Motion Spots

Offense is spacing, and spacing is offense:

-Strive to keep the two guard spots filled (aka "Square the Top")

-Maintain 12' to 15' spacing

-Floor balance will dictate wing and forward spots

-Take all cuts to the basket (unless post is occupied) and then space out

-When spacing out, fill the open spot. If it's not open, back screen out

Motion Terminology

-Point

-Slot

-Wing

-Forward

-Dead Corner

-Porch

-Landmark

-High Post

Guard to Wing/Forward Pass = Basket Cut

1 uses a front or rear cut depending on how x1 guards the pass (front cut shown here).

Occupied Post = Shallow Cut

1 uses a front or rear cut depending on how x1 guards the pass (rear cut shown here).

w/High Post = UCLA Cut (aka Basket Cut)

5 back screens and 1 uses a front or rear cut depending on how x1 guards the pass (rear cut shown here).

Guard to Wing/Forward Pass = Middle Screen

1 and 4 must read each other and go opposite.

Shown here 4 is the 1st cutter curling to the basket, and 1 replaces out.

Guard to Guard Pass = Set a Wide Pin Down Screen

1 looks to basket cut first (this is ALWAYS our primary cut) to create proper screening angle (butt to ball).

-Sprint to screen

-Fist up, "Use me!"

-Wait, wide, watch!!!

Guard to Guard Pass = Receive a Flare Screen

1 looks to basket cut first (this is ALWAYS our primary cut) to set up flare cut. 2 creates proper screening angle by positioning his butt to the dead corner.

-Sprint to screen

-Fist up, "Use me!"

-Wait, wide, watch!!!

w/High Post = Chin Cut (aka Basket Cut)

1 uses a front or rear cut depending on how x1 guards the pass (rear cut shown here). 4 looks for 1 cutting to the basket. Several options present themselves here:

-1 screens for 3 and 4 screens for 1 (STS)

-5 screens (WPD) for 2 or ball screens for 4

-4 passes to 3 and cleans up a stagger screen for 2

Guard to Guard Pass = Set a Ball Screen

4 looks to basket cut first (this is ALWAYS our primary cut) to create proper screening angle (butt to sideline). 4 wants to make x1 go over the top of his screen.

-1 needs to drive the ball

-4 rolls/dives hard to the rim (or pops if he can shoot the three)

-Back action for 2 when 4 dives

Wing to Guard Pass = Replace Cut (V-Cut)

Preferred cut in this situation to maintain proper floor balance.

Wing to Guard Pass = Receive a Back Screen

5 creates proper screening angle by positioning his butt to the basket. 3 uses a front or rear cut depending on how x3 guards the pass (rear cut shown here). After 5 holds the screen:

-Pop out if he can shoot the three

-Button hook 3 on the landmark

-Pin down for for cutters changing sides

Post Entry = Spits

Anytime we enter the ball to a player with his back to the basket we "split the post". Our default action is for the passer to screen for the nearest perimeter player. In this diagram, 2 screens for 1. Obviously, how the defense reacts will determine our cuts.

Post Help = Hot!

Anytime the ball cannot be passed to the wing or slot due to a trap and/or denial pressure, post help is needed. In this diagram, 5 flashes to the high post. We always want to fill "3 Near & 1 Deep". On the catch, 2 back cuts and 5 makes a play.

Slot Penetration to Open Post =

4 cracks back

2 baseline drifts

5 stays on the porch opposite the ball

3 fills "1-more" spot

Slot Penetration to Filled Post =

4 cracks back

2 baseline drifts

5 "undercuts" to get opposite

3 fills "1-more" spot

Guard to Wing Dribble Hand Off = Flip

Flips (aka DHO) are a means to counter pressure and/or change up ball movement. In this diagram, 1 flip to 2. Much like a ball screen:

-1 and 2 come together (w/the ball)

-2 wants to tun the corner and get "downhill"

-Reading the defense, as with all motion concepts, if very important

Quick Hitter(s): Floppy

Guard to Guard Dribble Hand Off = Pitch

Pitches are a means to counter pressure and/or change up ball movement. In this diagram, 1 pitches to 4. The difference between a flip and a pitch is two-fold:

1. It's a guard to guard transaction (slot to slot).

2. Flips tend to be a little tighter in proximity. A pitch is like a rugby pass.

Flips & Pitches Together = Flip, Pitch & Go

Combining these two actions together require highly skilled ball handlers, but when done efficiently it can be a very hard to guard addition to motion basketball. In this diagram we see a Flip, Pitch & Go:

-1 flips to 2

-2 pitches to 4

Flips & Pitches Together = Flip, Pitch & Go

With plenty of space to drive, 4 makes a play:

-Gets to the rim

-Kicks out to 1

-Passes to 5

Fist Out = Ball Screen on Wing/Slot

-Unless we call it out as a set play or in transition, we prefer ball screens off of movement (2nd or 3rd side)

-Sprint to screen!

-Set an angle that induces the defender to go over the top of the ball screen

-Drive the ball at least 2 dribbles

Fist Out = Back Action

-5 holds his screen and then dives hard to the basket

-Often x2 will help with 5 diving/rolling, 2 fills up (aka "Back Action)

-1 reads this a throws back

-3 and 4 must "hold the sideline" and be shot ready

Fist Down = Ball Screen in Dead Corner

-Unless we call it out as a set play or in transition, we prefer ball screens off of movement (2nd or 3rd side)

-Sprint to screen!

-Set an angle that induces the defender to go over the top of the ball screen

-Drive the ball at least 2 dribbles

Fist Up = Ball Screen on the Point

-Unless we call it out as a set play or in transition, we prefer ball screens off of movement (2nd or 3rd side)

-Sprint to screen!

-Set an angle that induces the defender to go over the top of the ball screen

-Drive the ball at least 2 dribbles

Flat = Pressure Release for Point Guard

To relieve x1's extended pressure, 5 screens with his butt "flat" (aka squared) to the baseline. 1 attacks the space and makes any of these possible plays:

-Gets to the rim

-Kicks out to 2

-Quick stops and pitches back to 5

*Note: If a forward occupies the porch, "under cut" to the opposite side of the ball (not shown) and be ready to catch and score!

Pass and Follow = Follow Pass into a Ball Screen

Anytime we have a screening forward pass to a play making guard we encourage this ball screen action.

-Unless we call it out as a set play or in transition, we prefer ball screens off of movement (2nd or 3rd side)

-Sprint to screen!

-Set an angle that induces the defender to go over the top of the ball screen

-Drive the ball at least 2 dribbles

Straight Cut

-x2 gets blown up by the screen

-1st cutter (2) hunts shot

-2nd cutter (1) holds screen, rolls to the rim and spaces back out

Remember: When in doubt, space out!

Curl Cut

-x2 trails 2 around the screen

-1st cutter (2) tightly curls around the screen, forces help and cuts to the rim

-2nd cutter (1) holds screen and bounces back to the ball

Remember: 2nd cutter always goes opposite of the 1st cutter!

Flare Cut

-x2 gets off and goes under the screen

-1st cutter (2) reads this, communicates to 1 and flares

-2nd cutter (1) repositions screening angle, holds screen and cuts to the rim

Remember: Passer (4) may have to dribble to improve passing angle!

Back Cut

-x2 cheats and tries to blow up the screen

-1st cutter (2) reads this and back cuts to the rim

-2nd cutter (1) holds screen and then bounces back to the ball

Remember: 2nd cutter always goes opposite of the 1st cutter!