When you say that the players should move after 2 seconds, WHERE should they move? Any tips? I know that some "waiting" should occur, i.e., fill up if your teammate cuts, but how do you balance that "waiting" and moving?

Thanks!

Ron, I usually start by giving them two choices: basket cut or screen away. Some teams, you have to give one choice. For example, when you pass, you cut. Then, after they get the hang out it, you can add the screening options and more.

For players away from the ball, it's simple they can cut to the basket or screen somebody. It'll be ugly at first, but as they get more experience, they'll start to figure things out. Just be patient and have fun!

At what age group would you recommend using a motion offense? Even with 4th & 5th grade girls 90% of them new to basketball? If I had to do this first year of coaching again, I would consider starting with a motion offense instead of what we're trying now, a 1-2-2 offense with plays that incorporate dribble-drives, screens, give'n goes and hand-offs. But maybe you guys with more experience would say 4th & 5th grade is too early to introduce Motion. Something tells me teaching principles instead of plays and spending more time on drills than on diagrams would be a good thing even at the 4th & 5th grade level!

Bob - I recommend motion offense as soon as the kids start playing basketball. The great thing about motion is that you can make it as simple as you want. You create rules that fit your team. Your rules could be as simple as:
- when you pass cut all the way to the basket
- don't stand for more than 3 seconds (cut to the basket for find another spot)

You can put them in any formation you want (5 out, 4 out 1 in, etc). Our motion offense ebook would help you better understand how it works and give you ideas for rules.

Joe and Jeff, great advice. I have been coaching basketball for over 30 years and I really appreciate your honest answers. A motion offese started right when players learn basketball will benefit them so much as they grow with the game. You've already hit on the two simplest forms, the cut to the hoop or screen away. Here is something that I do for all levels of players and that is a drill that I simple call "X". In a full court scrimmage, players are not allowed to dribble, unless in the paint. This may seem like such a simple drill but it will teach players to move without the ball as well as passers to recognize cutters. I joe said earlier "It may look ugly at first..." but you'll be surprised at how well kids will run the court and score often without ever putting the ball on the court. I use this in games just to entertain the crowd.

Steve,

I've used a similar drill called 'No Dribble', except I didn't think of letting them dribble when they get the ball in the paint. That's a great idea.

And you're right. It teaches them to move without the ball and recognize cutters!

I am searching for a motion offense to implement with a group of 5th-6th graders. None are exceptionally good shooters and none are exceptionally good post players. I am looking for something easy to learn, so they do not become overwhelmed during in-game situations. What would you recommend? Thanks.

I HAVE 2 7TH GRADE GIRLS AND THE COACH FOR THE TEAM CAN NOT COACH THE LEAGUE THEY JOINED. I PLAYED A LITTLE WHEN I WAS A KID BUT IM NOT A PRO AND THESE GIRLS ARE ALL BEGINNERS WHAT IS THE MAIN THING TO START WITH ?

I love motion offense, but instead of giving choices wouldn't it be better to give them rules for when to basket cut versus pick away? I've found that with choices you get kids that always do the same thing and it usually results in basket cuts because that is easier to remember than picking away and more natural. For example, maybe say after you pass you that you basket cut if you have a clear path, but if not you pick away. The reason I think things like this are better is because I heard Andy Landers say at a clinic one time that you never give kids choices - you give them rules, because if you give them choices they will always come back with "but coach you said..." if you give them choices. He gave great examples of how he learned this in his career and it's always stuck with me! Just a thought.

If were running a 3 out or 4 out I would say, "IF the defender is above the 3 point line, V Cut & BACK DOOR ( cut all the way to the rim so you don't confuse your own player ) If he is below the arc, screen away.

DS, this is something that I've battled with too. Personally, I don't think this is much of an issue as long as you're teaching them how to play. Everybody has different styles and beliefs. And every situations is different. What might work best for my situations may not work the best for your situation.

Personally, I like to give them choices, but teach them why they might do certain cuts in certain situations. Short-term is this going to make your offense look the best... probably not, but I believe it will develop better players over the long haul. It gets them involved and it gets them thinking. When they are able to take some ownership, they become more passionate and involved with the team.

After a few years and enough repetitions, the kids start to figure out how to play basketball.

Last fall, I heard a parent say a sarcastic remark to a former coach about our "lack" of offense after the first tournament and 8 practices together. Some kids had only made it to 3 practices due to football. As you probably are already thinking, how the heck are your supposed to be getting a new group of kids executing an offense? To give you a little background, the previous year his son played on a team that had over 40 set plays in the 7th grade. Well, I only teach one motion offense and a few sets, so it was quite different.

The same parent came up to me at the end of the season and said how much better the kids got offensively individually and as a team. I think we won our last 4 tournaments after starting 1-5 in the first two tournaments.

So I know it can be done with "choices". Which way is better... who knows!?

By the way, I do use rules.

1. Keep spacing.
2. Pass and move.
3. Don't stand still for more than 3 seconds.

After that, I introduce situations and show them how you could attack in those situations.

An excellent way to describe the motion offense. It is something I will try with young kids to bet them all involved with the offense

My groups right now are 9-11, so we can put some good work into the motion offense. I usually start with 4 out and 1 roaming the baseline. The key is getting the players to move to space. After the PG makes the first pass, he is required to cut through. This then opens space for the other players to go to. I have only one or two true post players so they are the baseline players and ultimately get the ball near the hoop. Luckily, I have a passing PG who makes it all work.