The Spread Offense

The Spread Offense is extremely hard to guard if the side ball screen is executed properly with both the screener and the ball handler making the correct reads based on how the defense reacts.  This type of offense will allow us to spread the floor and have two-man action on one side of the court.  It will allow our guards to create and get to the basket and give our posts easy opportunities at the rim.  As a team that will like to run, we can flow right into this off of our break.  The thing that I like most about it is that it will give us structure that we need, yet still allow us to be creative.  

Major Points of Emphasis

1.  Rules for the Screener
           -  Defender over top of screen =  PICK AND SPRINT
           -  Defender underneath = PICK AND ROLL
           -  Switch on Screen =  PICK AND ROLL
           -  Early Hedge by Defense = SLIP
           -  Ball Handler Refuses Screen  = POP BACK FOR SHOT

2.  Duties of Ball Handler
         -  Catch Ball Free Throw Line Extended
         -  Wait for Screener to be set before move is made
         -  Rub right off the screener's hip
         -  Ball Handler foot (along with shoulders and head) must beat defenders around screen

3.  Action off the Screen
         -  Corner Dribble:  Ball Handler turns the corner and attacks the rim (Screener Pops Corner)
         -  Distance Dribble:  Ball Handler creates distance from the screen for jumper or hits roll man
         -  Distance to Corner:  Ball Handler creates distance and then turns corner as hedge recovers
         -  Refuse the Screen:  Defender tries to cheat, ball handler goes opposite way of screen

4  Types of Passes
        -  One hand off the dribble
        -  Backhand with inside hand
        -  Air Pass over the top

The basic offense can be seen on the right side of this page.  More to come later as we continue our step-by-step progression....