Half-court basketball plays

Half-court basketball plays

Find the most frequently asked questions about half-court basketball plays, with clear answers, practical examples, and additional resources.

The pick and roll is an offensive play where a player screens the ball handler's defender and then cuts to the basket. It is used to create offensive advantages and open shooting opportunities.
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In the pick and pop, the screener steps out to the perimeter to shoot, while in the pick and roll they cut to the basket. It is ideal for big men with good outside shooting.
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Motion offense is based on constant movement of players and the ball without predetermined plays. It promotes reading the game and collective decision-making.
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It is used when a player has a clear individual advantage. One side of the court is cleared to allow one-on-one play.
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The Horns system places the two big men at the elbows, offering multiple screening and passing options for the point guard. It is a very flexible half-court structure.
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The Flex offense uses cross cuts and baseline screens to free players and create high-efficiency shots. It is a classic half-court play.
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The triangle offense forms a triangle between the post, wing, and point guard to generate multiple passing options. It was popularized by Phil Jackson with the Bulls and Lakers.
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The zipper action is a vertical cut from the baseline to the top after a screen, facilitating the initiation of plays from the middle.
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They are two consecutive screens to free up a shooter. Used in half-court systems to create open shots.
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The backdoor cut is a movement where the attacker cuts behind their defender towards the basket. It is effective against defenses that deny the outside pass.
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They are two consecutive screens used to free a shooter on the perimeter. They help create open shots from mid- or long-range.
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A flare screen is an outward screen that frees a shooter moving away from the ball. It is used to create open perimeter shots.
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A handoff occurs when a player passes the ball on the move to a nearby teammate, creating continuity and defensive confusion. It is common in modern offenses.
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The 1-4 High system positions four players along the free-throw line, allowing variations of screens and cuts. It favors creating central space.
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