Motion Offense Coaching Guide

Motion offenses come in a variety of shapes and sizes. For those who are unfamiliar with the different motion offenses, they are usually named based on the number of offensive players on the perimeter vs. the number of players in the post.

For example, a 3 out, 2 in offense places 3 players on the perimeter and 2 in the post area. A 4-out motion places 4 players on the perimeter, and one in the post area. In a 5 out, or open post, motion begins with five players on the perimeter. Click the Thumbnails below to zoom on on full size diagrams

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3out, 2 in

5 out

4 out, 1 in

Regardless of the initial set, principles of play remain the same. Motion offenses are all built on a similar set of fundamental passing, cutting, and screening actions on the perimeter. (The dribble drive motion is an exception). This post will present a basic drill that you can use to teach some of those fundamental movements.

At every level, Proper execution of these basic motion principles are the key to a successful motion offense.

Purpose: To drill the fundamentals of off-ball screens in a pass and screen away setting. I run this often early in the season because it helps break down the fundamentals of screening for both the screener and the man receiving the screen, which is a necessary fundamental of ALL man to man offense. I also run this periodically during the season if screening becomes sloppy and again at playoff time to reemphasize the fact that these basics are the real key to success.

Organization:

Players form 3 lines. Line 1 is on the right wing, line 2 is at the top of the key and line 3 is on the left wing. Line 1 has a ball.

Procedure:

1. Player 1 passes to 2, makes a v-cut and receives a return pass from 2 on the wing

2. After 2 passes back to 1 he goes away and sets a screen for 3.

3. 3 comes off of 2’s screen and receives a pass from 1 for a jump shot at the free throw line area.

4. All 3 players rebound the shot, and put it back in on a missed shot

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Basic Drill Format

Variations:

Players should work all types of ways to use the screen.

1. 3 can curl 2’s screen for a layup. This would occur if 3’s defender tried to follow 3 around the screen.
2. 3 can fade the screen. Just as 3 prepares to come off the screen he changes direction and cuts back to the wing for a skip-pass from 1 and a jump shot. This would happen if 3’s defender fought through the screen early, going for a steal at the top of the key. In this situation 2 should come back to the ball at the top of the key for a jump shot.
5. 3 can catch and pass to the screener rolling to the basket (with the defender on his back)
6. 1 can slip the screen, cutting hard back to the ball at the point of the screen. This move occurs against switching defenses - Defenders often relax at the point of the screen. The phrase, “the screener is the most open player on the floor” is demonstrated here.
7. Instead of setting a screen, 1 can fake towards the screen, then make a quick, change of speed, change of direction basket cut (what some people would call a ‘give and go’ maneuver’). A good, quick basket cut can catch the defense off-guard and yield an easy basket from time to time. However, the main purpose is not necessarily to score. A basket cut provides good variety and presents the defense with something else to defend - it doesn’t and shouldn’t always result in a ‘give and go’ basket. The wing player (3) fills the open perimeter position with a straight cut to the free throw line, where he reads the defense and pops out or runs a backdoor cut himself.
8. The weakside wing can set a perimeter backscreen for 1 after 1 completes the pass. This usually has to be a call made by the point guard r the coach, since 3 should normally walk his man towards the baseline on the pass to 2. Here we are asking her to screen for her teammate instead.

Teaching Points:

1. 1 must face up and jab step after receiving the return pass from 2.

2. 3 influences before coming off the screen. He should take 2 steps away from the screen (towards the baseline) to set up his man, then cut hard back and come off the screen, changing speed and direction.

3. 2 must be stationary when setting the screen, with his arms at his side and his hands covering his privates.

4. 3 must rub shoulders with 2 when coming off the screen. This leaves no space for 3’s man to get through the screen.

5. When coming off the screen 3 must show his hands, giving the passer a target. 3 should catch the ball near the chest area, where he can catch and be in immediate position to shoot.

Other Offense Drills