Offensive Plays

Professional basketball teams run complex offenses with numerous plays and options. Below are some basic offensive plays that are used all the way from youth basketball to the pros. 

Pick-and-roll 

The basic pick-and-roll play involves two players. One player has the ball and begins to dribble towards the other player. The second player sets a pick, or screen, on the defender guarding the player with the ball. As the player with the ball goes by the pick, the player setting the pick turns and "rolls" to the basket. 

The defenders must choose what to do. They can "switch" who they are guarding or stay with the player they were originally on, fighting through or around the pick. If they switch, then the player rolling to the basket is often open for a pass because he has position on the player he picked. If they don't switch the player with the ball often has a wide open shot. 

Give and Go 

A great play to run in youth basketball, the give-and-go can be easy to master, but very effective. To run this play the player with the ball passes the ball to another then runs to the basket or an open space with a burst of speed. The player catching the pass then passes it back quickly to the open player. 

The defender is often watching the pass or not ready for the burst of speed leaving the player wide open for a layup or open shot. 

Isolation 

The isolation play is popular in the NBA when a team has a superstar like Michael Jordan. When teams play man-to-man defense all four players move to one side of the floor leaving the player with the ball in a one-on-one situation. 

If other defenders move over to help, offensive players can slash to the basket to catch an open pass. 

Posting Up 

Posting up is generally done by the big guys down low. Forwards or centers establish position with their backs to the basket. The ball is passed to them and they then make a move such as a turnaround jump shot, up and under move, or hook shot. 

Moving Without the Ball 

Good offensive players often learn how to move without the ball. Teams need to maintain spacing on the offensive end of the court and not get all bunched up in one place. By constantly moving you can wear out the defense as well as keep them from helping out on the ball. Also, learning to move without the ball, rub off of picks, and get open will get you the ball more and lead to more scoring opportunities. 

Fast Break 

One of the easiest ways to score in basketball is the fast break. This is where you beat the other team down the court and shoot a layup. Fast breaks are generally started by a steal or by a strong outlet pass. 

Team Defense

team. Five players executing tough hard-nose defense and working as a team can stop even the best players from scoring every time. 

There are two main types of team defense: man-to-man and zone. 

Man-to-Man 

Man-to-man defense is easy to explain. It's just each player covering one player on the other team. You stay with your player and try to keep them from scoring. 

When playing man-to-man you need to stay with your player. When your player has the ball, you keep between the player and the basket. When they don't have the ball you stay between them and the ball and try to deny the ball. 

Of course this is just the basics. In some systems, each position may have different requirements depending on the situation. The center may only stay on their player as long as they are near the goal. If the other center goes far away from the goal, the defending center may stay near the basket to block shots and rebound. 

Zone Defense 

In zone defense each player covers an area on the floor. There are different types of zone defenses, but the most common is the 2-3. This is where there are two players who cover the top of the key, the guards, and three who play closer to the basket, the center and forwards. See the diagram below: 

 
A 2-3 Zone Defense

Other popular types of zone defenses are the 1-3-1 and 2-1-2. Sometimes coaches mix up a zone and man-to-man. The "box and 1", for example, is where four players are in a zone (the box), while the fifth player covers the other team's main scorer in man-to-man (the 1). 

Advantages and Disadvantages 

Like anything there are advantages and disadvantages to both types of defenses. The zone defense can be vulnerable to the outside shot, but hard to drive on. Man-to-man can be easier to drive on, but tougher to get open outside shots. 

Picks 

One thing that offensive teams will do is set picks. This is when one player stands still and tries to get in the defender's way of another player in order to free them up. It is up to the defenders to communicate when picks are coming and what to do. You can fight through or around the pick or decide to switch up, where you take the player setting the pick while your teammate takes the player with the ball. Either way, communication is key. 

Double Team 

Whether you are playing man-to-man or zone a good way to get steals and cause the opponent problems is to double team the ball. This is where two defenders quickly cover the player with the ball and try to prevent them from passing, dribbling, or taking a shot. This is an especially good play in college ball where you can force a five second call. 

Communicate 

A key to successful team defense is communication. Let the other defenders know when they are about to be picked. Communicate what the plan is on blocking out. If you all work together, you will have a strong team defense. 

Individual Defense

Everybody loves to shoot the ball in basketball, but to win games you must learn how to play good defense. Individual players can work on sound fundamental defensive skills in order to become better team players. 

Stance 

The first thing to work on is your defensive stance. You must be ready to move in any direction quickly. Stand with your feet apart and your knees bent. Keep your weight balanced on the front part of your feet. You don't want to get caught with your weight on your heels or you will get beat. Keep your hands spread wide around shoulder height. 

Where to Focus 

You can focus on the offensive player's waist as this is the toughest area of the body to fake. Where their waist goes, they will go. At the same time you need to learn to watch the ball at the same time. You will want to be ready to still a pass or block a shot. 

Energy 

Play defense with enthusiasm and energy. Stay on the player and don't give them anything. Defense takes effort, heart, and guts to be good and play hard the whole game. Don't give your opponent a break. 

Anticipation 

To make steals, block shots, and take charges you will need to learn to anticipate what the offensive player is going to do. You can learn this throughout the game. Some players like to go right all the time or do a certain move over and over again. They may get you the first time, but don't let them do it again. 

Strengths and Weaknesses 

Learn your opponent's strengths and weaknesses and force them to go with their weaknesses. An example of this is a player who strongly favors their right hand. Force them to their left. Make them beat you with their weak hand. 

On the Perimeter 

If you play guard you are going to want to work on your perimeter defense. This requires quickness and staying low. When your player has the ball always stay between them and the basket. If they are a strong shooter stay close. If they like to drive to the basket, play a bit off of them. When they don't have the ball, stay between them and the ball and deny. Don't let them get to spots on the floor where they like to shoot. You will want to work on drills that improve your lateral movement and quickness. 

On the Inside 

If you play down low, you will want to learn how to work on position. Don't let your opponent gain position. This takes strength and practice. Once they gain position it will be tough to stop the inside pass and defend. Keep your opponent as far from the basket as possible while staying between them and the basket. You need to be ready to block them out as soon as a shot goes up. For this type of defense you will want to work on your overall strength. 

Rebounding

Many coaches will tell you that rebounding is the key to winning in basketball. Rebounds mean more possessions for your team, which means more shots. Offensive rebounds can lead to easy put backs and quick scores. 

Boxing Out 

The single most important concept in rebounding is boxing out. Even if your opponent is taller and can jump higher than you, if you properly box them out, you can get the rebound. Boxing out is getting between your opponent and the basket while the shot is in the air. You establish position and move to remain between the basket and your opponent. If they try to jump over you, they will often get called for an over-the-back foul. 

Defensive Rebounding 

All five players are responsible for rebounding. This is especially true on defense. When the ball goes up each defensive player should be boxing out an offensive player. This is somewhat easier when playing man-to-man defense where you primarily block out the player you are covering. In zone defense you have to find a player and box him out. When a shot goes up you need to find someone to box out. Also, don't forget to box out the shooter. They can be a dangerous rebounder as they know where the ball is most likely going. 

Offensive Rebounding 

Offensive rebounding can get your team another shot and can sometimes lead to easy buckets. Offensive rebounders must be quick to get around the defensive players trying to box them out. If you can get inside position, even better. 

One of the most dangerous offensive rebounders is the shooter. Always follow your shot. You have the best idea of anyone on the floor as to where the ball is going; if you missed it long, short, to the right, or left. Hopefully you'll make the shot, but if not, you can be right there to snag the rebound. 

What makes a great rebounder? 

You may think that because you are not tall you can't be a good rebounder. Not true, some of the best rebounders ever weren't the tallest players on the floor. Charles Barkley, sometimes called the Round Mound of Rebound, was one of the best rebounders in the NBA at 6'6". He was constantly playing against 7 footers and outrebounding them.

• Anticipation - Anticipation is being able to determine where the ball is going to go once it hits the basket. Will it bounce far away, drop right under the goal, go left, right? These are all things that great rebounders learn to anticipate. You can't just stand there and hope the ball is coming directly to you every time.
• Hard work and determination - Great rebounders go after the ball every time and don't give up until they have the ball in their hands. In their mind every time a shot goes up, the rebound is theirs.
• Jumping ability - Most great rebounders can jump quickly. Not just high but quick, like a pogo stick.
• Height - Of course, although height is not the most important factor, it doesn't hurt either.

The Outlet Pass 

Once you get a rebound, what do you do with it? The great defensive rebounders learn to throw an outlet pass. This is a quick pass to a guard on the wing down the floor. A great outlet pass can start a fast break and lead to an easy bucket for your team. 

Passing

Types of Passes

Two-handed Chest Pass 

The two-handed chest pass is the basic pass in basketball. It is accurate and can be thrown a long distance. 

To throw a two-handed chest pass, start out by placing both hands on either side of the ball. Spread your fingers out and form an oval between the thumbs and index fingers of each hand. Bring the ball close to your chest. Push the ball out towards the target, stepping toward the target at the same time. 

Bounce Pass 

Sometimes a direct pass is not as effective as a bounce pass. A bounce pass can be helpful in traffic as the ball can pass low by the defender making it difficult to steal. Bounce passes can provide angles that direct passes can't. With practice you will start to learn when to throw a direct pass and when to throw a bounce pass. 

Overhead Pass 

When you are covered by a defender, a normal chest pass can be tough to make. In this case an overhead pass can be effective in passing the ball over the head of the defender. You can fake a chest pass one way and then go to the overhead pass or vice versa. 

Off the Dribble Pass 

This pass takes more skill and is not as accurate as some of the above passes, but can be very effective. When you are dribbling down the court, sometimes you don't have time to gather the ball up and make a chest pass or overhead pass. You can make a pass directly off the dribble. Instead of dribbling the ball, you push the ball to another player either with a bounce (which is easier) or not.

Baseball Pass 

Baseball passes are when you throw the ball a long distance using one hand and throwing it overhand like a baseball. This is not a very accurate pass and is difficult to catch. However, it is often used effectively as an outlet pass to get the ball up the court quickly on a fast break. This pass is not allowed in some youth leagues so ask your coach before using it in a game. 

Fakes 

If you want to be a good passer you need to learn to fake out the defense. This can be done by faking a pass in one direction and then passing in the other. Another way to fake the defense is to look one way and pass the other. Don't telegraph your passes by staring down the player you are passing it to. This will get the ball stolen. 

When you don't have the ball 

Any time you don't have the ball you need to be ready for a pass. You should always have some of your focus on the player with the ball and know where they are. Keep your hands up and ready. 

You should want the ball. Work to get open and get position. When the ball is passed to you, it is your responsibility to help out the passer and be aggressive. Go after the ball and make sure you get it and not the defender. 

Shooting

The primary skill in basketball is shooting. If you can't put the ball in the basket, you won't score. 

When you practice shooting, you should practice with good fundamentals. Shooting the correct way will give your shots consistency and allow you to become an excellent shooter. 

Stance and Balance 

An important part of shooting is balance. You should stand with your feet apart and on the balls of your feet. When you take a jump shot you should jump straight up. If you drift to the side or toward the basket, it makes it that much more difficult to be consistent. Keep your shoulders square to the basket. 

Use Your Legs 

When you shoot you should use your legs for power. If you have to use all the strength in your arms to get the ball to the hoop, then you will start to lose accuracy. Let your arms and hands do the aiming and control, get your power from your legs. This means bending you knees and jumping as you release the ball. Jumping high on a jump shot will also help you from getting your shot blocked. 

Holding the Ball (Shoot with one hand!) 

How you hold the ball is important. You will be shooting the ball primarily with one hand. Never shoot an outside shot with two hands. Shooting with one hand is the only way to consistently keep your shot straight. 

Cradle the ball in one hand and keep it balanced there with the other. Spread your fingers out some on the main shooting hand. The ball should be held high, just in front and slightly above your head. 

That Elbow! 

Perhaps the most important thing for a young shooter to practice is keeping the elbow in. Your arm, elbow, and the ball should all line up straight with the basket. This is absolutely important in keeping your shot straight. Your elbow should point at the hoop. 

Shooting the Ball 

Now you will release the ball. As we talked about above, use your legs for power and your arms to guide the ball. Push the ball up and towards the basket. Your elbow, arms, and hands should all point toward the basket. 

Follow Through 

Follow through on the shot. Flick your wrist at the end. One way to think of this is to "grab the rim" as you release the ball. This will help keep the ball straight and add touch. 

If you follow through on the ball correctly, it will have some backspin on it. The backspin will give your shot "touch". Touch allows the ball to bounce softly off the rim. This gives you a better chance to get the roll and still make the basket even if your shot is off by a bit. 

Get Some Arc on that Shot! 

A well shot ball should have some arc on it. Arc gives the ball more of a chance to go into the basket. It provides a better angle and essentially makes the basket bigger. A flat shot has a narrow angle and much smaller chance of going into the basket. 

Practice 

The best way to become a good shooter in basketball is to practice. However, it is very important that you practice shooting the right way. This will help you to develop good habits and a consistent shot. 

Basketball Strategy

When you are watching a game of basketball on television, it can sometimes seem like there are just a bunch of players out there dribbling the ball around and chucking it for a goal. The game can appear chaotic. But basketball is a very strategic game. Teams are in fact running sophisticated defenses and setting up and running multiple offensive plays. Coaches on the sideline are constantly studying the game, making sure they have the right players in the game, making adjustments, and trying to outsmart the other team. 

Basketball Defensive Strategy 

Although scoring is exciting, fun to watch, and fun to do; defense is a key to winning any basketball game. Teams often change up defenses and change who is guarding who during the game. There are two main types of defenses: zone defense and man-to-man defense. 

The zone defense is where each player has a specific area of the court they are responsible to defend. The zone shifts and moves depending on where the offensive players are standing and where the ball is. Zone defenses are great for stopping inside scoring as multiple players can surround or "collapse" on a player getting the ball on the inside. They are not as good at stopping outside or long shots. So zone defenses are often deployed against offensive basketball teams that have a strong inside offensive game, but a weak outside game. 

Man-to-man defense is where each player is assigned to cover a specific offensive player. The player guards the offensive player wherever they go on the court. Man-to-man defense can be very affective against a strong outside shooting team. Man-to-man can also help with rebounding as each defender can block out the person they are guarding and no one can slip into open zones like they can on zone defense. 

Sometimes teams run a combination of zone and man-to-man. One example of this is the box-and-one. In this defense four players play zone (in a box shape) and one player plays man-to-man usually on the offensive team's best player. 

Other basketball defensive strategies include: 

Full court press - where a team will play defense over the entire court hoping to trap or steal the ball.
Double Team - where two players will cover the player with the ball 

Offensive Basketball Strategy 

Offensive basketball strategies may include designed plays to a style of play. Teams tend to want to play an up-tempo fast break game or they want to slow the game down and get into their half court offense. Teams with athletic and fast players may want to play a fast paced game where they can take advantage of their speed in the open court. Other teams may feel they can excel in a half court game taking advantage of their designed plays, outside shooting, or post up play. 

The key to any good offensive strategy is passing. The ball can be passed faster and more effectively than it can be dribbled. By passing the ball around quickly an offensive basketball team can cause the defensive team to move and make adjustments. Enough good passes and eventually an offensive player will get a good open shot. 

One of the staples to most any basketball offensive game is the pick-and-roll. This is when one offensive player will stand in the way of a player defending another offensive player who has the ball. The player with the ball will then start to make a move. At the same time the player setting the pick will roll to the basket. The defenders now have to make a choice on whom to cover. They can often get confused and, in the confusion, either the player with the ball will have an open shot, or the player setting the pick will be wide open for an easy layup.