Basketball : Plays - Sideline break (1)

Plays
Playname : Sideline break (1)

Ultimate Sideline Break

The following sideline break is just one of the sets we will run in my "pass option" offensive system, currently being sold in the coaches store. You will find that this offense has several great options other then the one you are about to look at, and are created without any verbal or physical signals. They are all determined by who the point guard passes the ball to on the break.

Let us look at the options available when the ball is entered to the ball side corner man (#2).

As quickly as possible, you want to get the ball to the point guard (#1). He can take it up either side, as the options are the same no matter what side you bring the ball up. In this diagram, we will take the ball up the right sideline.

Ultimate Sideline Break

The point guard will look to get the ball to (#2) in the right corner. (#2's) first option will be to shoot the open 3-pointer if he is open and if he is capable. He will then look very quickly to the streaking (#5) man to see if he is open in the post.

Ultimate Sideline Break

As soon as (#1) passes the ball to (#2), he cuts into the middle of the lane area looking to set a screen. (#4) must time his cut off the back of (#1) creating a good "X" cut screen. Your timing is crucial here and needs to be drilled in order for this to be effective.

(#4) then comes to ball side block looking for a pass from (#2). (#5) slides out of the ball side block area the minute he knows he is not open for a direct post pass from (#2).

Ultimate Sideline Break

If (#4) is open, (#2) will make a post entry pass and (#4) will look to score.

Otherwise, (#1) is continuing into the lane looking to set a down screen on (#5's) defender.
(#5) will then break up to the ball side free throw line elbow looking for a pass from (#2). If he has the 15 foot range, this is a great jump shot opportunity for (#5).

Ultimate Sideline Break

If (#5) is not open for a shot, he reverses the ball to (#3), who has made a nice move to get open on the opposite wing. (#1) after screening, pops out to the opposite wing area.

Ultimate Sideline Break

As the ball is passed to (#3), (#2) comes across the court to the ball side block area. (#4) does not set a back screen for him, we want to create a "decoy" movement to the ball side block, and setting a screen will slow that action down.

After (#2) cuts through the lane, (#4) slides up the lane to set a back screen on (#5's) defender. (#3) will look for a lob pass to the cutting (#5). It is an important teaching point that you teach your (#5) man to go hard at the basket, even if the lob opportunity is not there. This hard movement to the basket will cause his defender to sink down deeper under the basket, creating a good post up opportunity, which we will describe in the next frame.

Ultimate Sideline Break

If the lob to (#5) is not there, (#3) reverses the ball to (#4) who looks to dump the ball inside to the pinning and sealing post man (#5).

Ultimate Sideline Break

If the post up opportunity is not there for (#5), (#1 and #3) set a double down screen, trying to free the shooter (#2) on the opposite side of the floor. (#2) will take the 3-point shot if it is available.

Ultimate Sideline Break

After the double screen, (#1) will pop out to the wing area, while (#3) will set a diagonal back screen for (#4).

Ultimate Sideline Break

(#4) will cut hard to the ball side block looking for a post pass from either (#2 or #1).

Ultimate Sideline Break

After (#3) back screens, he pops out to the perimeter for floor balance. (#2) brings the ball back to the top and you now have a 3 out 2 in alignment ready to run a set play or your motion offense. Chances are, you've already scored with one of the many options this sideline break has to offer.

Remember, this "pass option" offense is keyed by the point guards entry pass. The "pass option" offense has several more options, as well as several other pass options from the point guard. If you would like the entire offense, you can purchase it in our coaches store for only $14.95 for the book or $19.95 for the video.

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This "pass option" offense reached best-seller status in 2002 at Syskos Basketball Books and Videos.