Basketball : Plays - Simple offense (1)

Simple Offense

This is a basic offense that involves a constant series of down screens and cross screens. Your players should never be standing for long.

If your player is denied the ball he goes back and down screens if he is on the wing, or sets another cross screen on the perimeter if he is denied on top.

In this diagram, we see the offense starting with (#4 and 35) setting down screens for (#2 and #3). You will need to work with your players in regards to setting and using screens for the offense to be effective.

(#2 and #3) make good v-cuts and come out to the wings off of the down screens from (#4 and #5).

We will discuss other options to starting the offense a bit later.

Simple Offense

(#1) picks a side to throw it to. In this diagram, he throws to (#2). No matter what side he enters the ball, the options are all the same.

Once (#2) has the ball, (#4) sets a cross screen for (#5). Teach them to wait for their screens and to use the screen effectively. (#2) should hold the ball a moment and wait for the screening action to develop.

After passing the ball to (#2), (#1) screens away on the perimeter for (#3), bringing him to the top of the key. (#2) will then throw it to (#3). If (#3) was denied, he would go back and screen for (#1) again. There is never any standing or waiting in this offense. Constant offense with simple rules. If you don't get the ball, either go away and screen, down screen or cross screen in the post. It is that simple. All five spots on the floor should always be filled.

Simple Offense

Once the ball is centered on the top again, the offense continues with (#2 and #1) setting down screens for (#4 and #5). Both post players will make good v-cuts and break to the wing for the pass.

Simple Offense

Since the ball entered to (#1's) side, it is his job to screen across for (#2) for the post up. (#4) should hold the ball a bit and wait for the screen across to see if (#2) might be open.

As in previous diagrams, since (#3) passed it, he does not stand still. He will go and set a cross screen for (#5) bringing him to the top of the floor for ball reversal and floor balance.

Again, if (#5) would be denied the pass, he does not stand there and beg for the ball. He immediately goes back and sets a good screen for (#3) or perhaps another player if (#3) already went down and screened for someone.

As long as they keep moving and screening, they really are not making any mistakes. They should know what types of screens they have to set depending on where they are on the floor.

For example, out front you would set a cross screen to bring someone to the top. When you are on the wing, you set down screens to bring someone out to the wing. If you are on the block, you either set a cross screen from block to block or someone will be setting a cross screen for you if the ball is away from you.

Simple Offense

Once the ball enters the top again, (#3 and #4) set down screens and the offense continues.

Once your players understand their responsibilities of movement and screens, then you can break the offense down by showing them where potential scoring opportunities might arise.

Simple Offense

Here is a different look to starting the same offense. You can make this change out of a time-out or between quarters or halves.

"Back screen entry"

Back screens are a great way to get people open, especially the screener. In this case, (#4 and #5) back screen and then pop out to get the pass. If the back screen is executed properly, (#4 and/or #5) should be open.

Simple Offense

The offense continues from here with no deviations from the original pattern.

Simple Offense

Here is another way to start the offense.

"Down screen with a high post flash entry"

This is a great entry for teams that are overplaying the entry pass to the wings. With practice and good timing, you will be able to get some good back door lay-ups.

After (#4 and #5) down screen, they immediately flash to the high post for an entry pass from (#1).

Simple Offense

Once the ball is entered, the wings cut back door looking for a bounce pass from the post.

If they don't get the ball, the post player with the ball can drive it to the basket for a shot, or he can pass it back out to the point guard and both post players can down screen and start the continuity offense again.