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Small Line-Up Man-To-Man Offense Creates Tough Defensive Match-Ups
By Glenn Flannigan, Head Coach, 8th Grade Boys Travel Team, Methven, Mass.
MANY COACHES FEEL that having an undersized team is a curse that can't be overcome. This philosophy couldn't be more wrong. The following is a terrific man-to-man offense for a team that's small up front. This offense is versatile and can be used by a team at any level of competition.
Running The Small Line-Up Offense
DIAGRAM 1: In the initial set up of the offense, 1 has the ball on top, while 2 sets up at the middle of the foul line. 4 sets up wide on the left wing, while 5 and 3 position themselves on the low blocks on each side.
DIAGRAM 2: 2 steps down into the foul lane and sets a screen for 5, who cuts diagonally across the lane and to the wing on the right side. After setting the screen, 2 settles to the left low block. 4 replaces 2 at the foul line, as 2 makes a pass to 5 on the wing.
DIAGRAM 3: 4 steps up and sets a screen for 1, who cuts hard to the basket looking for a pass from 5. 5 tries to hit 1 for a layup on the cut down the lane. while 1 is making his or her cut, 3 breaks out to the right corner behind the 3-point line. If the layup option isn't open, 1 sets up on the ball-side low block.
DIAGRAM 4: 5 passes to 3 in the corner. While the pass is being made, 4 breaks to the ball-side elbow. 3 looks to take a quick 3-pointer if left unguarded.
DIAGRAM 5: 4 breaks out and sets a screen for 5. 5 uses the screen and cuts to the basket. As 5 makes the cut, 2 curls up to the middle of the free-throw lane. 3 now had the option to hit 5 on the cut to the basket, 1 in the low post or pass to 2 for a foul-line jump shot.
DIAGRAM 6: If nothing is open on that option, then 3 passes out to 4, who quickly reverses the ball to 2 at the top of the key. As the reversal pass is being made, 1 steps out and sets a cross screen on the baseline for 3. 3 uses the screen and cuts hard to the basket. 2 looks to hit 3 on the cut to the basket for a layup.
If that option doesn't work, then 1 comes back to the top and receives the ball back from 2. You're now back into a re-set of the offense, only with 4 on the opposite wing.
