Andrew Pace
Moving without the basketball is an important skill for players to master. Many players are unsure of what to do when they don't have the ball, and often end up standing still or hiding behind their defender, making it difficult for teammates to pass to them. Effective movement without the ball involves setting screens, moving around screens, and using cuts and fakes to create space and get open for passes. Coaches can teach these skills through various drills and exercises, helping players understand the importance of movement and spacing in creating offensive opportunities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Spacing | Perimeter players should space out about 12 to 15 feet apart, except when screening or cutting around a teammate |
| Movement | Moving without the ball is an offensive strategy where players set screens and move around them; players should also learn to "drive right by somebody or drive left by somebody" to create space and get open |
| Passing | Passing is a two-person process; players are responsible for creating passing opportunities, and should learn to set off-ball screens to get shooters free |
| Post-up | Players should try to get open for a pass inside so they can make a post move; if they can't get open, they should screen for the opposite post player |
| Drills | Drills can help players understand how to move without the ball; for example, one drill involves putting someone on the wing, and then driving in a certain direction and making a pass |
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What You'll Learn
Moving without the basketball is an offensive strategy
One key aspect of this strategy is setting screens and using cuts to create space and get open for passes. Players should learn to move along the baseline or around the 3-point arc, always ready to catch the ball and either shoot, pass, or drive to the basket. It's important to understand that movement without the ball is a team effort, and proper spacing is crucial. Players should avoid standing still or hiding behind their defenders, as this makes it difficult for teammates to pass to them. Instead, they should use drills to practice driving in different directions and filling vacated spots, ensuring they don't move until their teammate has penetrated the defence.
Additionally, players should learn to set off-ball screens to free up shooters. After setting a screen, a player can rotate in and get in position for a rebound, or pop off the screen for an open shot. This requires good communication with teammates. Another technique is to play "hi-lo," where one player positions at the high post while the other moves inside, constantly rotating as the ball moves. For example, if the ball is on the opposite wing, a player can cut to the ball-side elbow for a pass and then dump it inside.
By implementing these strategies, players can become more effective on the court even when they don't have the basketball. It improves their ability to create passing lanes, get open for shots, and make better decisions with the ball. Moving without the basketball is a crucial aspect of a well-rounded offensive strategy in basketball.
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Use cuts and screens to get open
To get open, players need to use cuts and screens. Before using a screen, players should take a step back from it to fake that they are headed in the right direction. This is called "setting up the screen". After this, the player must cut hard and close to the screener.
There are many different types of basketball screens that can be used to create scoring opportunities. For example, a back screen involves an off-ball player setting a screen behind a teammate's defender. This allows the offensive player to cut towards the basket and receive the pass for a layup. A cross-screen occurs when a player cuts to the opposite side of the floor to set a screen for a teammate, usually in the paint, and can be used to get a quick shot or layup. A double screen involves two players setting a screen side-by-side, making it more difficult for the defender of the player receiving the screen. A down screen, or pin down, involves the screener facing their chest towards the baseline, resulting in the player receiving the screen cutting away from the hoop. A drag screen is an on-ball screen set by a trailing offensive player in transition. A flare screen is an off-ball screen that allows a player to cut away from the basketball to a spot on the perimeter. If an on-target skip pass is made, this can be used to get the team's best shooters open for outside shots. A flat screen involves a player setting a screen for the player with the basketball with their back facing the basket. A flex screen is set on the weak side of the floor and allows the offensive player receiving the screen to cut along the baseline into the paint. A floppy screen is a single screen set on one side of the floor, with a staggered screen on the other. A hammer screen is a variation of the back screen, where a player sets a screen on the weak side of the court, allowing their teammate to cut to the corner for an open shot. A horns screen occurs when two off-ball players set an on-ball screen on either side of the ball-handler's defender, giving the dribbler the option to attack left or right. A ram screen involves an off-ball screen that leads immediately into an on-ball screen, making it difficult for the defender to recover. A staggered screen occurs when two players set a screen for a teammate, but they are not immediately next to each other.
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Move to create space
Creating space is one of the most important aspects of basketball. No matter how quick a player's release is, they need space to get a shot off. There are several ways to create space, including non-dribble moves, dribble moves, moving without the ball, screens, and dribble weaves.
Moving without the ball is a crucial skill for basketball players. It involves using cuts and screens to get open and create space for a shot or pass. When moving without the ball, players should watch their defender, utilize their teammates, understand defensive rotations, and quickly analyze floor spacing. One simple tactic is to drive in one direction, then quickly change direction, taking advantage of your defender's momentum to create space.
Another way to create space without the ball is to use a jab step. For a right-handed player, this involves starting in the triple threat position, then taking a long step to either side of your defender with your right foot, while staying low and balanced and keeping your body between the defender and the ball. This can cause the defender to back up and put their weight on their heels, creating space for a shot.
Players can also create space by using screens and cuts. A screen is when a player without the ball blocks or impedes an opponent to free a teammate to shoot or drive to the basket. Cuts involve moving without the ball to get open for a pass or shot. For example, if a teammate is being fronted in the low post, you can cut to the ball-side elbow for the pass, then dump the ball inside.
By using these techniques, players can create space and get open for shots, even when they don't have the ball.
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Use diagrams to understand different moves
Diagrams are a great way to understand the different moves in basketball when you don't have the ball. They can help visualise the various cuts and screens that can be used to create space and get into a position for the best shot.
For example, a diagram can show the spacing for different offensive setups, such as the 1-4 or 2-3 offenses, and how these formations change with passing, cutting, and dribble-penetration. The initial setup for the 3-perimeter, 2-post offense is also shown, with post players starting either low on the blocks or one high and one low. As the ball moves, they interchange spots, working together. The 4-out offense has four perimeter players on the 3-point arc, with one post player who can start high or low. The "low" set allows for spacing for cutters and dribble-drives, while the "high" set allows for spacing underneath for cutters from the wings and baseline dribble-penetration.
Additionally, diagrams can illustrate specific moves, such as the Backdoor Cut, which is effective when the defense overplays the passing lane. The offensive player starts towards their teammate with the ball, plants their foot farthest from the basket, pushes off, and cuts hard towards the basket. Another move is the Curl Cut, where a player runs a circular cut around a teammate's screen to get open for a pass and shot. If the defender chases, the offensive player should curl, and if the defender goes under the screen, the player should flare out to the perimeter for a jump shot.
Understanding these moves through diagrams can help players and coaches strategize and improve their offensive gameplay.
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Set up your player before using a screen
Setting up your player before using a screen is crucial in basketball. Here are some detailed instructions to achieve this effectively:
Firstly, it's important to understand the concept of "setting a screen" or creating a "pick". This involves an offensive player deliberately blocking or screening a defensive player to free up an offensive teammate for a pass or shot. Before using a screen, the player should ensure they have a basic understanding of cuts and screens. This involves learning some guidelines and tricks applicable to all cuts and screens.
To set up your player effectively, there are several key techniques to follow. Firstly, the player should take a step back from the screen, faking movement in the intended direction. This sets up the defender, creating an opportunity to blast off the screen and gain an advantage. It's crucial for the offensive player to wait until the screener is completely set before making their move. Impatience can lead to the defender getting around the screen, rendering it ineffective.
The player receiving the screen should also make a step toward the hoop first and then cut back over the screen. This is a critical aspect of setting up the screen effectively. Additionally, the player's feet should be set firmly, avoiding any leaning to one side. Leaning or moving the feet can result in a moving screen call and an offensive foul, negating the advantage gained.
Furthermore, the player's body should be vertical, neither leaning forward nor backward, with the middle of the chest in line with the defender's shoulder and hips. This positioning helps to ensure the screen is legal and effective. The player should also be mindful of their timing, ensuring they don't move until the person setting the screen has penetrated.
By following these instructions, coaches and players can effectively set up their players before using a screen, creating more scoring opportunities and improving their overall offensive performance.
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Frequently asked questions
Moving without the basketball is about creating space and getting open for a pass. Use cuts and screens to move around the court and work with your teammates to create passing opportunities.
Some players tend to stand still, hiding behind their defender and making it impossible to receive a pass. Others may move too early, failing to wait for their teammate to penetrate before filling the open spot.
Review diagrams and drills to improve your understanding of cuts and screens. Practice setting screens and moving without the ball during gameplay to create space and improve your passing options.
Moving without the ball can help create space and improve your team's offense. It also allows you to get into better positions for receiving passes, shooting, or driving to the basket.
Kids can learn about moving without the ball through simple drills and by watching basketball games to observe how players move around the court. Emphasize the importance of teamwork and communication in creating passing opportunities.
