Transition Offense

Transition offense gives teams a scoring advantage by attacking the defense before it can set up. The goals of transition offense are to get a shot in the lane or kick it out to a person for a three with player(s) in rebound position. Transition offense starts with boxing out and then rebounding. Every time a player has the ball in their possession, they must face the basket and think “shot, pass, or drive.” Rebounders think outlet or drive and maybe the occasional last shot. When the ball is in your possession, you have five seconds to decide. The quicker you can make a productive decision, the greater success a player will experience.  Once the offense has the ball and after they think “shot, pass, drive,” they think “basket or middle.” The offense’s best advantage is to drive to the basket for a layup or get the ball in the middle of the court. Players drive until they are stopped. If a player can drive to the basket on the outlet, that is all the offense we need to run. A layup every time down the floor is a great offense. The reality is when the opposition is a good team, they will have defenders back on defense protecting the basket and the lane. Now the team needs to run transition offense. The player with the ball in the middle needs to stop at the free throw line at the nail (painter’s dot) or at an elbow. Stopping at the nail gives the player five seconds to decide (pass or shot). Teammates are thinking block and then wing. Getting to the blocks puts pressure on the defense to defend the basket. Once at the block a player has some choices. One choice is to stay and post. Another choice is to cut through and “X” with another player. Another choice is to flash to the wing. A trailer may set a screen for the person on the block. Players without the ball need to move with a purpose and balance the floor. The person at the free throw line is thinking “Pass or Shot.” In the half court, the players are running motion for the secondary break. Players are screening away from the ball. Every screen or pick has a roll. Running to a spot and waiting to get the ball is not efficient. Offense needs creativity with the goal of getting a lay-up or open three. If a player is standing in one spot without the ball for two seconds, they need to move with a purpose. Transition offense is getting the ball down the floor before the defense can set up. Offensive players are catching and facing the hoop and seeing the floor. Get the ball in the middle or take it to the basket. Once in the middle, teammates need to move. Get to the blocks, talk, and help a teammate get open. Balance is a priority. The key is making great decisions with the ball and taking high percentage shots.