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Motion Offenses

When teams are not blessed with super stars or big players, they must rely on a total team effort in order to be successful. Through teamwork, teams of average size and abilities can overcome and defeat teams of superior talent and size. However, this requires not only that players play together as a single unit; but more importantly, possess an unselfish attitude and work ethic to create open shots opportunities for their teammates.

Here are a variety of motion offenses that have been proven to be very successful over the years.

Click on desired Motion Offense to view graphically Illustrated play details.

Keys to Success

Nothing creates more problems for the defense than movement.
However, this movement must be with a purpose. To create a lead, make a sharp basket cut, set a screen, or establish rebounding position. Constant motion will not only create good shot opportunities, but it also prevents the defense from sagging off or double teaming along with drawing the big defenders away form the basket.

Players must be a complete player and develop their triple threat skills.
In a motion offense, every player plays each position, it requires that all players develop their triple threat (Pass, Drive & Shot) skills to their utmost. In developing these fundamental skills players become complete players which not only contributes to an improve team effort, but also provide long-term benefits for future play.

Patience is key ingredient of any motion offense.
Players must develop an aptitude and attitude to cycle the offense uninterrupted until a good, open shot is achieve. This means giving up a good shot at times to achieve a great shot. This also means sacrificing individual statistics for team statistics.

Maintain proper spacing is a must.
Most passes should be made within a 12' to 15' distance. This spacing spreads the defense and allows for quick, accurate passing. Passes beyond 15' carry a high risk of interception.

Motion relies on teamwork, not individual talent, to create open shots.
Therefore, setting and using screens is paramount to any motion offense. It is the responsibility of the receiver to set up and run their defender into the screens. When setting a screen, players should execute a bent knee jump stop to assume a solid, wide base. They should hold their arms close to their body and have vision on the ball. Set strong screens and do not allow defender to push through. However, players must be remain stationary and not step out or lean at last moment.

Back cut, do not fight defensive pressure.
Recognize passing lane denials and back cut hard to basket. On back cuts go all the way to the basket. Do not head fake to get open. Head faking fakes out the passer more times than it does the defender.

Practice Thoughts

When first installing a motion offense do not expect immediate results. Like most offenses, motion type offenses take time sometimes even years to develop and refine to their fullest potential. Keep in mind that according to the laws of learning it takes a minimum of five to six week to create habits.

© 2002 Ernie Woods, HoopTactics. All rights reserved.

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