Continuous offense primary fastbreaks (Part 1).

Basketball has initiated a lot of changes in its overall coaching attitudes and philosophies of defense. It applies different types of aggressive pressure, such as (1) full-court defenses, (2) half-court traps and blitzes, and (3) multiple defensive schemes that smoothly change from one defense to another on different signals or specific situations.

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Offensive-minded coaches have countered the defensive pressure actions with primary fastbreaks to beat the defenses down the floor. If the primary fastbreak is not successful with a quick score (which can be done often against well-coached defensive teams), many offenses will have to retreat without exerting any type of offensive pressure to reorganize and set up a new planned method of attack.

Basketball will not have to back the ball out, reorganize, set up the offense, and call a play to attack a defense that has been given the opportunity to rest, reorganize, and set up defensively. A smooth transition from a primary fastbreak into a secondary break (or breaks) could incorporate the offensive strengths and hopefully take advantage of any defensive weaknesses that it can discover, such as the defense's disorganization, out-of-positioned defenders, position, height or quickness mismatches.

If the designated Primary Fastbreak with all of its distinct advantages does not produce points, it could be a smooth conduit into a predetermined Secondary Fastbreak.

From the Secondary Break that does not produce points, a continuity offense could be implemented that also has a fluid transition from the Secondary Fastbreak. All three phases of the offense should take advantage of the offensive personnel's major strengths and capitalize on the opposition's defensive weaknesses.

With this concept implemented into the offensive package, once the ball is in the team's possession, there does not have to be any type of delay from a primary fastbreak into a secondary fastbreak and on into a half-court continuity attack.

This will give the opposition's defense absolutely no time to relax or regroup. This offensive style will create, a 32-minute "no-huddle" basketball offense. Coupled with an aggressive continuous defensive style, this type of offense will require all opposing teams and coaches to do a tremendous amount of practice work to prepare for the pressure styles on both sides of the basketball. They will be in a pressure-filled and grueling basketball game from beginning to end.

There are many obvious ways to apply different degrees of defensive pressure, such as various types of full court pressure in the form of zone presses and man-to-man presses.

An offensive basketball team could use multiple primary and secondary fastbreaks as "extended and accelerated full-court plays" to attack the opposition as typical half-court plays do. If a team can handle the multiplicity factor, it could use different variations of primary fastbreaks and secondary fastbreaks as their "no huddle" entries/plays that flow into the same continuity offense.

A mentally sharp basketball team could possibly have one primary fastbreak (from turnovers and missed field goals) and then a different primary fastbreak off the opposition's made field goals. These two primary fastbreaks could then flow into one (or more) secondary fastbreaks and then on into the continuity offense. These could be dictated by calls from the bench each time down the court, or by time and situations.

For example, if the ball is obtained via a defensive rebound or turnover, a specific fastbreak could be utilized. If the opposition scores, the different type of scoring (an inside shot, a perimeter shot, or a three-point shot) could dictate the kind of fastbreak to execute.

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PRIMARY FAST BREAKS

A coaching staff must study and evaluate the various primary fastbreaks and choose the one they believe in and feel comfortable with.

We would like to discuss just two of the many primary fastbreaks that could be selected for the offensive scheme. A primary fastbreak on each and every change of possession, whether "live" turnovers or "dead-ball" turnovers that result in the defense taking the ball out of bounds.

This fastbreak could also result from securing a defensive rebound off an opponent's missed field-goal attempt. See Diag. 1 for the beginning of a primary fastbreak after a defensive rebound.

There is absolutely no reason why either type of fastbreak could not also be initiated after the opponent scores a field goal. The defense-turned-offense could instantaneously take quick possession of the ball by immediately inbounding and running the same primary fastbreak to get the ball downcourt and try to score as the opposition attempts to set up their defense. See Diag. 2.

The philosophy of both fastbreaks is to assign a specific lane (along with those particular assignments and responsibilities) for each of the five players. No player may switch lanes because of convenience or proximity to that particular lane when the break begins. The overall quickest method is for each player to have one and only one lane assigned to him or her. The lack of confusion will erase any doubt and therefore maintain the speed of the primary fastbreak.

As mentioned, #2 is assigned the outside right lane, while #3 runs only the outside left lane. Both wings are told to sprint quickly and immediately to (only) their assigned outside lane's backcourt's hashmark and to use that floor marking to maintain the proper width as they reach their secondary fastbreak spotup positions downcourt. We strongly emphasize getting both wings "out quick and wide and looking for the ball" by running hard and looking over their inside shoulder for a quick long throw by the "Trigger."

The "Trigger" is either #5 or #4--whomever has the best throwing arm and/or the better perimeter player of the two post players. The "Trigger" will be designated as #5 in this discussion. The two wings (#1 and #2) will use the sideline hash-marks as guidelines on how wide they are to run. #1 is assigned to break open as quickly as possible and look for the pass from the (pre-designated) "Trigger" (#5). #5 always takes the ball out of the net instantaneously on all the opponents' made baskets and first looks to-throw long to #2 or #3, who are "flying down their outside lanes."

If the two outside lanes are not available, the "Trigger" #5 will look to hit #1 or the "First Trailer" #4. The "First Trailer" should be the better of the two post players. He also breaks toward the basketball being taken from out of bounds. If #1 is denied the ball, the "First Trailer" becomes the safety valve for the designated "Trigger." If the "First Trailer" receives the first outlet pass, he/she is to quickly look downcourt for #1, #2 or #3.

#1 is also instructed to "push the ball downcourt" as quickly as possible by passing the ball downcourt to #2 or #3 by pushing the ball down the court with a speed dribble. #1 is taught to basically keep the ball in the center lane, so that the fastbreak can utilize either side of the floor. #1 is also taught to pass to anyone ahead of him/her that is open.

The "First Trailer" #4 in this diagram is instructed to also sprint down the center of the court as quickly as possible, with the 1-man probably pushing the ball via dribble ahead of the "First Trailer."

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Once the "Trigger-Second Trailer" (#5) has in-bounded the ball, he/she now becomes the "Second Trailer." The "Trigger-Second Trailer" should then sprint down the center of the court.

The spacing and the timing between the "First Trailer" (#4), #1, and the "Trigger-Second Trailer" (#5) can best be taught by using the three large circles on the court--the center jump circle at mid-court and the two circles at each free-throw line.

There should be a "circle-to-circle-to-circle" relationship between the "1-man," the "First Trailer" (04) and the "Trigger-Second Trailer" (05). This gives all personnel the needed spacing and the time to read what options the primary fastbreak can utilize. See Diag. 3.

Once the ball has advanced into the front court, both wings have maintained their wide spacing by sprinting to the second hashmark (in the front-court on their respective side) and then slashing directly at a diagonal angle to the basket in a typical "3 on 2" fastbreak type of action, with the 1-man dribbling the ball in the center of the court.

If the "3 on 2" action does not take place, the 1-man should declare a strong side to initiate whatever primary fastbreak has been chosen. See Diags. 4 and 5.

It must be strongly emphasized and repeatedly stressed that any primary fastbreak does not start until the defensive team has full and complete possession of the ball. Not one single player can slip out and run the break until that defensive team has possession of the ball.

This means that when the opponents take a shot, every defensive player must first box out his/her man and then secure the defensive rebound. Only when the ball is grabbed should each of the defensive players become offensive players that sprint hard into their assigned fastbreak lanes.

"ODD FRONT" PRIMARY FASTBREAK

The "Odd Front" Primary Fastbreak can attack the opposition's defense on either the left or the right side of the court. This primary fastbreak ends up in particular locations that could be described as an "odd front" alignment that will then immediately "flow" into one of the many available Secondary fastbreaks.

If there is no "3-on-2 numbers advantage" between #1, #2 and #3 and only two defenders; #1 must then declare a specific side and veer off to that side with the dribble (or the cut after the pass to the "wing") to an area near the free-throw line extended and just outside of the three-point line.

Both wings (#3 and #2) slash-cut to the "blocks" looking for a pass from #1. If both wings do not receive the pass, they should break straight out to the deep corner on their side of the court.

After #1 "declares a side," the "First Trailer" (#4) sprints to the newly declared "weakside elbow" before slashing diagonally across the lane to post up on the new ballside of the lane on the first "notch above the block."

The "Second Trailer" (#5) sprints to the top of the key just outside of the three-point line. In Diag.4, 01 elects to head toward the left side of the court and attack the defense's right side. The particular wing on the new weakside (#2 in Diag. 4) will then break up to the free-throw line extended on his/her side of the floor.

This stretches any possible support defense both vertically and horizontally, giving 4 a better opportunity to isolate whomever is attempting to defend him in the paint. The spacing of 3, 1, 5, and 2 outside of the three-point line thins the interior defense even more as well as giving the offense numerous "perimeter shot" opportunities.

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Both 1 and 3 (in this scenario) should have excellent opportunities to deliver the ball inside to 4. If that inside pass cannot be made, 3 and 1 could possibly make a "skip pass" to 2 on the weakside wing or a "reverse pass" to 05 at the top of the key.

When the ball crosses the (imaginary vertical) centerline in any manner (to 5 or 2), will signal the conclusion of the primary fastbreak and the immediate beginning of the designated secondary fastbreak.

The "Odd Front Alignment" (Diag. 4) has several advantages and minimal disadvantages. Some of the advantages are:

1. It has all five positions specifically assigned for each player with all five players having specialized responsibilities and assignments;

2. Excellent inside-outside attacking opportunities;

3. Outstanding floor balance and spacing;

4. The ending spot-up positions make for quick and safe passing lanes which allow for easy ball reversal;

5. The ending spot-ups positions allow for no low weakside defensive positioning which makes for a very effective inside offensive attack;

6. Has four players that are placed effectively behind the three-point line in order to have an effective outside-oriented attack.

Finally, the ending spotup positions of the primary fastbreak allow for the use of any of a multitude of various secondary fastbreaks.

The disadvantage of the "Odd Front Alignment" for a secondary fastbreak could be that 3 1/2 of the players are on the strongside of the offense, while the remaining 1 1/2 players are on the weakside.

The positioning of the five players will give this fastbreak alignment one post player, one player located below the FT line extended, two players located on the FT line extended, and one above the FT line extended.

Some coaches view this placement of offensive personnel as an advantage, while others could view it as a disadvantage. I view these positions as the best that can be utilized. It spreads the defense both horizontally as well as vertically, thereby spreading the defense very thin and weakening it, particularly the interior's support defense.

"EVEN FRONT" PRIMARY FASTBREAK

The "Even Front" Primary fastbreak also can attack the defense using both sides of the floor. Both 2 and 3 have cut toward the basket and if they do not receive the pass for a layup, both can break straight out to the deep corner on their respective sides of the court.

After 1 has advanced the ball into the front court and cannot make the pass to either 3 or 2 on their "slash-cuts" to the basket, he/she can again select a particular side of the floor to attack.

In Diag. 5, 1 elects to dribble toward his/her right side after discovering that he/she cannot make the pass to either 2 or 3. But in this fastbreak, 1 only veers off to a location outside of the three-point line and just slightly outside the vertical line of the free-throw lane and above the free-throw line extended.

This spot can be more accurately described as one of the "Flex Continuity Offense's" guard positions. After 1 passes or dribbles to a particular side of the floor, the "First Trailer" (4) also sprints to the newly declared "weakside elbow" (behind the first line of the transition defense) before he/she also cuts across the free-throw lane to post up on the newly declared ballside "notch above the block."

The "Second Trailer" (5) also reads 1 and 4 and cuts to the newly declared "weakside wing spot" opposite of 1. In this situation, 1 and 2 both look to make the "inside pass" to 4 posting up.

When and if the ball crosses the imaginary center line, this "Even Front" Primary Fastbreak is over and the chosen secondary fastbreak begins as soon as either 5 or 3 receives the basketball from the original "ballside."

One advantage that the "Even Front Fastbreak" has over the "Odd Front Fastbreak" is that there are two fully committed players (5 and 3 in Diag. 5) on the weakside perimeter that are potential pass receivers (and therefore shooters, drivers or passers).

One disadvantage of the "Even Front Fastbreak" could be realized that there is a player below the FT line extended on the weakside (3 in this scenario), which could give well-coached defensive teams more of a chance to have extra help on the offensive post player located on the ballside block.

A second disadvantage could be that the three perimeter passing lanes are slightly longer and therefore just a little more dangerous for offensive players to complete (see Diag. 5).

The evaluating, analyzing, and weighing of the advantages and disadvantages of "the Odd Front Secondary fastbreaks" concept vs. "the Even Front Secondary fastbreaks" concept must be left up to each coaching staff to determine the appropriate break for his/her team.

The different primary fastbreaks and the many different secondary fastbreaks later described are just some of the ways that a coaching staff can implement offensive pressure on the opponents.

A good coaching staff will choose the primary fastbreak(s) and the secondary break(s) that fit the coaching staff's beliefs and philosophies as well as match up with the particular team's individual strengths and weaknesses.

As these various fastbreaks are taught, drilled and practiced, the offense not only improves its full-court attacks, but it also covers numerous fundamental offensive skills. It can also help improve defensive transition as well as provide a subtle way to drastically improve the physical conditioning of the team. This style of play is popular for players and is also an excellent way to motivate players into hustling and playing hard both offensively and defensively.

We strongly believe that the successful basketball coaches of tomorrow are going to be the coaches who are constantly applying all the offensive and defensive types of pressure on their opponents as often as they can and in as many different ways as they can.

These kinds of teams are very difficult to prepare for. They are never "out of a game" because of their explosiveness in scoring points both off their defenses as well as offenses.

By John Kimble, Former Coach, Crestview (FL) High School