I cannot help but fall out of the bleachers when a rebound is dramatically speared and the rebounder’s eyes look to dribble, throw an elbow, heave the ball down court or start dancing. TEAM basketball is a simple toss (over head, bounce, one handed shove, or chest) to the wing or occasionally center to get into transition or your TEAM’s set offense. I can-not fathom any coach worth his or her salt not teach-ing outlet passes. The fact remains however, that many players and TEAMS haven’t done enough laps to engrain this fundamental concept into their neurons. When a rebound is completed by the defense, it is a success. The ball has changed pos-session; yet many players instinctively feel they can do something heroic 90 feet from the hoop. You can-not. Fundamental TEAM basketball instructs us to not lose the ball after your TEAM has obtained posses-sion without the opponent scoring. I’m on the floor underneath the bleachers bleeding to death after watch-ing very good players commit a turnover after a successful defensive rebound. The outlet pass was invented by Naismith, perfected by Wooden and taken to new levels by Coach West-head and Coach K.

The outlet pass is so simple and necessary, yet so under appreciated. One always has to have good court vision after a rebound. Modern basketball doesn’t allow the rebounder to stare at the passing lane and then pass. Defenses are too fast at all levels of play. Reading minds through the eyes is common among successful hoop TEAMS playing defense. Barring a defense totally fatigued, sloppy, telegraphed outlet passes are frequently stolen by the opponent. Quick decisions and anticipation of the wing receiving the pass by coming to the ball is a practiced TEAM skill. As I’m transported to the hospital for surgical wounds from my fall through the bleach-

ers, think about what TEAM really means. If everyone is on board and “gets it,” your season truly will be highly enjoyable. If you see open wings clapping their hands pleading for the ball after a defensive rebound, you need a TEAM meeting or new coach—probably both.

TEAM basketball fundamentals are highly critical to the success and objectives for the entire season. Obviously every team wants to win as much as possible. TEAM fundamentals are the first place to get on the winning track. There are how-ever, realistic goals within TEAM fundamentals that teams need to implicitly and explicitly establish. Many TEAMS cannot press due to personnel, weak bench or the coach just doesn’t like the concept. The key is to be as competi-tive as possible within the personnel and strategic context of your hoop TEAM. Applying some basic fundamental team concepts to your TEAM will lead to an increased winning percentage. At varying levels of play, the concept of TEAM becomes enmeshed in general conversation and hyperbole. What does TEAM really mean in a hoop context?

Arizona Wildcats Derrick Williams covers up and holds on to a rebound during the NCAA Pac-10 Tournament championship game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. Note his teammates posi-tioning themselves to receive an outlet pass.Photo: Left Eyed Photography / Shutterstock.com

Outlet Pass: Basketball Team Fundamentals

The old non TEAM term on defense was lazy. Currently if a player has substantial PT (playing time), he or she un-doubtedly plays defense. It is unacceptable on many fronts for TEAMS to allow players to not hustle and give 110% on defense. These days offensive superstars should expect to play defense proficiently. Perfecting TEAM and individual defen-sive skills is just as important for the superstar as the bench player. Defensive fundamental skills will maintain players out of foul trouble. Offensive juggernauts should consistently expect their defensive skills to be tested. Many TEAMS will attempt to rack up the fouls and limit a superstar’s offensive prowess.

On offense the death of team fundamentals is the “ball hog.” In this environment the TEAM revolves around one player for his or her stats. Fundamentals of any TEAM sport support the concept over time that the very best players on a TEAM have to “buy into” the TEAM concept. Superstar players and team-mates must place the superior offensive skills of a teammate into perspective within the context of a successful basketball TEAM. The success of a winning competitive hoop TEAM demands that respect for teammates superior skills be hon-ored. Certainly not everyone can average 20 a game! Winning basketball at all levels however, requires that unselfishness be the rule in all ways. The fans, parents, coaches, administrators, trainers and players all need to “get it.” If an ounce of selfish-ness pervades the TEAM, the TEAM will underperform at some critical time of the season. Being a TEAM player means

to “step up” when your TEAM needs you, support the theme of your TEAM and “buy into” and grasp what the coaches are instructing. If players don’t put maximum effort into practice, then rippling effects are seen that translate into non-compet-itiveness. This is a very subtle–but a truly real–phenomenon. The bottom line of TEAM basketball fundamentals is that the chemistry of a TEAM is what matters. No sport requires more TEAM fundamentals than hoops. Let’s get after it.

Defense

The defense sets the tone for the entire game. Obviously most defensive hoops is established with man to man de-fense–usually with heavy pressure on the ball. Zone defenses also utilize within a zone, man defensive strategies and prin-ciples. This is the real match up of “me versus you.” However one feels about shutting an opponent down with man defense, in all actuality it is the TEAM that causes the opponent’s of-fense to struggle. TEAM defense is so highly critical to hoop success. After scoring on a break or set offensive play, a TEAM can actually see all of that offensive effort and energy met and overcome by poor defensive effort. Fundamental TEAM defensive concepts are actually quite simple. Let’s review the major hoop defensive concepts.

Positioning

The positioning within hoop defense is so very important. The defender must be in proper defensive position to be able to stop his man penetrating the defense. Once the ball hits half court, the defender is required to stop the ball from penetration. Otherwise a quick score or defensive foul usually results. Your man within a man or zone defense is your pri-mary responsi-bility. Halting penetration by the pass or dribble is the key. Statisti-cally frustrating the defense repeatedly is vital to long term defensive success. The physical and emotional toll that a stingy defense pro-vides is worth many points throughout the season. A great defense actually places less stress on

Arizona’s Derrick Williams gets well positioned for the rebound against Washington’s Matthew Bryan-Amaning during the 2011 NCAA Pac-10 Conference Championship game.Photo: Left Eyed Photography / Shutterstock.com

Washington’s Darnell Gant is well positioned to take a charge from Derrick Williams during the Pac-10 Conf Championship game in 2011.Photo: Left Eyed Photography / Shutterstock.com

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the hoop offense. Bragging rights, games and practice sessions are won with good defense. Winning championships requires great defense. Defense includes controlling the boards in all ways–allowing only one shot to be launched by the opposi-tion. Your man and the ball must be envisioned at all times by the defender. If a defender loses his man during a quick head turn, screen or shot attempt, a specific quick attempt to find him is required. Failing to find your man requires you–in a zone defense–to stay put and guard anyone in your zone

or nearby. Providing needed HELP or sagging defense (see below) in this situation truly makes a good TEAM great. If the defense is man to man, then head towards the rim for HELP defense and then regroup to find your man. Always stop the ball in front of you–whether it is your man or not. The TEAM’s immediate defensive goal is always to stop the ball from penetration. If a shot goes up, think imme-diate hand in the face followed by a block out. The strongest intent and TEAM goals are to limit shot attempts by the opponent.

TEAMS vary on ball or man screen defense. Sliding through or switching both are effective methods to prevent dribble penetration. Verbal communication and TEAM defensive schemes are the keys to screen defense. Common defensive goals include forcing the ball to the baseline with trapping; forcing the superstar offensive player to put the ball on the floor; and not attempting steals unless a defensive player has help. Attempting steals causes the defensive player attempting a theft to lose balance and a half step on the offense. The balls of the feet are key. Fall-ing on your heels requires more time and effort to obtain an athletic defensive stance. TEAM defense requires your TEAM to confuse the offense regard-

ing sets, schemes, looks and ball pressure.

In general the defensive position is between the offensive man and the basket. Specific situations however, require a major effort of fronting the low post defensive player who is truly very good offensively near the basket. Likewise denial of the ball in the forecourt to a great guard or forward is essential to TEAM defensive success. This is where the inspiration and perspiration of a defense occurs. Knowing when to risk a trap or double team is essential to TEAM defensive philosophy. Beginning with the opening tip, your defensive TEAM can frustrate an excellent offense. This may indeed allow your TEAM to win a tight game fundamentally in large part on defense. Correct defensive positioning within the TEAM’s scheme therefore, is highly critical to the hoop TEAM success at all levels of play.

Help or Weak Side Assist Defense

The TEAM that forms a brick wall around the goal wins games. The object is to make the offense have as difficult a time with penetration as possible. The key point is to deny dribble or pass penetration, easy shots and to avoid fouling. Longer shots have a lower percentage of netting. It is critical to realize that very little defensive opportunity is created when the opponent is penetrating with the ball. The Great Wall of China should surround the hoop outward as far as realistically possible. It is clearly obvious that if the other TEAM shoots the ball with a lunging defensive hand in the face from three point land that their percentages of scoring statistically are less than getting the ball down low. The ball down low leads to any contact virtually being a defensive foul on a key post player, a score or three point play. The confidence from penetration that the opponent has gained will repeat itself. Defensive pos-turing should occur on the very first possession for both the message it sends to officials and opposing TEAMS. Excellent offensive post play leads to scores repeatedly. Therefore on the

Penn State’s Jeff Brooks looks to drive coming off a screen against Purdue at the Byrce Jordan Center January 5, 2011 in University Park, PA.Photo: Richard Paul Kane / Shutterstock.com

Penn State’s Andrew Jones (22) blocks Purdue’s E’Twaun Moore’s shot at the Byrce Jordan Center on January 5, 2011 in University Park, PA.Photo: Richard Paul Kane / Shutterstock.com

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very first possession, the TEAM defense needs to be properly athletically positioned and stop ball penetration. Frustrating an offense repeatedly works by wearing a TEAM down. The opponent will look for secondary options if low post play or dribble/pass penetration is denied.

The HELP line is highly critical to the success of a TEAM on defense. One can establish a true HELP line by having players on the weak side at most be no closer to their opponents than the line between the hoop rim. This will obviously change when the ball swings closer to the imaginary HELP line. Clogging the middle is an obvi-ous maneuver which forces difficult passes and markedly decreases dribble penetration. The offense suddenly faces a double or triple TEAM with HELP defense. Forcing the ball to be trapped, rotated, dribbled or held in any fashion that upsets offensive rhythm is a defensive success. The offense is vigorously trying to rotate or reverse the ball to find creases or advantageous match-ups to exploit. The weak side defender should fall back down the line if he is not denying his defender the ball. He is up the line so to speak in a denial mode if he feels comfortable the help defense towards the rim isn’t needed. Consistently on the perimeter to avoid pass or dribble penetration, the defender is positioned deeper toward the hoop or down the line to effectuate HELP defense. The defender always has an eye on the ball and his defender. Defensive position-ing should place the defender who is not on the ball (or a pass away), midway between the ball and the offensive man he is guarding. Disallowing the ball or your man to get closer to the rim than yourself as defender is the ultimate defensive goal. If your man within your zone or your man in a man to man defense is a shooter, make certain that you have enough quickness and time to react to a catch and shoot. A hand in the face lowers the percentage of shots swishing the nets and should never be disregarded. A hand in the face of a shooter without fouling clearly wins games.

Hoop defense is 5 players attempting to stop a score in any manner possible. The game as invented by Naismith was and is still intended to be won on passing. Passing wins games because the pass is quicker than feet. Depending on the circumstances such as the score, fatigue level, foul situation, opponents ability individually and as a TEAM to penetrate or shoot, the defense should always be cognizant of contest-ing versus denying passes. Obviously denying passes requires more outward defensive pressure as one travels up and away from the HELP line. Contesting allows some HELP defense if needed, but requires the offense to have crystal clean perim-eter and inside/outside ball movement and reversals. The defender’s head needs to be neutral between the ball and his man. The use of peripheral vision and the sense of how the opponent individually and as a TEAM is attacking is very im-portant. The offense can easily sense when the defense is seri-ous about stops. Offenses understandably fatigue and reach a frustration level in the face of great defense. The efforts on the

prior possession where the offense had to work vigorously for the score are still in effect from a fatigue and mental perspec-tive. One possession may win the game; and that is why it is so vitally critical to always be ready to capitalize on a weak pass, errant dribble, trap opportunity or block out leading to the one possession that ultimately decides the outcome.

Drills to establish defensive positioning help and weak side defense are numerous. The bottom line is the drills teach defensive quickness with reaction to the ball and man. The drills are real life competitive hoop simulations that pay off throughout a competitive hoop contest. Chatter between teammates and the implicit individual and TEAM recognition of being out of position is what drills instruct. Many TEAMS utilize defensive and rebounding drills to start practice be-cause that is actually what wins competitive basketball games. The defensive TEAM drills are an extremely effective, time honored method of ensuring optimal TEAM reactions to the ball and defensive man within a half court set. Individual and TEAM defensive positioning is vitally critical. The defender must slide with the ball motion and maintain a wide athletic stance. Avoiding ball and shot fakes is a must. Disallowing any offensive player a path to the hoop is the goal. Being able to beat your man to the path position deeper towards the hoop allows the defense to take a charge. Always flip up with your hands when attempting ball steals unless a direct block or steal. The defender should only go for steals when the opportunity presents itself. Remember that a lapse of mil-liseconds on defense allows a good offensive player to slip by with dribble drive penetration requiring help defense. Staying focused mentally at all times on defense despite fatigue wins competitive athletic hoop contests.

Nikolaos Zisis (6) looks to drive as Efes defends during Euroleague Top 16 Championship basketball game Efes Pilsen vs Montepaschi Siena on January 20, 2011 in Istanbul, Turkey. Note the player at right (32) with his eyes on both the dribbler and his man.Photo: Faraway / Shutterstock.com

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Pressing Defensive Schemes

The press is the most dangerous of all defensive weapons at a TEAM’s disposal. The risk/reward system is always operative with press defense. The goals of the press include generat-ing turnovers by the offense leading to quick fast break goals, fatigue of the opponent and the ability to utilize an entire TEAM of starting and bench players because of its high en-ergy requirements. Press defense causes offensive confusion, changes game tempo, keeps the opponent off balance and forces the opponent to do things they would normally not do on a basketball court.

Presses may be initiated from half, three-quarter or full court. The risk a press incurs is multiplied by the amount of court covered. The press defense may be zone or man. TEAMS may employ the press throughout the entire season, or use it wisely for specific situations. Specific game situations include less scoring or being behind in the point tally, oppo-nent’s weak ball handlers, scouting reports or fatigue of the other team.

The optimal goal of the press defense is to trap the ball against the sideline or the corner of the court. This may force a traveling, double dribble or carry violation. Ill timed passes re-sult from defensive trapping with two men on the ball. It isn’t a failure to not steal the ball while pressing as long as a quick hoop doesn’t result by the opponent. Fatigue and offensive frustration by the opponent result from the press consistently. Over the course of a season, many turnovers generated from the press decide competitive games. Repeatedly practicing pressing defenses improves the ability to generate turnovers. Disguising the press while the ball is inbounded by the op-

ponent is a major advantage. With practice your defensive unit can automatically and nearly immediately enter a full or partial court press. Defensive press practice allows a TEAM to actually know and understand a teammate’s expected press reactions to offensive ball movement.

Creativity and specifics of the press are coaching and per-sonnel dependent. Many coaches desire denial of the inbound pass by placing a man on the inbounding player. Alternately, denial of the first pass without a man on the ball is equally ef-fective because it allows for an easy double team defensively in certain situations. Other coaches allow the first pass before a

wolfpack-like attacking press begins. Universal goals of the press among defensive strategists include the forcing of turnovers by the opponent leading to quick scores. Disallowing the ball to cross mid-court within the time allowed (8–10 seconds depending on the league) is critical. Forcing the ball to the side or corner is a much desired object of the pressing defense. Disallowing ball reversal or dribble ad-vancement by quick defensive movement of running and shuffling the feet is very advantageous. If the of-fensive opponent is dribbling instead of passing the ball, you may have achieved a much stronger posture conducive to traps and ultimate steals or turnovers. Passing the basketball is nearly always quicker and more successful than attempting to dribble through an army of pressing defenders.

Press defenses require an up tempo TEAM with well conditioned, quick players and a good bench. Presses fatigue opponents and cause unwanted

timeouts. The disadvantages of a press defense include fouling, transition baskets by the opponent, fatigue on your TEAM and weak bench exposure. Experienced coaches who have press defenses within their schemes attract players who can fulfill and handle the roles

required. Pressing is very hard work physically and mentally. Again, the pros and cons of a pressing defense are player and coach dependent. The press is a truly optional weapon to be utilized if the coach and players are able to “buy into” and can athletically support a press.

Defense Against Transition Offense

Transition defense is not discussed by many coaches and TEAMS. It is, however, extremely important, since slow down or non-breaking TEAMS are now the minority. The key is to STOP THE BALL as soon as possible. Whether the transition offense has “numbers” against your defense is not critical. It takes the ball to score; and inhibiting the basketball’s ad-vancement is critical to prevent easy quick hoops and fouls against the defense. If the transition player has a clear path to the hoop, disrupting the path is vital. Without substantial fouling body contact, the defensive player needs to attempt a steal, establish defensive position if possible, and force the

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Olivia Cavallo (23) of Boyertown HS protects the ball as defenders trap her during a game in the Rally Girls Play by Play Classic January 14, 2012 in Philadelphia.Photo: Aspen Photo / Shutterstock.com

lead player to at least dish the ball. More movement of the ball between players equates to statistical turnovers. Thus a 4-on-1 break may be successful defensively if the ball is stopped at the 3 point line requiring a pass. Both offensive players need to be in rhythm and any ill timed pass may result in a turnover. Transition defense is a strong success if the open break or jump shot isn’t attained by a TEAM in transition.

Prior to tip off, the defense against a transition offense requires at least one and possibly two defenders to stay back after the shot is attempted by the offensive TEAM. The rest of the TEAM, after not securing the rebound, must immediately hustle back because secondary breaks or the offensive set may be established early leading to quick scores. While hustling back the defenders need to utilize their basketball IQ. Defend-ing passing lanes, anticipating offensive moves and defending the paint are required to prevent easy quick scores. Avoiding back court fouls is a high necessity. The offense far away from the hoop is not threatening; it is implicit not to foul because of anxiety nor to fatigue quickly. The transition offense has played into your hands with back court fouls.

The bench can prove to be a difference in competition versus the high octane, continuous transition offense. Extreme hustle, athletic fresh legs and basketball minds are needed to frustrate an opponent’s fast break. The emotional aspect of frustrating a transition offense leads to a competitive advan-tage which may be maintained with proper TEAM defensive fundamentals versus the transition offense.

Special Defensive Situations

Side court, under the basket, jump ball and a trapping defense pose specific defensive problems and issues. Defend-ers must ALWAYS be between the ball and the rim within the context of where their man or zone is. Conservatively at-tempting a steal in the forecourt is much less risky than under the basket where the HELP defense may not arrive in time. If your TEAM is pressing with or without denial of the in-bounds pass, the defensive players should always be ready for a quick strike by the offense. Many end of the game defensive sets work well if the inbounding player is guarded. The actual end of the game offensive play and ultimate shot is commonly

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Defender on right “body’s up” against offensive player to im-pede his progress. Kaposvar, Hungary.Photo: muzsy / Shutterstock.com

Good defense can frustrate an offense. Just ask Arizona Wild-cats Kyle Fogg during the NCAA Pac-10 Tournament on March 10, 2011 at Staples Center in Los Angeles.Photo: Left Eyed Photography / Shutterstock.com

attempted with the player inbounding the ball if time permits. It is a natural response to not guard the player who has just passed and in general, is more open than anyone on the court.

Under the basket defense with man or zone requires a Chinese wall around the rim to avoid an easy lay in shot at-tempt. Defenders can never lose sight of the ball or their man/zone. HELP defense must always be ready and available. As a HELP defender you are wasting time and effort defend-ing a non essential zone or man. Defenders always need to be aware of high passes leading to immediate close range shot attempts. If the defense converts to a zone for special situations, then staying within the zone is advantageous after the ball is inbounded. Less confusion and weakness of the defense occurs if the TEAM stays within the established zone from the out of bounds play.

Defending the jump ball by history or scouting is critical. Many TEAMS attempt quick scoring with the jump ball–even if they have a height disadvantage. At least one and potentially three defenders need to be between the opponent’s most offensively positioned player and the defensive rim. Relinquishing the jump ball is small com-pared to a quick easy score by the opponent.

Traps can occur anywhere on the court. The most effective traps occur in a corner or along a sideline because it allows the lines to essentially be an extra defender. The offensive player is successfully trapped if he has no op-tions but to call timeout; throw an errant pass; or commit a double dribble, travel or carry violation. Trap defense is less effective in the middle of the court due to the 360 degrees of pivot a trapped player can utilize. Successful defensive players must not be overly aggressive depending upon how the game is being called. Despite not stealing the ball or obtaining a turnover, a trap still amounts to extra energy being spent by the opponent in attempting to score. Certain TEAMS only employ traps on weak ball handlers in special situations.

TEAMS commonly employ junk defenses depending on prior success, scouting and history. These include box or diamond and 1, triangle and 2, and zone with chaser defenses. The use of junk defenses depends upon game situations, of-fensive players who cannot miss or the need for confusion. Matchup zone defenses are man within your zone with as-sociated HELP defense. This is confusing because the offense doesn’t know which defensive set to attack (man versus zone). Obviously many TEAMS employ these defenses until the op-ponent begins to have success. The goals are to heavily guard

or double team specific players. The risk is that lesser players will begin to drain scoring opportunities and obtain fouls. Low output scorers may step up and obtain easy scores from zone flooding or double teaming on defense. There is no easy solution for a sharp shooter in rhythm other than to swarm the ball and employ a double TEAM. Forcing a scorer to his weaker side will statistically pro-vide an advantage. Alternately, denial of the ball prevents the shooter in rhythm from having the ball; and when he or she does get the ball, it requires considerably more energy for a score. Defense isn’t just about the physical aspect. Frustration builds into a heavy emotional com-ponent when good TEAMS confront great defense.

End of the game defense with your TEAM leading in a close game requires TEAM unity on strategy. Time on the clock will most probably determine the exact defensive strat-egy. Fouling while 3 points ahead is now favored due to sharp shooting players sending games into OT. Ad-ditionally there is the risk of a 4 point play if the foul is committed too late. If a “no fouling” strategy is employed

at the end of the game with the opponent within one 3 point possession of a tie or win, the ball must always have pressure at the 3 point line—even if the ball goes inside. (This is an offensive ploy designed to open up a perimeter shot by pulling a perimeter defender closer to the hoop). Stopping all scoring requires the tallest man to have pressure on the ball, prevent-ing a long pass if less than 5 seconds remain. The quicker players need to be on the wings so as to disrupt the transition or offensive flow–again utilizing the sideline as an additional defensive player.

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Mt. Lebanon guard Amanda Frosztega looks to inbound dur-ing a game in the Rally Girls Play by Play Classic January 14, 2012 in Philadelphia.Photo: Aspen Photo / Shutterstock.com

Final Defensive Thoughts

TEAM defense is 110% effort dependent. Players need to take pride in their individual defensive skills that lead to TEAM success. Subtle successful defensive perfected skills not showing up in box scores include:

• Moving with the offensive pass and not the catch

• Anticipation of an offensive player or TEAM’s schemes

• Providing effective athletic HELP defense

• Frustrating your man or anyone in your zone on defense

• Taking charges by beating offensive players to the spot on the floor in the offensive driving player’s path toward the hoop.

The difference in athletic hoop contests is not dissimilar to other sports. Great coaches in all sports repeatedly say we win with TEAM defense. Taking pride and constantly improving one’s defensive skills allows a TEAM to successfully compete even when the ball is not falling for them.

Offense

Basketball offense is what turns a profit and makes coaches, parents, teammates and fans come back. There is no one that enjoys watching an orange ball fall through the net more than me. It signifies practice, developed offensive skill, accomplish-ment and even relief. “Feel good” hormones are released within the brain following positive offensive plays. I cannot recall any player at any time not feeling very good after sinking a shot or threading the needle on a “no look” pass leading to a score. The scoring players may not acknowledge the triumph over the defense, but it is truly there. I always felt the hoops net was not there for determination of a field goal, but to heighten player, coach and fan interest by sensing the accom-plishment as a TEAM of winning the actual possession. A player is only as good as his last possession. Not hustling back on defense with less than a score or defensive foul while on offense is a failure. Feel good hormones are not released and frustration builds. Let’s examine the nature, intricacies and fundamentals of successful TEAM offensive possessions.

Offensive Schemes

The offensive scheme or pattern essentially depends on the opponent’s defensive scheme, be it zone or man to man. As the TEAM enters the half court a decision has generally been made by the coach, TEAM captain or point guard (#1). The designation of what offensive scheme occurs should be immediate. The scheme may change with every possession; or by scouting you know offensively that there is one constant defensive set used by that opponent. All offensive schemes (versus man or zone) engender movement, flow, cuts, screens and passing. A quick second miscue by the defense allows an offensive advantage to occur. It is immedi-ately critical to capitalize on this weakness and score. Offenses should be ready for drives, screens, jump or set shots, backdoor plays or runners. The offense takes what the defense allows. The several types of offenses available depend on the coach, players, shot clock and game situation. Many coaches have strict offensive schemes while others have less formal schemes which allow considerably more freedom among offensive players. All modern offenses require substantial ball movement. Defenses today adjust constantly and can stop a very good offensive team with excellent defense.

Motion Offense

Motion (or flex) offenses have been around for a number of years. They were considered the back-bone of many TEAM’s offensive schemes a few

years ago. However, defensive TEAMS have adjusted and now can reliably predict and frustrate a motion of-

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Russian Coach Sergey Bazarevich diagrams an offensive play during a game on February 04, 2012 in Samara, Russia.Photo: Pavel Shchegolev / Shutterstock.com

fense’s schemes. The disadvantage of a motion offense is that it requires the big men who may not be good ball handlers to play that role. The offense is constantly flowing with screens, rolls, cuts, backdoors and passing. This appears to be intrigu-ing; however, players must be very skilled in all roles and be able to offensively rebound from all positions. The big players may be on the wing or high on the forecourt when the shot goes up and thus are unavailable for rebounding. The biggest disadvantage of the motion offense I’ve observed through the years at all levels is lack of court vision and reactivity to the game situation. Most offensive opportunities are cre-ated by very small creases which require anticipation, great peripheral vision and a high basketball IQ. Great passing skills with knowledge of what your teammate can accomplish in a competitive situation are critical. Successful teams that win with motion, free flowing offenses require great teamwork, lack of need for individual statistics and a thirst for scoring on every possession. Playing together for years isn’t required, but is quite helpful.

The advantages of the motion offense are numerous. The defense is understandably confused if the motion offense is flowing. Obviously two man games against a zone defense provide great scoring opportunity if the HELP defense is slow. Offensive players rotating to different areas within the defensive zones creates quickness and size issues for the defense along with confusion. Great outside shooters may have substantial creases on the wing/perimeter against a zone defense. Guards down low with quickness may be able to post up more easily. Man to man defense allows the motion offense to substantially utilize multiple offensive weapons including ball and man screens, rolls, cuts, post ups, ball reversal, in and out game, skip passes and every imaginable standard pass. The defense fatigues, thereby creating offensive opportunities for runners, jump shots and lay ups. A team with an active mo-tion offense may substitute more freely because of the pace of the game. The absolute freedom to create plays that score as a TEAM is the critical advantage that players love. The offense is still disciplined within the context of hoop fundamentals; however, strict adherence to a set play isn’t utilized.

Continuity Offense

Continuity flex offenses are highly similar to motion offens-es. Rather than allow the freedom of the motion offense, con-tinuity offenses allow the TEAM to repeat play patterns until a defensive crease or opportunity is discovered. Capitalizing on weak HELP defense, fatigued defensive players or gaining a height or speed advantage allowing a short jumper or lay in are the goals. Similar to the motion offense within a set play context, the disadvantages and advantages of a continuity of-fense are no different than motion offense. A further continu-ity offense disadvantage (depending on the play scheme) is that the defense may have discovered the play. This would greatly hinder the offensive prowess and surprise of a TEAM. Many teams combine both the motion and continuity offense

for further defensive confusion and offensive opportunities.

Set Play Offense

Play offenses are essentially called-plays by the TEAM (player or coach). Obviously the advantage is that the play has all offensive players on the same page regarding the expected opportunity the play creates. Specifically many set plays are called for the TEAM’s sharpshooter or someone who is feel-ing it that night. Most play offenses have multiple offensive opportunities depending on the scheme. The critical aspect of a play offense is that the personnel be fitted to the play called. Obviously if a great defender is on the TEAM’s sharpshooter, the designed play intended for the sharpshooter may not work despite running the play perfectly. Thus, not unexpectedly the play may repeat as in a continuity offense; or the TEAM can revert to a motion free flowing offense. Set play offenses are

superb if the TEAM has practiced all variations and is willing to adapt to the defense. The offensive TEAM must practice the set plays religiously and again, “buy into” the coaches’ ap-proach to playing offense.

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Kwadzo Ahelgebe calls for a set play during the Hungarian Championship game between Kaposvar (in white) vs. Fehervar on February 18, 2012 in Kaposvar, Hungary.Photo: muzsy / Shutterstock.com

Set play offenses from special situations require the TEAM to run exact specific plays against specific man or zone offens-es, precarious out of bounds floor spots and against the clock. Usually the quick hit offense is designed for a simple screen, one or two passes or back door cut/trick play. It is highly criti-cal to execute the offense within exact coaching mechanics both mentally and physically. If it’s an out of bounds play, all players should expect the ball since the first few options may be covered defensively.

Zone Offense

Zone offenses require superb spacing for effectiveness. The object of the defense is to contain the offense and not allow lay ups or shots within the defensive wall extending outward from the rim. Efficient zone offense requires ball movement efficiently on the block and perimeter. Proper offensive spac-ing thwarts the defense’s ability to cover all creases or open spots in the zone. Offensive spacing is decided on an odd/even system in general. If the defense is odd (1-3-1), the offense is even (i.e. 2-1-2). If the defense is even (2-3), the offense rotates to an odd setup (i.e. 3-2). This creates matchup and coverage problems for the defense. Offenses can flood a zone to create open shots, cre-ate defensive confusion, utilize skip passes to the weak side or obtain unexpected open cuts to the hoop. Rotation of players isn’t that critical because spac-ing is overwhelming the key to the offensive attack. Rotations can be valuable where a superb shooting low post player with height rotates to the wing or front court. This creates a deci-sive offensive advantage.

TEAM basketball offenses require extreme timing, precise cuts and passes, non-moving screens, and extensive practice. Successful coaches at all levels describe TEAM offensive effectiveness as being able to execute a successful offensive scheme despite the defense knowing the play. Passes must be crisp with precise angles. Roles within the offense may be precisely defined especially in crunch time. Obviously

closer shots or a player who is in rhythm with his stroke from the outside needs the ball more than a below average shooter. The best rebounders need to hover near the rim where the of-fensive junk/short rebounds/loose balls are available to them. Many games are won on rebounded or loose balls. The players that have an eye for the ball repeatedly retrieve the ball, block out instinctively and constantly attack (obtaining a goal or foul).

Many teams face matchup zone offenses. These are special zone defenses where man to man is played closely within the zone of the defensive player. There are many varying theories regarding offensively attacking this defense. It is essentially a zone defense. Principles of even/odd, spacing, ball move-ment, in and out passing, flooding the zone, screening against the defensive player within the zone and creating defensive match up issues with size and speed apply. Penetration with both dribble drives and passing opportunities and kick outs

offensively also apply depend-ing on the defender’s skills.

Finally, some experts feel that since the development of the motion offense, no other special offense is required against a zone. Motion offense adapts itself well to a zone if fundamental hoop principles of offensive attack are fol-lowed. Motion offense against a zone however, requires ball and man rotation, spacing, screening, cutting, sharp pass-ing angles, ball movement and keen awareness by players. Motion offense does create de-fensive issues of size and speed mismatches. Many coaches feel that learning one offense well that is effective against all defenses allows simplicity and creativity for the TEAM on offense. This depends on player personnel and offensive schemes to take advantage of specific players’ shooting, passing or penetration skills. Motion offense is also suited to special defensive situations such as box and 1 or triangle and 2. These special defenses are specifically designed to deny shooters the ball or provide a double team when the shooter has the ball. Obvi-ously if proper ball movement

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Maryland guard Nick Faust puts up a ‘runner’ during the Temple vs. Maryland NCAA game January 21, 2012 in Phila-delphia.Photo: Aspen Photo / Shutterstock.com

and spacing occur, then unguarded offensive players or zones appear. Less well guarded players have to be ready to dribble penetrate, shoot and score or provide screens and passes for the more well guarded shooters. Crisp ball movement with spacing opens up endless offensive opportunities for an un-selfish TEAM against a zone defense.

Transition Offense

The true highlight of most offenses is the transition or fast break. Obviously all TEAMS employ fast break offense if the opportunity presents itself. Many TEAMS relentlessly pursue this option whether the “numbers” or offensive advantage is there by player count or not. The simple idea advanced is that our players are in better shape, have instinctive quick strike ability and your defense is back pedaling while we are running north attacking like Custer’s Civil War Michigan Wolverine brigade. The transition into the set offense such as motion/flex, continuity, set play or specific zone offense is intended to be automatic within the TEAM’s offensive scheme. Lane filling while advancing the ball with Naismith passing (which is quicker than dribbling to advance the ball) is the intended goal. The lead player needs to have the ball. This forces the defense to commit by stopping the ball, thus allowing passing options to the hoop or perimeter. If the ball isn’t stopped, the

ball handler should continue to the hoop and attempt a soft layup off the glass.

Factors to consider within the transition offense are the speed of the break, trailers (followers who may have a major advantage for drives or open shots), quick ball reversals and the basketball sense of holding up and entering the half court

offense. Many advantages are lost within transition because of the perceived need of the transition’s breaking players to immediately score. Barring an offensive break scheme like Coach Paul Westhead’s mandatory 7 second shot attempt, the transition offense isn’t a failure if a score isn’t realized. What has been accomplished is defensive fatigue, confusion and secondary or delayed break opportunities. Immediate ball reversal on the perimeter or inside out ball flow usually will result in good offensive looks at the basket.

The break or transition offense may have the ball up the side, center or wherever the opening is created by the defense. Lanes are usually filled in the center and two sides. Players on the wings extend out for open jumpers or travel to the hoop for a layup if the defense commits to the ball. The offensive TEAM’s errors include not giving up the ball when closely guarded or players being ahead on the break. Attempting to dribble through an army of players and not passing to the

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JMU forward Andrey Semenov (11) makes a bounce pass between two defenders during a game between Drexel and James Madi-son, February 22, 2012 in Philadelphia.Photo: Aspen Photo / Shutterstock.com

wide open player is discouraged. Teammates have already established themselves in open creases and need the ball. Unselfishness on offense is mandatory for winning basket-ball, and transition players must learn to “give up” the ball to a teammate who has a decided advantage. Turnovers are quite common with break or transition offenses. The ability in transition to create a quick strike shot attempt with passing; dribble penetration when the opportunity is present; or set-ting up the offense when the defense has defended the break successfully is absolutely critical. A shot attempt in transition usually results in a score, defensive foul or offensive rebound.

Transition offense may occur as the overall offensive scheme of a TEAM with “running” being a mainstay of the offense. Obviously timely player substitution is a must for fresh legs if a TEAM plans to break at every opportunity. There are no offensive limits within transition offensive schemes. Transi-tion can occur following a defensive rebound, jump ball, out of bounds play, steal or after a score by the opponent. It’s great to be a transition offense; however, CONTROL is the key. It is highly frustrating and defeating to a hoop TEAM to expend energy moving the ball quickly on offense only to commit a quick turnover. It isn’t a failure to not score on the immedi-ate break if the offense can regroup and run their offensive scheme, plays or sets.

Press Break Offense

The press break offense relies on fundamental basketball principles. Inbounding the ball is critical. If a score is complet-ed by the opponent, then the offensive inbounding player has the entire back line to inbound the ball for 5 seconds. If the ball has not been scored, then no movement is allowed for the inbounding player or a travel violation results The player that has just passed the ball is the most open player on the court because it is human nature to sag off this player once the ball is released. A definitive move against any defense is to reverse the ball immediately back to the passer. Always maintaining the better ball handlers getting the ball in and up the back court with ball reversals is a repeated successful press break tactic. A large man is required in the middle for the high pass, turn and pivot and ultimate dish to an open player cutting up court. Spacing is critical to the press break. Bunched players equate to turnovers. The defense has what they want with improper spacing of the press break. The defense will imme-diately swarm the ball similar to a pack of coyotes if the ball is held unreasonably long. Short quick passes are the rule. Long baseball passes are only attempted if the player down court is wide open, the throwing player is comfortable throwing the ball and this is your only last option to avoid 5 second (de-fense on the ball) or 10 second (half court) defensive viola-tions. Crisp firm passes with avoidance of traps and problem areas on court such as sidelines or corners are a high priority. The press break always has the goal of advancing the ball up court with short passes instead of dribbling if possible. Passing is always quicker than using human feet (dribbling). This con-cept is often forgotten by many great players. By dribbling the ball against a press, the defense has often tricked the offense into a double team defensive trap.

Press breaks have multiple variations depending on zone or man, half, three-quarter or full court presses. The keys are to not panic, utilize needed time methodically, take advantage with numbers as the ball is advanced and reset the offense once the press is broken. Engaging the offense should occur immediately so as to disallow any traps, confusion, errant passes or offensive violations that occur from fatigue after breaking the press.

Special Situation Offensive Plays

Offensive success requires low turnovers per game, exper-tise from practicing likely-to-occur game situations and a common understanding or memorization of the offensive play called out by the inbounding player. Depending upon defensive pressure, the offense may call for plays demanding inbounding back court, side court, under the basket or jump balls or other specific practiced/drilled plays or sequences. These are coach, game situation and player dependent. The offense should expect man defense with side court defensive pressure; however, a zone may occur once the ball is inbound-ed. Under the basket requires the ability to avoid the face

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Duke guard Tyler Thornton passes the ball during a game at Temple University, January 4, 2012 in Philadelphia.Photo: Aspen Photo / Shutterstock.com

guarding expected near the hoop within either a man or zone defense. Most TEAMS employ zone defense below the hoop, but one must be ready for any type of defensive pressure. A key with offensive plays underneath the hoop is the ability to blind the defensive man with screens, back doors and mak-ing the defense commit. It is very difficult within a defensive set up under the rim to keep your vision and readiness with the ball, hoop and your offensive man. The offense should take advantage of this fact and generate offensive flow so as to surprise and confuse the defense. Scoring opportunities from underneath the basket should always be maximized.

Jump ball situations with immediate scores are for high octane attack running offenses in general. The risk is that the other TEAM may also be in a quick score mode. The risk is self evident. If your TEAM has a great jumper with height, then it may be well worth the risk to establish instant fast break offense off the jump ball. A set play can be run, such as a tip to the non-dominant side of the jumper. A play can be established based on the opponent’s jump ball set also. Your TEAM may disguise your quick strike transition offensive jump ball play by reacting to the opponent’s offensive set. The jump ball play requires timing, practice, and personnel who can run the play effectively. Scoring off the opening jump ball establishes an initial physical and mental advantage for your TEAM.

Practice and Drills

The concentration that offensive hoops require is immense. Playing the game in both a “street ball” and organized fash-ion is important. A TEAM must instinctively know each other’s moves, instincts and ball handling abilities. Substantial amounts of basketball TEAM fundamentals are subconscious. Ball movement, shooting, passing, dribble drives, offensive positioning, spacing, screening, cutting, blocking out and offensive flow can become seemingly automatic within a good TEAM’s offensive scheme. It becomes subconscious and automatic from hours of playing together during practice and competition. Drills are developed and run to enhance the TEAM’s effectiveness against competition in game situations.

The object of basketball is to score. Scoring requires within both the TEAM and the individual players’ abilities the need to step “out of the box” and make calculated moves. Successful offense is designed to create scoring opportunities with shot attempts, fouls or through combinations of passing and drib-bling. TEAMS need to practice offense against those defenses they can statistically expect from scouting the opponent’s defense. There is no adequate substitute for competitive indi-vidual and TEAM practice. TEAM and individual practice in or out of season is the bottom line, absolute requirement for modern competitive basketball. Basketball success at any level requires cracks in the driveway, an ice pick, smelly socks and shoes, bent rims and a worn dull colored orange ball.

Offense While Leading the Game

The prevent defense in football has consistently revealed the foibles of attempting to play cautiously. I’ve always sat back and watched as a coach, fan and former player in many sports the intriguing aspect of being ahead in a competitive athletic contest. In all sports it is not uncommon for a TEAM with a lead to react and behave strangely, foolishly, overly cautious or with too much or too little excitement. With many teams, a lead seemingly causes more psychological issues than the op-

ponent who is trying to get back into the game. Everyone has witnessed large leads dwindle with a TEAM’s unraveling. Our TEAM worked hard and long for the lead and we deserve to maintain it and win. It is up to the opponent to expend more energy than our TEAM if they are to win. The uphill climb may come close, but the opponent will have burned consid-erably more energy than us. We are OK to sit on this lead. Doesn’t this sound and feel familiar whether it’s golf, football, hoops or horseshoes?

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Oregon State Beavers guard Jared Cunningham lays the ball up during a Pac-10 Tournament basketball game on March 10, 2011 at Staples Center in Los Angeles.Photo: Left Eyed Photography / Shutterstock.com

Today competitive hoop TEAMS have nutritionists, mul-tiple great coaches, trainers, massage therapists, psychologists, MDs, great benches, chiropractors and ball boys/girls. There is no such thing as a safe lead. Players and coaches cannot “feel sorry” for the opponent if they are struggling and your TEAM extends its lead. Boom, and then it happens! A steal, great pass, tip in, 3 pointer, injury or athletic play seemingly turns the game around. Instead of a 17 point lead, it’s now 6. What happens to leads? Why do I check back at the score on my phone, computer or TV when I thought the game was essentially over? The bottom line is that an athletic contest is never over until it’s really over. No one seemingly understands this phenomenon and it’s very difficult to coach. I do know that I have seen leads dwindle as much of anyone and this is a topic not deeply discussed. It’s embarrassing for either side’s players, coaches and fans to discuss with any substance and

breadth. This is where sport becomes extremely intertwined between the mental and physical aspects of competition.

Coaches and players not playing all out for the entire game, even with a win, allow an opponent’s TEAM to gain con-fidence for the next meeting. Worse yet, the 6 point lead suddenly becomes 1 with a minute left on the clock. Who has the advantage? Now my TEAM that was leading has to really play for their lives and reputation. We all screwed up playing prevent. Our TEAM never intended to be in this situation. We need help in a big way! Let’s get back to the coaching clip board.

A lead is only a lead. A basketball TEAM essentially is only

as good as its last possession. The TEAM that wins more possessions wins more games, all things otherwise statistically equal. What the hoops community doesn’t realize is that the opponent can consistently rise to the occasion and beat you with superb play on top of your over confident demeanor. This isn’t a once-in-a-while phenomenon—it happens all the time. How do we stop the 17 point lead from dwindling? And what do we do as the entire stadium feels a momentum shift? Can I as a player or coach actually stop this lead vaporization?

Dating back to earliest recorded history, competitive games (lacrosse, Duck on a Rock, swimming, etc.) have undoubt-edly witnessed this lose-the-lead phenomenon repeatedly. Competing within an athletic contest requires the athlete and coach within you to go “all out” and play well just to stay level. Obtaining a lead requires playing “lights out!” Therefore, go-ing all out isn’t good enough if the opponent trying to come

from behind is playing “lights out” or at a higher level. It is just that simple. Once that 17 point lead is struck, it is incumbent for you as a coach with the lead to main-tain that competitive thirst among your players. The coach must rally his TEAM and try to play “lights out” to maintain the lead. Anything less leads to loss of the lead. Less intense play may prevent a win. Hanging on for the victory is old school. The leading TEAM needs to attack as if the score were level. If it takes subs want-ing to prove themselves, so be it. I recom-mend for many hoop TEAMS the coach signal a time out. If your TEAM is actually building a lead because of defensive confu-sion, player mismatch, hot shooter, etc., then I would definitely wait to call the timeout until the opponent scores. But don’t allow five scores before calling the timeout. In the huddle the coach and key

TEAM leaders need to instruct and have everyone believe this game can be lost. The score is now tied and a new game which our coaches are challenging our TEAM to win is upon us.

The challenge for a competitive hoop TEAM with the lead is daunting because of the athleticism and ability of hoop TEAM’s to recover. The coach absolutely, 100% needs to challenge his TEAM to win the whole new game that remains. Within the timeout the coach must discuss specifically how we can lose this game (not blocking out, weak press, slow offensive play, etc.). Playing at 95% will most assuredly lead to a lead dwindling, and potentially a loss. The leading TEAM must take shots when open creases occur, drive to the hoop risking offensive fouls, fast break if the situation arises and play extremely aggressive defense—even press/trap. If there is any doubt regarding the present TEAM on the floor, sub some or all of your players for a few possessions. Competi-tively not playing these guys/gals is a mistake not just in this

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Temple guard Juan Fernandez lays the ball up and in during the Temple vs. Maryland game, January 21, 2012 in Philadel-phia.Photo: Aspen Photo / Shutterstock.com

situation, but throughout the season. Substitute players not obtaining quality minutes results in TEAM disharmony and the feeling of being used (as in the leading the game situa-tion noted earlier). Remember: the pressure is on the leading TEAM. Not attempting to increase your intensity and build on the lead may well produce a (not uncommon) losing effort.

Competitive Hoops Amidst TEAM Injuries or Excuses

“We would have won this doggone game if it were not for our point guard scorer having an ankle sprain.”

“The leading scorer has a back strain.”

“Our players were emotionally distraught because the coach’s mother is in the hospital.”

“Our center was suspended because of possible criminal charges.”

All these matters commonly occur and are to be expected within competitive hoops. Seemingly pristine hoop TEAMS who can do no wrong invariably have issues. The ability to deal with injury and excuses separates winning from losing TEAMS within all of sport. The TEAM with an injury or excuse may be at a physical disadvantage but psychologically they can feed off this phenomenon. The mental pressure is now on the other side because we just incurred a major blow. We have prepared for this all season and have practiced in competitive game situations. The injured TEAM is ready, and we’ll mount any force necessary to overcome the supposed excuse or injury.

Competitive sports builds character, which is the fabric of our very being and is shown through adversity. Players on the end of the bench as well as those on the floor need to “step up” after TEAM injuries. Specific players may require more rebounds, shots, steals, minutes etc. Shame on the coaches if they have not planned for unplanned TEAM events. One wonders how a second string point guard will play in an end-of-the-season tournament if he or she has splinters in their gluteal pads. Our society–and by extension, the sports world–is so overwhelmingly hung up on stats for stars. It is the TEAM win that is truly the only measure of success. A season is a long time and big part of the year. If indeed, a player has the skills and drive to be on that TEAM, he or she must play some consistent minutes throughout the season. TEAM harmony, player improvement and expected adverse events within a TEAM statistically will always happen. The true character and fabric of a TEAM arises amidst adversity. Overcoming these excuses and injuries needs to be con-stantly addressed by TEAM leaders and coaches. Your injured TEAM now has a mental advantage; the TEAM needs to just go out and take advantage of that adversity.

Shot Clock–Final Thoughts

By now everyone has figured me out to be an offensive guy. That would be totally correct. Based on effort, defensively we are all capable of being equal. The true beauty of hoops is scoring, passing, tip ins, free throws, offensive rebounds and even the occasional hook shot. I don’t even discuss shot clocks because if a TEAM is watching the clock, this is a MAJOR distractor. It is difficult enough to score without wor-rying about when or where you are to score. With or without a shot clock, the offense needs to ramp immediately and attempt to find defensive creases. A wide open 18 footer with 13 seconds left is far better than a 35 feet desperation shot at the shot clock buzzer. I do understand and support slow and deliberate styles even with a shot clock. But why wait until 8 seconds to get the play going that launches a seemingly rushed, less than optimal shot? The defense will undoubtedly stiffen at the 8 second or so juncture. Why not go into our set plays/schemes at 15 seconds? I don’t have that answer. I’m still scratching my head over this strategy.

I’m being stitched up with tiny plastic nylon sutures for the 99th time after all my bleacher falls. I then return to the gym where the Harlem Globetrotters are playing. The Trot-ters not only display very good funda-mentals, but are extremely athletically gifted, funny and actually play hard. As I’m scratch-ing my new stitches, I be-gin counting the successful outlet passes of the Harlem Globetrotters who began in the South Chicago of the 1920s. The Trotters are playing an excellent All Star TEAM that’s loaded and must actually play hard to win. On missed shots, I count 5, then 10, then 15 seemingly error free crisp outlet passes. There was defensive pressure, but the high hoop IQ Trotters consistently displayed firmness with their passes; never telegraphed the pass; and ALWAYS started the break with an effective wing outlet pass. If the outlet pass is the Globetrotter standard, then it’s the standard for all of competitive basketball.

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Bull Bullard has some fun with the referee during a Harlem Globetrotter game in Sacra-mento.Photo: Randy Miramontez / Shutterstock.com