep their opponents guessing and exploit defensive weaknesses.
3. Which offense play is effective against both man-to-man and zone defenses?
Motion offense is effective against both man-to-man and zone defenses.
It emphasizes constant movement, passing, and player spacing to create scoring opportunities.
4. What is the pick and roll play?
The pick and roll play involves two players working together to create an advantage.
It typically involves a ball handler and a big man.
The big man sets a screen for the ball handler, who then uses the screen to drive towards the basket or create a passing opportunity.
5. When is isolation play commonly used?
Isolation plays are commonly used when a team has a player with exceptional individual skills who can create their own shot.
The play involves clearing out one side of the court to allow the player to go one-on-one against their defender.
6. What is the objective of the fast break offense?
The objective of the fast break offense is to push the ball up the court quickly after a defensive rebound or turnover to catch the opposing team off guard.
The goal is to create scoring opportunities before the defense has a chance to set up.
7. How does the Princeton offense work?
The Princeton offense is a complex and structured offense that emphasizes constant movement, passing, and backdoor cuts.
It involves all five players on the court being involved in the offense, with interchangeable positions and continuous player movement.
The objective is to create confusion and exploit defensive breakdowns.
Example: The Princeton offense gained popularity when it was implemented by the Princeton University basketball team. It has since been used by various college and professional teams, including the Sacramento Kings under coach Rick Adelman.
8. Which team is known for implementing motion offense?
The San Antonio Spurs, under the coaching of Gregg Popovich, are known for their implementation of motion offense.
Their players constantly move off the ball, creating open passing lanes and scoring opportunities.
9. Who were famous players known for excelling in isolation plays?
Kobe Bryant was known for his ability to excel in isolation plays.
His footwork, ball-handling, and scoring ability allowed him to create scoring opportunities even against tough defenders.
10. Which team was known for their fast break offense during their championship-winning seasons?
The Golden State Warriors were known for their fast break offense during their championship-winning seasons.
Their ability to quickly transition from defense to offense and find open shooters led to many easy baskets.
11. What is the purpose of the Princeton offense?
The purpose of the Princeton offense is to create confusion and exploit defensive breakdowns.
It emphasizes constant movement, passing, and backdoor cuts to create scoring opportunities.
12. Can offense plays be modified based on the strengths of the players?
Yes, offense plays can be modified based on the strengths of the players.
Coaches often tailor their plays to maximize the potential of their players and utilize their individual skills.
13. Are offense plays effective against all types of defenses?
Offense plays can be effective against different types of defenses, but their effectiveness may vary.
Some plays are specifically designed to exploit certain defensive weaknesses, while others are more versatile and can be effective against various defenses.
14. How can teams keep their opponents guessing with offense plays?
By implementing different types of offense plays and varying their strategies, teams can keep their opponents guessing.
This makes it harder for the defense to anticipate and react to the team’s movements, creating more scoring opportunities.
15. Can offense plays be adjusted during a game?
Yes, offense plays can be adjusted during a game. Coaches often make adjustments based on the performance of their team and the opposing team’s defense.
This allows them to exploit weaknesses and adapt to changing game situations.
16. What is the Motion Offense?
Motion offense is a versatile and flexible strategy that emphasizes constant movement, passing, and player spacing.
It involves players continuously moving without the ball, setting screens, and making cuts to create scoring opportunities.
Motion offense is effective against both man-to-man and zone defenses, as it forces defenders to constantly adjust and communicate.
Example: The San Antonio Spurs, under the coaching of Gregg Popovich, have been known for their implementation of motion offense. Their players constantly move off the ball, creating open passing lanes and scoring opportunities.
17. What is the Pick and Roll?
The pick and roll is a fundamental offensive play that involves two players working together to create an advantage.
It typically involves a ball handler (usually the point guard) and a big man (center or power forward).
The big man sets a screen for the ball handler, who then uses the screen to drive towards the basket or create a passing opportunity.
Example: The partnership between Steve Nash and Amar’e Stoudemire during their time with the Phoenix Suns was a perfect example of the pick and roll play. Nash’s exceptional ball-handling skills combined with Stoudemire’s athleticism created numerous scoring opportunities.
18. What is Isolation in basketball?
Isolation plays involve clearing out one side of the court to allow a player to go one-on-one against their defender.
This play is often used when a team has a player with exceptional individual skills who can create their own shot.
The player attempts to beat their defender and score or create an open shot for a teammate.
Example: Kobe Bryant was known for his ability to excel in isolation plays. His footwork, ball-handling, and scoring ability allowed him to create scoring opportunities even against tough defenders.
19. What is a Fast Break in basketball?
The fast break offense is all about speed and quick decision-making.
It involves pushing the ball up the court quickly after a defensive rebound or turnover to catch the opposing team off guard.
The objective is to create scoring opportunities before the defense has a chance to set up.
Example: The Golden State Warriors, during their championship-winning seasons, were known for their fast break offense. Their ability to quickly transition from defense to offense and find open shooters led to many easy baskets.
Summary
Offense plays play a crucial role in basketball, providing structure and organization to a team’s offensive strategy.
Different types of offense plays, such as motion offense, pick and roll, isolation, fast break, and Princeton offense, offer various strategies to create scoring opportunities and exploit defensive weaknesses.
By implementing these plays effectively and adjusting them based on the strengths of the players and the opponent’s defense, teams can maximize their offensive potential and achieve success on the court.
