Guide to Basketball Plays: 8 Foundational Basketball Plays

Basketball plays are any type of offensive strategy used during a game. For a basketball coach, the objective is to teach your team plays that highlight their strengths, both as a team and individual players, and implement these plays at the right moments during the game.

There are many different types of basketball plays. Most fall into one of two broad categories, depending on the kind of defense, the movement and positioning of your players, and the play’s starting point:

1. 1. Man-to-man plays: Teams can execute this type of play when the defense is playing man-to-man. In a man-to-man defense, each defensive player guards an offensive player to create opportunities for offensive players to use pick-and-rolls, screens, and other means to pass and score points.
2. 2. Zone plays: There plays aren’t specific player matches when playing zone defense. Instead, the players are assigned specific areas or zones of the court. This allows for more flexibility for the offense, though they will have to adjust to the skills of the different team members and adequately assess the defensive players.

Coaches have been developing and testing offensive basketball strategies for decades, so the potential playbook is enormous. Below are some of the most influential and varied options for coaches and teams at different skill levels, from high school to college to the NBA.

1. 1. Pick and roll: The pick and roll is a classic move in basketball. An offensive player sets the ball screen (screening the primary ball-handler) but then rolls off their defending player and gets ready to shoot, either by posting up or, depending on the status of the other team members, passing for an open shot or layup.
2. 2. Back screen post: In this play, a staggered screen—two players screening the ball handler—allows for a quick post up. With the staggered screen, the outer screener can roll to the basket. If a layup or a jump shot isn’t possible, they can pass back out to the player in the wing, who cuts up to take a three-point shot.
3. 3. Quick hitter offense: The quick hitter offense, also known as a set play, is a way to change things up swiftly, throwing the defense off balance and finding a scoring opportunity. In the variation known as the backdoor quick hitter, the point guard passes to the center, who passes to the small forward in a tight arc near the top of the key outside the three-point line. Meanwhile, the shooting guard, who starts on the ball side, cuts across to the weak side, screened by the power forward, to receive and take a shot.
4. 4. Baseline swing: This zone offense play aims to set up a shooter to make a basket from midrange or the three-point line. The offense forces the player defending the baseline to the wing by having two players across the paint, while the lower player receives a screen, allowing for a shot.
5. 5. Flex warrior: This play involves screening the screener near the baseline with a down screen, and then passing back outside for a midrange or a three-point shot. If the shot is less than ideal, the screens and passing out should clear at least one screener who should be able to make an open shot. Correct spacing and timing are critical for this play.
6. 6. Cross: This is known as a baseline out-of-bounds play (BLOB for short). A cross is when a player passes the ball from the baseline, slightly off to one side of the basket. The idea is to have all four available offensive players start higher, in the elbows and the wings, and then, with the wing players leading, get low—the wing players to the corners and the elbow players near the low blocks. This concentration will keep at least one player available when the ball handler inbounds the ball.
7. 7. 41 motion: This offensive strategy, also known as 4-out 1-in, is a motion offense, meaning there is no set pattern, but the players move about, passing and dribbling, based on the opportunities presented by their teammates and the defensive players. Four players space evenly on the perimeter, outside the three-point line, with one player in post position. The post player usually stays on the weak side (away from the ball), but cuts in suddenly for a pass if there is an opening. This is a great way to teach offensive fundamentals because coordination, reaction speed, and communication are essential.
8. 8. Sideline out of bounds: It’s good to practice inbound plays, scoring attempts when the ball is passed inbounds. In this play, wherein the ball is inbounded from the sideline, the two players near the basket are to switch positions, with one in low post near the baseline, while the other goes to the opposite side, trying for a jump shot or a three-pointer. Meanwhile, near half-court, the two players on the other side of the ball handler can make a screen, allowing the other to receive and shoot the ball.

While there is a wide variety of offensive plays available, focusing on fundamental principles can improve any strategy. Consider the following tips:

1. 1. Use the whole court. A whole court play begins at the opposite end of the court, and a half-court play starts at half court. Depending on the opposing team, the skill level of your players, and their energy level, you can use extra space to give your players a breather, tire out the defense, or run down the clock.
2. 2. Start simple. Especially if you are coaching or playing youth basketball, it’s good to start with simple plays before adding complexity. Motion plays are good for beginners, as there is less to remember, and they can build on-court skills before players have to execute specific steps.
3. 3. Mix it up. When you have a good collection of plays in your basketball playbook, be sure to change them up. Even strong, sophisticated basketball offenses can become predictable after repetition. Being able to change your strategy, and do so quickly, is the key to success.

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