1-4 FLEX FOR BEGINNER LEVELS.

A simplified continuity with movement and options for young players

AT THE ELEMENTARY school level, designing an offense against man defense can present a significant challenge. You need a system that is simple to understand and that provides structure and discipline to the player movement.

At St. Leo's, our answer has been a basic flex offense from a 1-4 set, as shown in Diag. 1. We instruct our four deep players to stay above the blocks in order to avoid being pinned on the baseline and to make it difficult for the defense to trap our point guard.

#1 is our best ball-handler and a smart player. He triggers the offense by aggressively penetrating the frontcourt and, upon nearing the three-point arc, picking a side and dribbling to the elbow.

As 1 penetrates the arc, we want 4 on the (opposite block) to cut straight up to the elbow on his side. Meanwhile, 5 occupies his defender with a strong post-up action.

#1 now has three options: (1) continue driving to the basket, (2) feeding 5 at the post, or (3) pass across to 4 at the opposite elbow. Since we stress passing and movement, we encourage the pass to 4.

The 1-to-4 pass initiates the flex motion (Diag. 2). The passer (1) sets a downscreen in the lane as 3 cuts over 5's screen to the opposite low block, and 5 replaces 1 at the elbow.

Ball-handler 4 will look for 3 near the low block for a layup or a short bank shot, as 1 fades to the near corner to clear the area.

Diag. 3: If 4 is unable to hit 3, he can reverse the ball to 5 at the opposite elbow, then downscreen for 3.

#2 will drive over 3's screen to the block, as 3 moves up the lane to replace 4 at the elbow.

If 2 is open underneath, 5 will feed him. Otherwise, he will look for 3 at the opposite elbow, as 4 fades to the near corner (as shown in Diag. 4).

Note that Diag. 3 is a repetition of Diag. 2, but only on the opposite side of the lane. The motion continues indefinitely until we get the shot we want.

Initially, we stress movement and a layup after a horizontal screen on the block. Once the players become familiar with the basic pattern, we emphasize several options off the pass at the elbow.

Even our younger players are capable of reading what the defense is giving them and choosing between passing the ball or taking it to the basket.

Good defenses will anticipate the entry pass from 1 to the opposite elbow. If, in Diag. 4, a defender is denying the entry pass to 4, 4 is instructed to take one step above the elbow and then cut hard to set a screen for 2 at the low block. 2 will replace 4 at the elbow while 4 will fade to the corner. This simple move has proved highly effective in opening up the elbow-to-elbow pass.

We also use a dribble entry into the flex (Diag. 5). As #1 approaches the right elbow, 4 cuts to the left elbow and 5 crosses over to replace 4 at the opposite block.

Diag. 6: 2 will wait for 5 to get set, then cut off the block screen to the ballside block. Ball-handler 1 will look for the pass to 2 at the low block. If 2 is covered, 1 will pass to 5, who has moved up to the elbow off a downscreen by 4. As 5 clears the screen, 4 fades to the near corner. We are now in a position to continue the flex.

While we prefer to keep the ball in the center of the floor, the defense will sometimes force us to the outside by sagging into the lane.

In Diag. 7, 1 will hit 3 at the wing and then screen across for 4, who will cut to the ballside elbow.

#3 has three options: a one-on-one scoring move, hitting 5 on the low block, or passing back to 4 at the near elbow.

If 4 gets the ball (Diag. 8), he will look for 1 at the opposite elbow. If 1 finds himself covered, he will be expected to downscreen for 2 on the low block.

Basic Teaching Points

1. When setting a screen, do it on a player, not an area.

2. Set up your defender while waiting for the screen.

3. After cutting off the block screen, stay above the block to ensure a good angle at the basket.

4. After setting a downscreen, you must fade to the near corner in order to clear the block area for the cutter.

5. Upon receiving a perimeter pass, immediately square your shoulders to the basket and assume the triple-threat position.