MOTION OFFENSES
A "Motion" Offense is used to counter the "Man to Man" Defense. Motion offenses are the most difficult offenses to teach the younger players (as well as some high school players). However, if you are not prepared when the other team plays "Man to Man" defense - your team will be in big trouble. There are more "skills" needed to properly execute a motion offense such as setting screens, ball handling, triple threat, posting up, cutting (and more). The only good thing about having to run a motion offense with the younger players is that it is even harder to play good man to man defense (younger players usually chase the person they are guarding - and take their eyes off the ball a lot). On the other hand if a team does play good man to man defense, and you are not ready, the game could be over fairly quickly. Start with a basic motion offense (see the handout below that diagrams a basic motion offense) - all you really need is one motion offense to counter your opponents man to man defense. Coaches should make sure that they teach their players the "Principles of a Motion Offense" also (see handout below). Attacking and Beating a "Man to Man" Defense: Here are just three of many ways to beat a man to man defense. The first and fastest way would be to “beat” the defense up the floor – which means to run your fast break (transition offense) up the floor quickly before your opponent even has a chance to set up their man to man defense - this will give your team more "one on one" opportunities (which means more opportunities to score points just by getting the ball up the court quickly). The second way (which will take much longer) is to teach your players the “Principles of the Motion Offense” shown below – These are the main principles that coaches should teach their players. We have included a handout that you can download so that you can make copies and hand them out to your players as needed. Have patience, it may take a long time for the younger players to retain the information and then executre what they've learned - but keep at it, the benefits will come from hard work... And third, your players will understand how to run a motion offense better, if they first understand the concepts of man to man defense first. Teach your players the basics of playing man to man defense, and they will better understand the motion offense... Important Note: Coaches must make sure that they pay attention to teams that keep switching defenses, be prepared to counter by changing offenses (if you keep this in mind during the game, you will be ready for it when it occurs - and it might save you a time out or two?). Teaching Principles of the Motion Offense 1) Triple Threat: Players must utilize the “Triple Threat” position. From this position a player can shoot, pass, or drive. Players must look for the opening, penetrate to the basket for the shot, or “dish” the ball off to an open teammate. Players must look for the opportunity to drive to the basket, if it’s there, take it! Check out this Video Clip on Triple Threat - CLICK HERE! 2) Offensive Rebounding: Consistently going to the glass, boxing, out, and getting the rebound is a very important weapon against a Man to Man defense. Be aggressive, get to the boards, and box out! Check out this Video Clip on Boxing Out - CLICK HERE! 3) Setting Screens: A motion offense can only be successful if all players are properly setting and utilizing screens. The best attitude for a player to have is “How can I get one of my teammates open?” One of the best ways to accomplish this is to execute a screen effectively. It is important to note that there are 2 players involved with setting a screen: The Screener, and the User – both players must execute their part in order for the screen to work! 4) Movement without the ball: Don’t stand still, always be active, move to keep your defender busy (don’t make it easy for a defender to guard you). Deceive and distract your defender (especially if you are away from the play). 5) Catching the ball: Make sure you are in a good position to receive a pass (use “V” cuts, push off, etc) – help to create a good passing lane. Don’t be lazy when coming to the ball, and look the ball into your hands (use a strong grip when catching the ball). Younger players usually have a hard time catching the ball - see the video clip below that shows the basics of catching the ball. Check out this Video Clip demonstrating basic Catching - CLICK HERE! 6) Executing the plays: Players should be taught that if a motion offense is to work, every player must work hard to ensure that the play is being run correctly. It takes a collective attitude to create the team chemistry needed to effectively make a motion offense work. Executing the play means: Remembering the play, running your route, look for openings, setting proper screens, and making good passes, etc. Poor execution of a motion offense = Turnovers! Turnovers! and more Turnovers! Handout - Principles of a Motion Offense - CLICK HERE!
A Simple Numbering System Coaches will find it will be much easier to teach a motion offense if they incorporate a simple numbering system (as shown below), this will help the younger players remember where to stand, and to understand the different positions, etc. The number system below is used frequently - but it doesn't matter what numbering system you use - just use one...
Here are some general notes regarding motion offenses.
a) It only takes 1 player to throw the whole play out of sync. Make sure that you put the 5 players on the court that know how to run your motion offense the best - it may not be your 5 starters, or your 5 most athletic players - So take it from experience, put the 5 best players that can run the motion offense on the floor to give your team the best chance to succeed. b) You don't necessarily need any post players on the court to run a motion offense - you can use all guards if thats what it takes. If you have a post player (or two) that can run the motion offense, thats even better... c) Make sure the "1" (point guard) calls out the play so the other players can hear it, but most importantly, the point guard needs to pull back and call for a "reset" if the play is not set up right or all over the place! A Simple Motion Offense Here is a handout that diagrams a basic Motion Offense that you can start teaching your players. This Motion Offense is most likely the most popular (and possibly the easiest one to teach). Good Luck! Basic Motion Offense - CLICK HERE FOR HANDOUT! Practicing Plays: The plays should be run from one side to the other, over and over until the players get comfortable with it. Add some defenders in the mix when you feel the players are ready - try to keep it "game like" as much as possible (I start with just a couple defenders, then work up to a full defense). Either way, it is important to keep running the play over and over until the players are comfortable with it. There is a difference between "showing" the players the plays, and "teaching" the players the plays - understand the differences...
WANT MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MOTION OFFENSES? Check out the AVCSS Sports Club publication "Motion Offenses for Youth Basketball"
Only $9.95 for Booklet and CD-ROM. Lots of information on Motion Offenses, and Video Clips to help bring the information to life (can't beat this price for this much information).
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Motion Offenses 
