Introducing a motion offence provides many benefits to a basketball team. Offensive efficiency relies primarily on precise execution of individual skills and team systems and it is easier to master a small number of concepts than a wide array of plays. Instead of memorizing a pattern for every possible defence, players apply the same principles and take advantage of opportunities as they arise. Individual abilities are free to shine and the entire exercise will improve performance under pressure.
However, coaches must be mindful of a number of issues while instructing such an organic system. Above all, it requires the support of the entire team who understand that basketball utilizes the mind as much as the body.
Skill Development: A motion offence is contingent upon skill. Every team member must be a threat to score. Players must develop one go-to move (i.e. a guard and a cross-over dribble or a post and a wheel move) and at least one counter (i.e. a guard and a pull-up jumper or a post and an up and under). They must realize what their opponent is giving them (the go-to move, the counter, or the pass to a teammate).
“Offence is motion.”
– Red Holzman
Practices must mimic game situations if players are to improve during the season. After athletes master a move, they should perform it against pressure repeatedly. Weak defence in practice helps neither the defender nor the offensive player; opponents never take it easy during games. Also, coaches must accurately and continually evaluate players because failing to do so places the athlete in a position to fail.
A system that relies on the ability of individual players to create shots can be disrupted by absences, injuries, and foul trouble. Players should know multiple roles on the count so they can step on short notice.
Knowledge and Understanding: Players must understand the entire offensive system, especially how and why it will help the team’s goals. Coaches should teach the entire concept, followed by its components (1 on 1, 2 on 2, and 3 on 3 situations), before bringing it all together again. It is equally important to know the strong-side and weak-side parts of the play.
“Don’t get caught watching the paint dry.”
– Wilbur “Shooter” Flatch
When performance does not meet expectations, corrections must be made immediately through the use of timeouts or timely feedback as the player substitutes out of the game. Players should be attuned to the coach’s voice, not because the coach is always talking during games but so they can hear the few specific instructions at critical times. Coaches should continually provide constructive feedback during practices.
Decision-Making: Understanding empowers players to make good decisions. Mental training should focus on helping players see the court and develop their patience and judgment. The first pass is not always the best pass nor is holding out for the “perfect” pass the best idea either. Reading the defence and adjusting creates the best shot for that particular moment in time and space.
“If you have a lane to the basket, take it. Otherwise, move the ball.”
– Steve Lavin
Players need to comprehend what is a good shot for them and their teammates. Intuitively, players realize that they should not cut to a position where they are not a threat to score but they may not appreciate that it is similarly short-sighted to pass to a teammate in a spot where they cannot do anything. It is not a pass if you have tried everything else first.
Post Play: The team must control the key. If a squad cannot rely on points in the paint, they are vulnerable to a poor shooting night. Post play is a consistent offensive source that provides easy points, assuming footwork and passing have been instructed. Players cannot merely stand in the post; they must constantly fight for better position. Kicking the ball out and reposting are also essential skills.
Initiative: Lastly, a motion offence is not looking for a place to happen — it makes things happen. Like the name implies, there must be constant motion, in terms of the ball and all the players. This motion must be extended to the eyes which scan the court, the ball-fakes which confound the defence, and the pivots which better position and passing angles. This motion exemplifies working hard to make things easier.
“Young players have a tendency to neglect moving without the ball. It’s one of the most important phases of the game. When you pass the pass, you have to make sure you move immediately after the pass is passed and always move away, not toward, the player to whom you’ve passed.
“Don’t run away. Screen a man and run your opponent off the screen. There are many reasons for moving without the ball and many directions you can take. It can be to clear and area and avoid the possibility of double-teaming, to set a screen, or to increase the possibility of offensive rebounding. When you move, you may not always be moving directly toward the basket, but ultimately your movement should carry you to the basket.”
– Bill Bradley
The ball must be moved to the open man. Fortunately, a pass moves faster than the defence can shift. There is little room for hesitation because inaction permits the opponent to catch up. Remaining balanced, anticipating the next move, and feeling confident to attack the hoop are all part of being ready on the basketball court. That open player must attack. Dribble penetration is easier when the defence is moving, as is getting to the free throw line.
Teamwork: Team members must help each other succeed. Blaming others for a poor outcome does not create a solution. All players should feel free to give each other honest feedback about the process. Communication between players helps the team move as a single unit, which is the fundamental tenant of a motion system.