Basketball Coach Unplugged

Teachhoops.com⁠ Setting up a basketball offense begins with a clear philosophy that is tailored to your team's personnel. Before implementing any specific plays or formations, a coach must establish the core principles that will govern how the team plays. The most critical of these principles are spacing, ball movement, and player movement. Proper spacing ensures that players have clear lanes to drive, cut, and pass. Quick, decisive ball movement is essential, as the ball can always move faster than a defender, creating defensive rotations and open looks. Finally, purposeful player movement—cutting to the basket, setting screens, and relocating without the ball—prevents offensive stagnation and keeps the defense constantly guessing. These foundational elements create an offensive identity long before the first play is ever called. Once the core principles are established, a coach can implement a specific offensive system. The most common systems include motion offenses, set plays, and continuity offenses. A