How to Run the Motion Offense in Basketball

The term motion offense is used quite a bit in basketball. There are probably several offenses that could be considered a motion offense. There are many different versions of the motion offense. This article will give you a general idea of how to run a motion offense in basketball.

Instructions

    • 1

      Follow the rules. The key to running a motion offense is to keep the perimeter players cutting and slashing while the inside players set screens while looking for opportunities to flash to the ball in the paint. The power forward and center set screens for the guards and small forward. The guards and small forward should work to switch sides of the court while utilizing the screens by the post players to free themselves from their man.

    • 2

      Trigger the offense with a basic down screen by the screeners for the shooting guard and small forward. The point guard should be positioned above the three point line, the shooting guard and small forward should be on the wings and the post players on the outside of the lane just below the free throw line. Once the ball is entered to the wing the screeners and cutters will pick away from the ball. If no opportunity presents itself, the process starts over again.

    • 3

      Cut from one side to the other. Both wing players can flash from one wing to the other by cutting down through the paint where the screeners set picks for them. This is a standard trademark you will see when a team runs a motion offense.

    • 4

      Swing the ball to create space and more opportunities for screens. To run the motion offense the ball does not have to be passed around quickly, but if it is on the wing the passing options are limited. Get the ball back to the middle of the floor or to the other wing. The motion offense does not require a lot of quick passes, but players must be constantly cutting and trying to get open every second.

    • 5

      Penetrate off of swing passes. Because of all the screens the defense should be somewhat out of position.

    • 6

      Get fancy with it. There are almost endless combinations that can be used when you run a motion offense. Once teams get to be experienced at executing it, they can read the defense and determine what cut to make or screen to set. In this iteration players are encouraged to go to different areas of the court to cut off screens.