Offensive Theory

The so-called 1 - 4 offense (pronounced one four) is just one of many 'set' offenses designed as a "framework" from which to develop plays. Of course, our first priority (core philosophy) is to play 'transition' offense, the fast break at every opportunity.

We emphasize a number of concepts that are variably difficult for young players to grasp:

1. Spacing (avoiding bunching up, frees players to use individual moves)
2. Ball movement...give it up, you'll get it back
3. Player movement...especially using screens (picks)
4. Teamwork ("It is amazing what can be accomplished when nobody cares who gets the credit."

The first point to make is that the 2 and 3 positions are interchangeable as are the 4 and the 5 at the high posts. I like to set the offense higher, because it pulls defensive players AWAY from the basket, and makes defenders respect the back cut from the high post to the block. This offense conceptually breaks down the court into areas where the wing and post can work together, or the twin high posts. 

But what I've shown here is a variation on a play the Celtics run, with Rondo passing the ball (hash marks) in to Garnett (5) , then cutting to set a pick away from the ball for Paul Pierce (3), who then has either an open move or a mismatch with a guard who has switched off on the pick. 

When the three (Pierce) goes to the hoop, the four has to crash the boards, and the two must rotate back (floor balance) to play defense. Everyone has a job to do on every play, and the plays must be run on either side. We want the girls to learn the principles vital to success on and off the court.