Open Post Motion Offense HoopClinics. Josh Stinson & Brian Williams

Transcription

1 HoopClinics Josh Stinson & Brian Williams

2 Contents Open Post Motion Offense Advantages of Open Post Motion... 3 Open Post Myths... 4 Challenges... 4 Personnel Considerations... 5 Motion Offense Teaching Points out... 7 Getting open... 8 Catching the Ball... 9 Passer s options Filling Spots Reading Screens Drills Corners...20 Closeout on 1 from the Wing...23 Mulaney on 2 on Perimeter Post Screens...27 Perimeter Screens men, 2 balls...32 Multipurpose 1on 2 & 2 on Quickpass...35 Run and Recover...37 Cut Throat...39 Weave to 3 on Conditions...41 No Dribble...42 Specials Skip...43 Through...44 Double...45 Pig...46 Open Post Zone Offense...48 Progressive Teaching Q and A Conclusion Resources HoopClinics Page 2

3 This ebook is written for and intended as a companion to the screen cast on the 5-out Open Post motion. Advantages of Open Post Motion Motion is Extremely Difficult to Scout Well-run motions are responsive; every screen and cut is made based on what the defense has made available. As a result, the same offense can look very different from game to game, or even from half to half. We might score off of curls five times in one game, and not at all in the next game. We might run 4 pick and rolls in one half and none the next. Since adjustments are made during play and based on how the defense is playing (as opposed to adjustments being made from the sideline (coach) or before the play starts) the 5-out can be difficult to scout. Pure Basketball the way the game was meant to be played The spacing of the offense allows players to read a screen and respond appropriately without disrupting the rest of the offense. In a motion offense featuring two post players (3-out, 2-in) a good basket cut or curling a screen might not produce a basket due to congestion in the basket area. In an open-post game this is not the case. The spacing allows players to be rewarded more often for reading the defense and responding appropriately. Good Motion Teams Are Extremely Difficult To Beat because their Players Understand the game Players in an open-post offense should always have a reason why they made a particular move. If a player curls a screen, the reason why is that the defender trailed the screen; if a point guard posts up in the low block, the reason why is that he had a defensive mismatch. This offense is based on players making reads, and reacting appropriately. In more patterned offense like the flex, this is not the case. Engagement Player s love it! Player s tend to enjoy the open-post; when run well, it has a way of galvanizing a team in a way that few other schemes can. A related benefit is that players on motion teams can practice motion concepts and principles in any setting. Motion principles are as applicable in summertime 3 on 3 games as they are in a March practice session. Every game, structured or not, is a developmental opportunity for a player who plays in an open-post system. This is a big advantage in the off-season, when coaches are not allowed any floor-time with players. Conditioning The open-post requires excellent conditioning. Nearly every coach makes a statement similar to the following at the beginning of every year: I know one thing; we re going to be in better shape than anybody we play. Obviously, about 90% percent of the coaches that make this statement are fooling themselves. Running an open post system not only justifies extra conditioning, it creates it; you can t hide in this offense. HoopClinics Page 3

4 The Open Post Is Great For Player Development At the high school level and below, player development is one of the coach s primary responsibilities. By giving players floor time in the post and on the perimeter, the open post promotes player development at all positions. By asking players to accurately read the defense, the open-post engenders an understanding of the game, regardless of position. As player s advance to more competitive levels of play, they are frequently asked to change positions. Running a 5-out system can help facilitate a smooth transition. Open Post Myths Open Post Teams Are Poor Rebounding Teams Getting offensive rebounds is a decision that a player makes, and acts on. A coach can run an offense that places all 5 players in the key if players don t decide that they want the offensive rebound on any given possession, they probably won t get it. The opposite is also true; players can run an open-post game - if they decide to go after offensive rebounds aggressively, they will get offensive rebounds. An active open-post motion offense will tend to draw the defense away from the basket. For this reason, it can actually make an undersized but active team into a better offensive rebounding team. You Can t Develop Good Post Play With The Open Post The 5-out features several post-up opportunities. When (and who) we post up is usually dictated by the defense and my mismatches. When we do post-up, the other 4 players remain in motion on the perimeter, creating more space for the post player to operate than would be available in a 3-out, 2-in offense, for example. Challenges Playing Without Purpose Players must actively look to create scoring opportunities for their teammates. They also must look for their own scoring opportunities. For inexperienced teams, knowing where the scoring opportunities are can be difficult at times. The result is that teams will begin to pass-and-basket cut, or pass-and-screen-away, with no real purpose, missing or ignoring scoring opportunities and breaking down into too much one-on-one play. It is important to constantly work with players on looking for scoring opportunities, on giving the defense different looks by alternating their cuts (don t run the same cut twice in a row is a rule we often give to passers), and on communicating with each other so that we can take advantage of opportunities that do occur. Getting the Right Shots This is something that comes with experience and situational practice work. For teams that are early in the learning process, it can be difficult to recognize the correct types of shots that should be taken out of the 5-out. The 5-out is an HoopClinics Page 4

5 equal opportunity offense in many respects. This does not mean, however, that we want all of the shots to be equally distributed, or that we want every player shooting the same kinds of shots. On offense, the cream will rise to the top so to speak the better players will tend to take the most shots in almost any system. The coach s responsibility is to work with all of the players to recognize what a good shot is, and how to get the ball to the right players in the right situations. Scrimmaging with conditions (more details is the Drills section) helps develop an understanding of when to take shots and of how to get them. Shooting percentages act as a good barometer for who gets to take certain shots. Inactive Players = Ineffective Offense The 5-out requires active players who play with purpose. If you have a player on the floor that is not active, the entire offense can bog down, frustrating everybody on the floor. I try to use this as a motivator if you aren t playing hard, I can find someone on the bench who will. In my experience, the coach can usually find a combination of 5 active players who can run the offense correctly. Additionally, the 5 out can help develop inactive players into active ones. In many ways, this is a strength of the 5-out; teams that spend a lot of time trying to hide lazy or inactive players are very rarely championship level teams. Still, for the rare occasion that the coach simply cannot find a combination of 5 active players that can be on the floor for an extended period of time, the open post motion will prove difficult to run. Personnel Considerations Screeners vs. Cutters The 5-out rewards quickness. The spacing of the offense, combined with good ball and player movement, can open up driving lanes that will make a quick, perimeter oriented player s mouth water. This does not mean, however, that only teams with great quickness can run the 5-out. It can be utilized by a variety of teams with a variety of personnel. A general rule that I have found useful is that slower teams need more screens, and quicker teams can use more cuts. Slower players tend to need the extra space that a screen provides in order to get off a shot, while quicker players can use their explosiveness to get by the defender and create a shot, or beat the defender with a basket cut. Another general rule is that we want our bigger players to be cutters and that we want our shooters to be screeners. In most screening situations, the screener is the most open player; in situations that require the screener to come back to the ball (i.e. if the player coming off of the screen curls or runs a backdoor cut), the screener will very often have a shot opportunity. Bigger players running cuts gives them more opportunities to post up and to catch the ball in the paint. Teams with a True Center A common question coaches ask about the 5-out: What if you have a true center? The answer: Don t run it. If you have a 7 foot tall player on your team, run something that keeps that player in the post. While the open-post is a great offense, there is no need to try to fit a square peg into a round hole. HoopClinics Page 5

6 Having said that, it is important to add that most teams don t have true centers. A 6 5 player on a high school boy s team is not a true center. Even if that player is better in the post than he is on the perimeter, he can still get several good post-up opportunities in the 5-out. Also, that player does not have to be an outstanding perimeter player. At minimum, he has to make good passing decisions when he catches the ball. Motion Offense Teaching Points Players moving to fill open positions on the perimeter should use L-Cuts. This occurs most commonly when a wing player fills the point position after the point passes and basket cuts. In this scenario the wing would cut to the free throw line and read his defender. If the defender is playing below him or denying him softly, the player would then cut to the top of the key. If he encounters hard denial, the player can instead make a backdoor cut to the basket. If the player does not make an L-cut and instead fills the open position with a straight cut, he leaves himself much more vulnerable to his defender stepping in the passing lane for a steal and, quite often, a breakaway lay-up. NEVER STAND!! A player who stands on the perimeter is making a mistake because: He often leaves himself vulnerable to his defender stealing a pass to him. He bogs the offense down. Motion is predicated on quick player movement and ball movement. One player standing around can bring both to a grinding halt. Occasionally a team will face a very passive defense that sags off perimeter players in an attempt to prevent any easy baskets that might come from backdoor cuts or penetration. Playing such a team, your offense might be afforded unrestricted ball movement because the passing lanes are undefended. However, I believe it is still important for players to be inconstant motion on the perimeter. Even a passive defensive team can occasionally garner steals against an offense where players stand around. To insure movement, a general rule that ballhandlers can only pass to players who are moving on the perimeter is useful. HoopClinics Page 6

7 There are obvious exceptions; for instance, a player left wide-open shooter after a defensive breakdown should always receive a pass. Offenses should never be initiated from the middle of the floor. The point guard should take 2 or 3 dribbles to one side and make and begin the offense on that side. By picking a side the point guard creates a safer passing angle to start the action. This also cues his teammates on the chosen side to get open for the entry pass. Read the Defender when coming off screens. If a defender trails the screen (fighting though the man-side of the screen), players can curl to the basket, which sends the screener back to the ball. If a defender goes on ball-side of the screen players can flare away from the screen for a shot, positioning themselves in a straight line between the screener and the basket. Curling perimeter screens in a 3 out 2 in set can be effective but often the man curling runs into a congested basket area. The move still has value, however, particularly in setting up the screener for a shot. Ball reversal is critical for many reasons. It gives everyone a chance to touch the ball, which is vital to keeping everyone feeling involved and to promoting unselfish play. It wears down the defender by demanding a lot of movement and forcing individuals to work against each cutting and screening situation the offense has to offer. This increases the likelihood that defenders will commit fouls. 5 out When players learn to move the ball well and to utilize all of the options of this offense, it is a thing of beauty to watch. The flip side of the five-man open post is that it is very difficult to master. It requires that all five offensive players be in constant motion; nobody stands in this offense. With five players in constant motion, Everybody must have a solid understanding of where they are supposed to be on the floor. HoopClinics Page 7

8 Everybody must have the ability to set good screens and, more importantly, to read the defense and respond appropriately to screening situations. If these elements are not in place, the offense can break down into players simply passing the ball around the perimeter without purpose, or into players running around the perimeter without purpose. Also, since the offense requires that all players be in constant motion, it is imperative that everybody on the floor be in excellent condition. For teams with talented but immobile big men, this can be a difficult offense, as it does not feature constant post up opportunities. What you run the offense well, the open post offense does offer plenty of post-up opportunities. It is an on offense for teams with versatile players as it provides individual scoring opportunities all over the floor. The open-post plays to the strength of quick players who can take advantage of the uncongested paint area to beat their man off the dribble for shots in the paint. I usually do not run many special plays out of the open post, since it provides so many different kinds of scoring opportunities when run well. The spacing of the offense, and the opportunity that it provides players who can read screens correctly, often makes it possible to counter all of that defensive tactics that a man-to-man defense can give without having to resort to special plays. Getting open 1. Player s should all be able to get open using a v-cut. A correctly executed V-cut: Walks the defender towards the basket (this should not be a half hearted jab step) close the gap, make contact with the defender and explode back out the floor should squeak (change of speed, change of direction) If the wing cannot create enough space to free himself by closing the gap, then the wing should close the gap and reverse pivot, putting the defender on his back. This puts the defender between the man and the basket and clears a path for the player to safely (but quickly) pop out to the wing. 2. If the wing is still denied on a v-cut, that player should execute a backdoor cut, taking a couple of extra stays away from the basket, followed by a quick change of speed, change of direction cut to the basket. If the backdoor pass is not available (it usually won t be consistently open, against intelligent pressure defenses) the wing pops out to the ball side corner. On the wing s back-cut, the ball side corner player fills the wing. HoopClinics Page 8

9 3. The final option is for the wing to down screen and flare out to the corner, bringing the corner player up to the wing to start the offense. 4. Sometimes defensive teams will get into the passing lanes. Tough offensive players will not give up on the play; instead, they will fight through the denial and retain possession of the ball. Backdoor (2) & Downscreen (3) Catching the Ball Inside / Outside Pivots On the catch, the wing should make a front turn, pivoting off of the inside foot (the foot closest to the passer on a pass from the point to the wing) and establishing triple threat position. This places the wing in an attacking position - if the wing is extremely crowded on the catch, he can reverse pivot off of the outside foot to create a little more space - though this is never the preference, as it put the offensive player back on his heels, one step further than we would like from the basket, in a passive stance. Outside Hand / Inside Hand HoopClinics Page 9

10 Coaches often emphasize that the player coming to the wing area should show the outside hand, giving the passer a safe target to start the offense. This is a valid point but could use some clarification. Players who are open for a shot coming off of baseline screens (i.e. downscreens or cross screens) should receive the ball on the inside, so that they can quickly catch and shoot). Good shooters recognize when they are going to be open and ask for the inside pass with hand placement. Good Playmakers grow to recognize the play as it unfolds and make the appropriate pass. Passer s options Pass and Screen away to the baseline HoopClinics Page 10

11 Screen Away to the Baseline Pass and Basket cut, filling the open position on the weak-side. Pass and Basket Cut Corner players do not clear to the weakside they can v-cut or post up after the pass HoopClinics Page 11

12 Pass and post up Post up for a 2-count before clearing out to the weakside Pass and Post then clear out to the weakside Exception: If a corner player posts up, he comes back out to the same side after a 2-count Pass and Screen the Ball HoopClinics Page 12

13 Ball Screen Pass & V-Cuts = Fancy version of Standing around We do not want to pass and v cut (also known as pass and replace yourself ). V-cuts are only used on occasion to start the offense. We term a pass and v-cut maneuver as a really energetic way of doing nothing. This stagnates the offense and is a signal to me, the coach, that a player is tired and needs to come out of the game to rest. Alternatives Several motion offenses feature other actions following the pass that are not covered included in this particular motion game. One example is the use of backscreens i.e. The point guard passes to the wing and receives a backscreen or flare screen from the opposite wing. My preference is to keep things as simple as possible. The basic reads required of every player in the 5-Out can be a handful for teams at all levels to execute properly and aggressively (equal emphasis should always be placed on both components). Adding in flare screens and backscreen for the passer can significantly disrupt aggressive execution - often for little benefit. A flare screen is essentially the same as calling a set play it requires the passer to come off of the screen rather than set the screen - it must be coordinated ahead of time and typically does nothing more than briefly free up the shooter on the weakside/screener at the top of the key. We can get open 3 point looks anytime, in any offense. Flare screens certainly have their place in the game, and can be run very effectively in the open post motion, but are probably best used with experienced motion teams ones that already make aggressive cut and proper reads i.e. curls, slips, backdoors consistently. Another common Open Post tactic not employed in this particular motion is requiring that any player that goes to the post must set a back-screen for a perimeter player in order to exit the post. This is a very sound approach that I HoopClinics Page 13

14 have used in the past in more recent years, I have favored the pass, post, and clear option for the sake of simplicity. However, having requiring that players set backscreens to return to the perimeter is a good way to incorporate an additional look (backscreen) into the offense without disrupting rhythm Backscreen Post Backscreen Filling Spots Cut Straight to the Ball and Read HoopClinics Page 14

15 If the defender plays on the high side, cut to the basket HoopClinics Page 15

16 If the defender plays on the low side, pop out to the perimeter spot Reading Screens On all screens: The player receiving the screen should set up (influence) the defender by taking 2-3 steps away from the screen (this does not apply for players who have already come off of a screen and are still in motion - see the image below) HoopClinics Page 16

17 Curl The player coming off of the screen should rub shoulders with the player setting the screen, so that the defender cannot slide through. If the defender trails the screen, going around the side of the screen as the offensive player, the offense curls the screen to the basket. The player calls curl, triggering the screener to roll back to the ball HoopClinics Page 17

18 Fade If the defense goes on the ball side of the screen, the offensive player can fade the screen, positioning himself in a direct line with the screener and the basket. Backdoor HoopClinics Page 18

19 If the defense overplays, fighting through the screen early to deny the pass, the offense can run a backdoor cut. The screener comes back to the ball. Slip If the defense is switching, the screener slips the screen to the basket. HoopClinics Page 19

20 Drills 4 Corners Purpose: This fast moving passing and shooting drill emphasizes a number of basketball s fundamental skills. The passing portion of the drill reinforces the basic mechanics of delivering and receiving a chest pass while the shooting portion incorporates cutting, setting the defense up for screens, receiving and shooting the ball while on the move, and rebounding. Organization: Players organize into 4 lines, each facing the hoop. Line 1 is in the right short corner, Line 2 is in the opposite corner, Line 3 is on the right wing, and Line 4 is on the left wing Procedure: Passing: 1. Player 1 passes to line 2 and moves to the end of that line. 2. Line 2 passes to line 3 and follows the pass to the end of that line. 3. Line 3 passes to line Line 4 passes back to line 1, and so on. 5. To reduce confusion the coach can remind the players that they will always be following the same person throughout the drill. Coaching Points: 1. Show the passer a target when receiving the pass. 2. Make crisp chest passes. Hands should be positioned on either side of the ball with the thumbs up when passing. Snap the wrists when passing so that the palms are out and thumbs are down after the pass. This insures a sharp pass with proper backspin. 3. When it is appropriate the coach can set a goal of a certain number of passes in a given time. For inexperienced teams a goal of passes in a minute might be tough but attainable. The goal should be a challenging one that forces players to be sharp. Procedure: Shooting: HoopClinics Page 20

21 1. This can transition into a shooting drill. In the shooting portion, line 3 (on the right wing) becomes the shooting line and line 4 (left wing) becomes the rebounding line. 2. Rotations remain the same. 3. After line 3 shoots, he goes to line When line 4 rebounds he passes to line 1 and goes to the end of that line. Coaching Points: 1. The shooter must make a change-of-direction cut, catching the ball while moving for a lay-up or jumper. Timing is critical. The shooter takes a couple of steps one direction, then makes a quick change of direction cut as the passer catches the ball. He should catch the ball while moving. This simulates coming off of a screen for a shot. 2. Rebounders should get into rebounding position in the key with bent knees and hands above the shoulders. They should explode after the rebound and get it before it hits the ground. Ideally, the ball will never hit the floor at any time during the drill. Closeout HoopClinics Page 21

22 Purpose: To teach the defense how to close out on the perimeter. The defense must condition itself to contest EVERY shot. Few things are more discouraging for the coach than a player who doesn t make an effort to contest a shot, even if the situation makes it difficult. At the same time the defense must prepare itself to the offense should it attempt to drive. Organization: Player 1 stands in front of line on the baseline 2 steps to the right of the hoop. Player 2 stands directly ahead of Player 1, outside the 3pt. Line. Player 3 stands on the right wing and player 4 stands in the right corner. Procedure: 1. Player 1 passes to 2. 2 passes to 3, who reverses the ball to On the pass to 3, 2 sprints directly to 4 in the corner, closing out with his hands up as 4 as he catches the pass and 2 play one-on-one until 4 scores or 2 rebounds or steals. 4. Player 1 becomes 2, 2 becomes 3 and 3 becomes 4 to continue the drill. After playing offense 4 gets in line. Coaching Points: 1. 2 must Sprint to 4, bringing his right hand up in front of the ball in the case of a shot. EVERY shot should be taken over an extended arm. On the shot, the defender s hand should be at or above the shooter s wrist s other hand is also raised. In a game this obstructs vision of the floor must Chop-Slide in to 4, getting balanced and ready to react should 4 attempt a drive. When 2 gets about 4-6 feet from 4, he slows himself, approaching with short, choppy steps and bent knees. Now he has readied himself for 4 s drive while still contesting the shot contain 4, influencing him to the baseline. STAY IN FRONT!! 5. Never jump on a shot or a fake. Keep your feet on the floor. Great defense has more to do with positioning and balance than the rare spectacular blocked shot by an airborne defender. 6. Box-Out the shooter. 7. Don t reach across the body. If a player takes a dribble to the right and pulls 8. Up for a jump shot he should be shooting over the defender s left hand. If the defense tries to bring his right hand across the shooter s body to contest, he loses balance and will likely be whistled for a foul. 9. Offense should need no more than 2 dribbles for a shot. Players should try to position themselves so that they will have a challenging defensive match-up. HoopClinics Page 22

23 1 on 1 from the Wing Purpose: To teach denial of a pass to the wing when a player s defender is one pass away from the ball. The defender s goal is either for the steal or to force the offensive player to come out of the scoring area (3-4 feet outside the 3 pt line or farther) to receive the pass. Offensively, we are looking to make quick, purposeful scoring moves using no more than two dribbles. Organization: 2 players on a wing, one on offense and one on defense. The coach has a ball at the top of the key. Procedure: 1. O tries to get open on the wing while D denies him. 2. O walks to the block, then V-cuts to the wing to get open. 3. When O catches the ball, 1 on 1 play begins. O has only 2 d dribbles to get a shot off. 4. O has no shot he passes back to coach and v cuts to the wing again, repeating the action. 5. Play continues until O scores or D rebounds or gets a steal. HoopClinics Page 23

24 Coaching Points: 1. D plays on the line, up the line defense, trying to keep a gap between himself and O. 2. D should have his inside arm in the passing lane, with his palm facing the ball and his thumb pointed down. 3. If O goes backdoor, D swings open to the ball, losing sight of his man momentarily. If the pass is not completed he resumes denial position on O. 4. When O catches the ball, he should face up and jab step before making a move unless he has a clear advantage. Mulaney HoopClinics Page 24

25 Purpose: To teach on-ball defenders to fight over the top of the pick in a Pick and Roll situation. A defender who fails to fight over the top allows his man vision of the floor and often gives up an open jump shot. To teach the offense the importance of rubbing shoulders on the screen. Organization: Players form a line about 10 feet past the top of the key. 2 screeners stand on either elbow. Player 1 has a ball at the top of the key as player 2 defends. Procedure: 1. O dribbles to the right, using the screen at the elbow. He then turns back and comes off another screen to the top of the key. 2. O continues to the left wing, using another screen at the other elbow. He turns back and comes off another screen. O continues this 4-5 times. 3. X plays defense on 1, conditioning himself to fight over the top of every screen. 4. After seconds, X returns to line and the drill repeats with 1 on defense. Coaching Points: 1. At the screen X get as skinny as possible to squeeze through the screen. 2. X uses the hand nearest the screened and feels for the screener s location. X 3. X should use this arm to reach around screener s hip. 4. At the same time X extends his leg nearest the screened. He picks this leg up and steps completely around the screened and over the top of the screen. 5. X continues through the screen, maintaining defensive position on O. 6. As in any screen situation, O and the screened attempt to rub shoulders on the screen. If they fail to rub shoulders, they create space for X to get over the screen. 7. The screened assumes a wide base and remains stationary as he sets the screen. His arms should be at his sides with his hands covering his privates to protect himself. HoopClinics Page 25

26 2 on 2 on 2 Purpose: Defense: To repetitively drill hedging and fighting over the screen in a short time frame. Offense: To repetitively practice Rubbing shoulders on the pick and roll and for the ballhandler to attempt to turn the corner on the screen. Organization: 3 players on offense and 3 on defense at the top of the key and both wings. O1, at the top of the key, has a ball. screening X1. Procedure: O1 passes to O2 and follows his pass, screening X2. O2 dribbles off the screen towards the top of the key. X1 hedges and X2 fights over the top of the screen. When O2 has dribbled to the top of the key he passes to O3 and follows his pass, screening X3. O3 dribbles off the screen towards the top of the key. X2 hedges and X3 fights over the top of the screen. O3 continues the action by passing to O1 on the wing and Coaching Points: 1. Communicate! Men guarding screeners should call all screens. 2. Force the ball handler away from the basket as he dribbles of the screen. Don t allow him to turn the corner.\ 3. Remember, in a game there is help defense to assist in defending the man rolling to the basket. Don t neglect to hedge the screen for fear of leaving the screener open. HoopClinics Page 26

27 Perimeter Post Screens Purpose: To teach the following screening action between a wing player and a corner player who has stepped in towards the post, setting his man up for the screen: HoopClinics Page 27

28 Organization: Players line up at a wing. One player stands on the post. The coach stands at the top of the key. Procedure: 1. On the coaches cue the wing player executes a downscreen. The coach passes to the post coming off of the downscreen (on a fade, curl, or direct cut to the wing) for a shot, or to the screener rolling back to the ball. 2. The next wing player steps in, and the original wing player moves to the post. The post player moves to the end of the line as the drill continues. HoopClinics Page 28

29 Coaching Points: 1. Players curl screens when the defender (there are no defenders in the drill, but an assistant coach can demonstrate defensive maneuvers for the players to respond to) follows the player around the screen. 2. Players fade screens when the defender goes over the ball-side of the screen. 3. Screeners should always step back to the ball for a pass. Often, the screener is more open than the man coming off the screen. Perimeter Screens Purpose: To drill the fundamentals of off-ball screens in a pass and screen away setting. I run this often early in the season because it helps break down the fundamentals of screening for both the screener and the man receiving the screen, which is a necessary fundamental of ALL man to man offense. I also run this periodically during the season if screening becomes sloppy and again at playoff time to reemphasize the fact that these basics are the real key to success. Organization: Players form 3 lines. Line 1 is on the right wing, line 2 is at the top of the key and line 3 is on the left wing. Line 1 has a ball HoopClinics Page 29

30 Procedure: 1. Player 1 passes to 2, makes a v-cut and receives a return pass from 2 on the wing 2. After 2 passes back to 1 he goes away and sets a screen for comes off of 2 s screen and receives a pass from 1 for a jump shot at the free throw line area. 4. All 3 players rebound the shot, and put it back in on a missed shot Coaching Points: 1. 1 must face up and jab step after receiving the return pass from influences before coming off the screen. He should take 2 steps away from the screen (towards the baseline) to set up his man, then cut hard back and come off the screen, changing speed and direction must be stationary when setting the screen, with his arms at his side and his hands covering his privates must rub shoulders with 2 when coming off the screen. This leaves no space for 3 s man to get through the screen. 5. When coming off the screen 3 must show his hands, giving the passer a target. 3 should catch the ball near the chest area, where he can catch and be in immediate position to shoot. HoopClinics Page 30

31 VARIATIONS Slip Curl HoopClinics Page 31

32 Backdoor 3 men, 2 balls Purpose: To repetitively drill spot up shooting and following the shot. Organization: 3 players per hoop. Players 1 and 2 stand at either elbow with a ball and player 3 stands in the short corner Procedure: 1. On the whistle, player 1 shoots, rebounds his shot and passes to 3, then moves to the perimeter looking for a pass. 2. After 1 shoots, 2 shoots, rebounds his shot and passes to 1, then moves to the perimeter looking for a pass. 3. Upon receiving a pass a player shoots then continues the process of rebounding, passing to the open layer and moving to the perimeter for a pass. 4. Each player should pass to the same teammate and receive passes from the same teammate for the duration of the drill. HoopClinics Page 32

33 Coaching Points: 1. Each team of 3 should count how many shots they make collectively during the drill and compete against other teams. 2. Perimeter players waiting for a pass should run or slide on the perimeter instead of just standing on a spot. 3. Players should catch and shoot. 4. Unless they have to pivot to square up to the hoop as they catch the ball, they should catch the ball in a jump stop. The ball hits the player s hands as his feet hit the floor in a ready-to-shoot position. 5. After following through properly on the shot, players should aggressively follow their shot. The shooter knows best if his shot is long or short. HoopClinics Page 33

34 Multipurpose 1on 2 & 2 on 2 Purpose: This is an excellent multipurpose drill. It teaches on-ball defenders to pressure the ball aggressively while forcing the ballhandler to the sideline. It teaches help defenders to step out of the key to help on penetration. Defender s will ideally get the message that playing 2 on 1 (in the sense that the on-ball defender always has help available is much more difficult to score against than playing 1 on 1 with no help. Organization: Players form 3 lines across halfcourt. The front player in the middle line has a ball. Procedure: 1. Players begin the drill like a 3 man weave. 1 passes to 2, who is cutting towards the middle of the floor. 1 follows his pass, stopping just past half court near the sideline passes to 3, who is cutting across the court towards 1. After passing, 2 follows his pass and goes into the key passes to 1 and steps up to defend attempts to make a scoring move. 3 defends, influencing 1 to the sideline. If 3 gets beat in either direction, 2 steps out of the paint to help. 5. Play continues until a player makes a shot. If 1 misses his shot or turns the ball over, the player who secures the rebound (or steal) dribbles out to the perimeter and the other 2 players communicate, with one player defending the ball (calling I ve got ball!! ) and the other defender getting into help position (calling I ve got help!). 6. To defensive players should never to the ball. Instead, one player should always defend the ball while the other helps. This requires excellent communication and adjustment. Coaching Points: 1. Help defenders should look to help early, before the offensive players able to get into the paint for shot. When helping, defensive players should establish their feet outside of the key with arms fully extended, standing "number to number" with the offensive player. 2. On-ball defenders should work to keep the ball on one side of the floor, discouraging penetration to the middle, while containing the dribble (don't get beat). HoopClinics Page 34

35 Variation 1 1. Instead of wing players dribble the ball back out to the perimeter on a rebound, the coach may want to allow players to attempt put-backs under defensive pressure. Variation 2: 2. By adding a fourth line of players on the baseline, the coach can turn this drill into a 2 on 2 contest. The drill begins normally, except when one catches the ball to begin the action, the first player in the line on the baseline steps in as an offensive teammate to defends the baseline player instead of playing help defense. Players continue playing two on two until one team scores. 2. When playing two on two, the offensive players can look to: run the pick and roll, pass and cut, and feed the post. Quickpass Purpose: This dry run works best with continuity and motion offenses as opposed to set plays. Motions and continuities feature continuous ball movement, cutting and screening until a scoring opportunity arises. Set plays, on the other hand, involve a prescribed number of passes, cuts or screens. If a scoring opportunity doesn t arise the play ends, and the team has to regroup and find another plan of attack. A continuity offense doesn t end and when run correctly is rarely forced to reset. Organization: 5 Players set up in the 5 out motion Procedure: 1. In Quick Pass players simply run motion, making a specified number of passes before the shot passes is usually enough to reinforce several various offensive options/cuts. Coaching Points: 1. Passes are usually made primarily on the perimeter. 2. Ball reversal should be emphasized HoopClinics Page 35

36 Run and Recover Purpose: To drill the player at the top of the key to retreat to defense when the offense shoots. To drill the other 4 players to go after the offensive rebound. This drill also emphasizes execution of the Fast Break and/or half-court offense. It is valuable for its emphasis on both offensive and defensive transition. Organization: 5 men at one basket. A coach stands with a ball at that basket. Another Coach stands out of bounds on the other end of the floor with a ball. Procedure: 1. C1 shoots. On the shot, the 5 players rebound and run the fast break to the opposite end and score. The coach can designate if the shot be taken on the primary break, secondary break or out of the half-court offense. 2. On the shot C2 throws his ball down-court to C1. The player at the top of the key must drop back on the shot to and get in front of this pass to prevent the easy lay-up while the other 4 players rebound. Coaching Points: 1. If the point man drives for a score or there is nobody in the point position then the closest man to that position must get back on defense instead. 2. Rebounders should try to form a rebounding triangle, with one man on either side of the hoop near the blocks and one man in front of the hoop in the paint. The remaining man stands just inside the free throw line to cover long rebounds. 3. Rebounders should rebound with their hands above their shoulder and should have bent knees. Variations: 1. Some coaches might choose to designate a specific man to get back on defense, regardless of where he is located when a shot is taken. This might make sense for a team with an extremely small guard in an offense that keeps that player on the perimeter. This also simplifies things somewhat; a player s role is always to rebound or to get back, regardless of court positioning. 2. Some coaches might want to have 2 men get back on defense instead of 1. This can be effective against great fast breaking teams. HoopClinics Page 37

37 Cut Throat Purpose: Developing purposeful 1 on 1 driving moves for the offense. Closing out to cover the drive and the shot. Organization: The team is divided into units of 3 players. One unit stands on the perimeter in the guard positions. Another unit stands across the baseline ready to step out and defend. Other units wait on the baseline. The coach stands on the baseline with a ball. Procedure: 1. The coach starts the action by passing the ball to a perimeter player. 2. Baseline defenders sprint out to defend in the appropriate defensive positions. 3. The two teams play 3 on 3. Play continues until the offense scores or until the defensive gets a defensive rebound or forces a turnover. 4. If the offense scores it stays on the floor and the next team in line steps in to defend as the drill resets. 5. If the defense get the defensive rebound or forces a turnover, the offensive team steps off the floor and HoopClinics Page 39

38 the defensive team moves to offense. The next team in line plays defense as the drill resets.\ 6. Each team scores one point for a made basket. The first team to a predetermined amount of made baskets wins. Coaching Points: 1. The coach can isolate and improve specific area of both offense and defense by implementing playing conditions. For example, to work on ball movement, the coach can require that the ball be reversed before a shot. To improve screening, the coach can require that players headhunt by locating defenders and screening bodies on every screen. To improve defensive positioning, the coach can require proper on and off-ball positioning on every pass. If a condition is not met, the possession immediately ends and the team that made the mistake steps off the floor. This is an excellent way to improve specific areas of both offense and defense in a fast paced scrimmage situation. Weave to 3 on 3 Purpose: To play 3 on 3 in a fullcourt setting that emphasizes both half court and fullcourt execution on both sides of the ball. Organization: Players form 3 lines on the baseline as they would in the 3 man weave. Procedure: 1. The front players in each line perform a 3 man weave to the other end of the floor. Ideally, the weave should be completed in 3 passes and end in a made layup without the ball hitting the floor. As the first team performs the weave, the next player in each line comes to half court preparing to match up defensively. 2. After scoring the layup on the three man weave, the first team comes back to the other end of the floor to play three on three against the players waiting at half court. Full-court three on three play continues until one team scores. 3. After one team scores, the team that started the drill on defense runs the three man weave as the drill resets. The team that started the drill running a three man weave steps off the HoopClinics Page 40

39 floor and gets into line. Coaching Points: 1. This drill is a great conditioner, particularly when run immediately after the three man weave. I will often and the transition segment of practice with three minutes of the three man weave (three passes on every trip down the floor, the ball does not hit the ground) followed immediately by seven minutes of the weave to three on three. 2. When three on three play begins, the point guard can work on initiating the offense and the wings can work on getting open. If the wings have difficulty getting open, the point guard can call for the wings to cross under the basket, with the bigger of the two players screening for his teammate. 3. Alternatively, the point guard can pick a side of the floor by taking one to two dribbles to that side, and initiate the offense by passing to a wing player who is coming out of a V-cut to get open in the wing. Either way, it is important for the point guard to be able to keep the dribble live until he can complete an entry pass to start offensive action. 4. This drill also provides an excellent opportunity to perfect of the primary break. On every defensive rebound or turnover, the team with possession of the ball should look to quickly advance the ball to the other end of the floor, with the ballhandler pushing the ball up the middle and two players running the outside lanes. In transition defense, it is important for one player to always stop the ball and for the other two players to Sprint back to the paint before matching up. This Conditions Procedure: To develop shot selection in the open post motion, as well as the ability to get specific shots, in specific situations, for specific players. Organization: The coach divides the team into two units. Offense and defense set up for half court 5 on 5 play. HoopClinics Page 41

40 Procedure: 1. The procedure is identical to Possessions with the addition of conditions that must be met before the offense can shoot (with the exception of wide open layups, which we will always shoot). 2. Some examples of conditions include: a. The ball must be reversed (passed from one side of the floor to the other before a shot. b. The ball must be passed 5 times before a shot. c. The ball must enter the post before a shot is taken (the post player is not required to shoot, only to receive a pass in the post before a shot attempt. d. A specific player must get the shot, after the ball is reversed. Coaching Points: 1. A coach can implement a number of similar conditions not mentioned above. Scrimmaging with conditions teaches players how to: a. Play with patience b. Recognize a good shot (that comes out of the offense and/or after good ball movement) from a bad shot (a shot that is forced, a tough shot taken too early in the possession, denying teammates inclusion in the offense and denying the opponent a chance to foul) c. Utilize all of the scoring opportunities available in the offense this is especially important against good defenses that force patience d. Get the ball to a specific player, for the shot that WE want this is particularly important for teams that utilize motion-type offenses because it teaches them how to get the ball into the right players hands (i.e. the hot hand, or to the star for the end-of-game shot, etc.) without using set plays. 2. Most conditions mentioned emphasize passing in one way or another good ball movement is an important factor in team chemistry. Everybody will not get the same amount of shots, but everyone must be an active participant in the offense for us to have any degree of success. No Dribble Purpose: This teaches players to execute the continuity offense without the use of the dribble. The goal of the drill is not to score, but to complete as many passes as possible. Since the offense cannot dribble, the players without the ball must quickly and properly set and use screens to move the ball. Players are also required to catch the ball in the proper areas in the offense. If a player should catch the ball on the wing, he must catch it on the wing in the scoring area instead of coming out of the scoring area to catch the ball. This drill has proven especially valuable because it demands precision and quickness under pressure. Ideally this carries over to games and allows players to properly execute against great quickness and pressure. Organization: 5 players on offense and 5 on defense. The point guard starts with the ball. HoopClinics Page 42

41 Procedure: 1. The offense completes as many passes as it can without the ball hitting the ground while the defense overplays, looking to deflect or steal the ball. 2. Each team gets 3 possessions. The total amount of passes completed in 3 possessions is their final score. 3. Possession is also lost if a player catches the ball out of position. If a player isn t open he should not come out of position to receive the ball, he should go away and set a screen. 4. Possession is also lost on a 5 second count. 5. Defenders cannot switch on screens. Coaching Points: 1. Screeners should screen bodies. They should headhunt and set the screen on a man. Players often fall into the habit of going to a predetermined spot and screening air making it difficult for the man receiving the screen to free himself. 2. Players must influence before coming off screens. This is done by taking a step or two away from the screen to set up the defender, then cutting back to come off the screen. Taking the defender away from the screen often forces the defender into errors, especially if they react strongly to the fake. 3. Players should rub shoulders on screens. The man coming off the screen rubs shoulders with the screener, leaving no gap between himself and his teammate for the defender to get through. 4. If a player comes off a screen but is overplayed and cannot receive a pass, he re-screens, going away from the ball and screening for another teammate. 5. Players with the ball assume triple threat position and make a jab step to prevent the defense from guarding too closely. Always avoid turning away from the basket to protect the ball. 6. Offense should always look to reverse the ball. This forces the defense to work much harder than if the ball stays on one side of the floor. 7. The defense should try hard to deny all passes to end the offense s possession. 8. Defenders follow the rules of man to man defense, jumping to the ball. This makes it much easier to fight through screens. Specials It is worth mentioning that a well-run motion, particularly a well-run open-post motion, is often defined as an absence of set plays. When run well, the open post should provide scoring opportunities against any man to man defense. Stated another way, if you run a 5-out and you still need to run 10 set plays to score, your 5 out probably isn t very good. Still, set plays can be valuable in getting shots in different situations, such as at the end of a quarter, to break a scoring drought, or get a shot for a specific player. I know of one coach who runs a different set play to start every game, and runs nothing but motion for the remainder of each game. Almost any play, out of any set, could theoretically be run as an entry into motion i.e. the team runs the set play first, and if no shot results, the team runs motion until a shot opportunity presents itself. I ve included a few plays here that have worked well for my motion teams in the past. Skip HoopClinics Page 43

42 Skip is a good option to run against switching man to man defenses because it features a small player (1) screening for a big player (5), who immediately posts up. 1 passes to the wing and screen for the corner player, skipping the wing player. The post player curls the screen and goes to the low post to take advantage of the mismatch created when 1 s defender switched onto 5. Through When players have good understanding of floor balance and have demonstrated the ability to communicate and re-balance the floor if play becomes distorted, the Coach can give cutters (the wing in this example) the option of going Through on a cut and setting a backscreen for his counterpart on the opposite side of the floor. If the back pick for the weak side player doesn t produce an easy shot, that player continues through to the strong side to balance the floor. HoopClinics Page 44

43 Double Double is a play designed to get an open perimeter scoring opportunity for a wing player. The play starts with 3 going down to the block to set a double screen with the post player (5). 2 goes under the basket and stops with his "head in the hole". HoopClinics Page 45

44 2 has the option of continuing off of the double screen from 5 and 3, or Turning back to come off the single screen from 4. If 2 has no shot, the team enters into its motion. Pig HoopClinics Page 46

45 Pig is a backdoor play designed to counter tough denial defense with backdoor cuts and aggressive penetration. It is used when players aren t able to get open on the wings with V-cuts, downscreens, or backdoor cuts. The point dribbles away from the direction of the intended pass in order to misdirect the defense. The weak side corner flashes to the high post area. At the same time, the wing on the same side takes his man 2 short steps away from the basket, setting up a backdoor cut. On the high post catch, the wing makes the backdoor cut while the 2 opposite players (2 & 4) set a weak side double screen. 34 continues through off of the double screen, while 1 follows 3 s cut with a curl cut around the high post. If 1 is not open, 1 also continues through off of the double screen. This cues 5 to attack the basket aggressively with the dribble. HoopClinics Page 47

46 Open Post Zone Offense HoopClinics Page 48

47 Here is a simple zone offense that can be run from a 5 out set, primarily against 2-3 zones. This is one set that can be run against zones; however, different zone offenses should be considered and utilized when appropriate. Good zone attacks follow sets of principles that may be better achieved running different offenses out of different sets. See the mind map at the end of this book for a review of some important concepts for attacking zones out of a motion offense The primary focus is on creating scoring opportunities by sending weak-side cutters to the ball from the weak side wing.. Cutting action begins on a pass to a wing. On the pass to 2, the weakside wing (3) cuts into the lane, looking for a hole. We don t want to cut to a specific spot, instead we want to find the seams left unguarded. Cutting into the seams is very effective against ball-oriented zones, if they are not paying attention to what is happening behind them on the weakside. Note: Sending cutters from the wing area is not likely to remain an effective attack against high school level teams. A more consistently effective cut is likely to come from the weakside baseline area, as this cut would almost always start outside of the zone defenders field of vision cutters from the wing are easier to locate by peripheral vision. On the pass to the corner, the high post cutter dives to the block area for a quick 2-count before backing out to the weak side corner. HoopClinics Page 49

48 Baseline players should look for opportunities for quick duck-ins in the paint area As the Ball is reversed to the opposite wing (5), The cutting action continues Progressive Teaching Taken at once, the 5-out open post is a complicated offense and can be difficult to absorb. See the at the end of this book for some ideas on how to teach the open-post progressively to your team. Q and A Every question asked by readers prior to the release of this book was reviewed and integrated into this book and/or the accompanying videos. If you have any questions or would like any clarification about the 5 out that was not answered in the book or videos, please feel free to hoopclinics@gmail.com with your question. We will do our best to give you an informed answer, which we will include in periodic book updates. Conclusion We hope that you have found this HoopClinics chalk talk and ebook on the 5-out open post informative and useful. Our goal with this and all clinics is to provide materials that give the big picture so that you have the drills, special plays, concepts, and teaching points needed to implement the open post motion with your team today, if you so desire. HoopClinics Page 50

49 Even if you don t run this great offense with your team this year, we hope that you are able to pull some useful drills, teaching principles, and ideas from this guide that you can put to use in your program. Resources For now, other HoopClinics products can be found at Championship Videos HoopClinics Page 51

50 ***Zone Offenses Rely More On Following Certain Principles than on any specific attack** Don't Run What Doesn't Work For You! Many Times A coach will play zone so that players are in a good position to run the break. Crash The Glass HARD. You wont be boxed out Get passing done early. Get ball to open player. Outrun the Zone Fast Break Drop Steps in the Lane Weak Side Cutters Zone Offense Principles * Open Post Motion Man to man defense demands the use of quicker ball and player movement than zone defense. Drive the gaps (with the ball) and step into the gaps (shooters). Against Zones we screen and cut LESS and drive the gaps MORE. Screen the Ball and The Weakside (allowing skip passes) against zones Shift The Zone With FAKES Make the Defense Work! Move the ball Drive the gaps & kick. Pass to the High Post Early and Often

51 Your League & Opponents' Style of Play Also Dictate What You Teach and When You Teach It 1: Basket cut, Screen Away 2: Post 3. Screen the Ball 1. Fill & pop/backdoor & Straight Cuts (off of screens) 2. Read Screens: Curl & Fade; Screener Back to The Ball 3. Ball Screen Reads; Slip; Back cut screens November X mas : GOOD Basic Motion; 1 2 set plays January February: Basic Motion (flawless), 1 2 plays, Reading Screens; Consistent Post Up's Feb Playoffs: Add Ball Screens; 4 5 total Specials; Making Good Reads at game speed State Tournament: Full package; Great Team Play Passer's options Coming to the ball Season Guideposts: H.S. Varsity November January: Basic Motion: Repetition & Muscle Memory: 1 special January February: Basic Motion + Post Ups, 2 3 specials: Consistently Aggressive Play One Thing at a Time Season Guide Posts: Middle School Teaching The Open Post Whole Part Whole Progress Indicators Whole Part Whole Blend Motion Concepts Into All Facets Of Practice Consistent Execution Practice Speed Resembles When fundamental breakdowns that you have been working on ARE NOT your biggest problem Walk Through Basic Motion Basket Cuts and Screen Away (no reading screens) Dry Runs every day 3 on 3 Part Method Teaching Tool 2 on 2 Pick and Rolls Scrimmages Conditions Stop and Go Scrimmaging Warmups Transition Offense Warmups: 4 corners; Dry Runs Pre practice: Change of Speed, Change of Direction cuts Transition: Dry Runs, Execute and Recover Defense: Closeouts (1on1 penetration moves) Offensive Breakdowns: V cut, L cut; 1on1 from wing; Screening breakdowns Shooting: 3 men, 2 balls; Offense specific breakdowns 2008 HoopClinics. Josh Stinson & Brian Williams