Common Offenses Base Cross Hawk Horns Mid Screen Power Side Screen Triangle Post UCLA Zipper Motion Offenses Spread Offenses Zone Offenses Diagram Key Tex Winter's The Encyclopedia of the Triangle Offense DVD Produced by Championship Productions. Price: $119.99 Order Now! NOW AVAILABLE! National Basketball Coaches Association: NBA Coaches Playbook Techniques, Tactics, and Teaching Points by Phil Jackson, Mike D'Antoni, Avery Johnson, Stan Van Gundy, George Karl, Eddie Jordan, Mike Dunleavy, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and many other head and assistant coaches. Championship Productions. Price: $21.99 Order Now!

Passing Game Offense

| Basic Rules | Variations | Fundamentals | Commitment |

If you are interested in employing a Passing Game offense, you will probably have to readjust your offensive thinking and philosophy. Passing game action controls the offense using basic rules and principles rather than concentrating on executing set patterns or plays. With the primary emphasis of off ball screens and movement, all players are involved in the offense at all times as compared to pattern or set plays that only involve two or three players at one time.

Since the Passing Game is a team oriented offense, players must develop an unselfish attitude and work hard to create open shots opportunities for their teammates. "Nothing creates more problems for the defense than movement." Therefore, with the Passing Game offense, it is imperative to make the defense work hard by having patience and controlling the ball. To be successful, however, each offensive movement must have a definite purpose such as to create a lead, make a sharp basket cut, set a screen, or establish rebounding position.

Basic Rules & Guidelines

Since the Passing Game is an unstructured offense, it gives freedom to players to create; however, this freedom must be well coordinated within a framework of some basic rules and principles. Coaches should develop principles and rules that best fit their own specific situation. However, keep in mind that the rules must be kept simple. The more rules and restrictions put on players, the more pattern the offense will become.

Rule #1. Pass and move.

Movement creates opportunity. However, move with a purpose: Create a lead, make a sharp basket cut, set a screen, or establish rebounding position. Eliminate the dribble except for a strong move to the basket or to create a better passing angle. Back cut to basket against any defensive over play.

Rule #2. Maintain Proper Spacing

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. Players must create leads and meet the ball. Players must know and adhere to their shooting range.

Rule #3. Analyze the Defensive Deployment

If the defense plays loose or sags off, look for open jump shots. If the defense plays tight and does not switch, anticipate drives and backdoor cuts. If the defense switches, expect screen and rolls, screen and pop, or slip screen opportunities. Make the defense work. Have patience and control the ball until you get the desired shot.

Rule #4. Always receive ball in a triple threat attack position.

After receiving the ball players have the following sequence of options:

1. "Shot"
2. "Drive"
3. "Post"
4. "Pass"

Do not hesitate to take and make open shots. Not taking a good shot can often times be worst than taking a bad shot. On drives and basket cuts, take the ball strong to the basket and finish!

Rule #5. Post up strong.

Posting up is a big part of the game of basketball and with the Passing Game every third pass should go into the post. It is truly an advantage to have a dominant force inside. However, post ups are not limited to just big players, look to exploit size mismatches at any position. On mismatches is much better to take your defender inside than to go one on one outside. Post up strong for two counts and call for the ball. Step out and back screen when fronted or when you cannot establish a strong post up position.

Rule #6. Assume all shots are going to be missed and rebound.

Want the ball. Anticipate a missed shot and get inside. Do not ever stand behind and wait for rebound. Rather than size and strength that is required for defensive rebounding, offensive rebounding requires anticipation, determination, and hustle. Players must develop an attitude as well as an instinct for the ball. Be aggressive and determined. 2nd and 3rd efforts should be common place. On the shot, establish inside position and box out the defenders. Use screens and movement to establish offensive rebounding position. Be sure to maintain defensive balance.

Passing Game Variations

Click on desired Offense to view graphically Illustrated play details.

Zone Adjustments

Required Individual Player Fundamentals

Since the Passing Game Offense gives players the freedom to create, it requires a real commitment on the part of the basketball coach to teach basic offensive skills (shooting, passing, screening & rebounding).

Passing Game Fundamentals

Coach’s Commitment and Added Benefits

In giving players the freedom to create, coaches may a feel a real loss of offensive control at first, but as the season progresses, they will soon realize and appreciate the advantages and full potential of a non-structured offense. In addition, the Passing Game offense provides for the following added benefits:

• Practicing defensively against offensive movement and screens daily.
• Not ever having to reset the offense.
• Movement makes it harder for the defense to block out.
• It is tough to scout because it is not predictable.

Lastly, coaches must be sold on passing game. It involves the "All or None Principle." It will not adapt to your present offense. If you are not sure or are not entirely committed do not employ it.

Learn More:

© 2004 Ernie Woods, HoopTactics

"More Than Just Stats" Home | Products | Live Games | Contact Info/About | Customer Support © 1999, 2000, 2001 CyberSports for Basketball, CyberSports for Football, CyberSports for Volleyball, CyberSports for Baseball/Softball, and CyberSportsUSA owned and operated by CyberSports, Inc. All Rights Reserved. CyberSportsUSA Designed and Developed by PromoLab