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How to teach motion offense in basketball
Four drills for teaching motion offense
Motion offense is a key part of the Basketball Australia curriculum and philosophy, and it’s taught with a particular concentration in youth basketball. Motion offense teaches young players the importance of reading defenses, spacing the floor, timing, and is a tool to develop the basic fundamentals that all basketball players need to have.
The following are four highly effective drills that we often use during training sessions to teach motion offense principles, with an emphasis on the fundamental skill development in the athletes.
’30 Pass’ Drill
This is a great drill that can be done at the start of practice to warm up. It’s used to encourage communication, competition, and it follows a game-like approach to the following motion principles:
Leading
Cutting
Sealing
Passing
Spacing
Reading the defense
Set up with two teams of equal numbers, one ball and a coach who serves as the passer.
DIAGRAM 1: “30 Passes” Drill. The objective of this drill is simple — the first team to make 30 passes wins. This is a competitive drill, and there’s a penalty (usually sprints and push-ups) for the team that comes in second place.
Drill Rules: The offense (team O) keeps possession of the ball continuously unless it breaks one of the following restrictions:
Dribbling the ball (there’s no dribbling allowed).
Catching the ball and not being squared up.
Putting the ball above their head.
Passing with the incorrect hand (left hand for a pass to the left).
Allowing the defense to touch the ball with two hands.
Not counting out loud as a team.
The coach must watch closely for violations. Whenever one of these violations occurs, the possession is changed over to the defense (team X). The game resumes with an inbounds pass from the coach. Team O keeps track of its score and adds to it next time it gets possession. The first team to successfully complete 30 passes wins.
Drill variations: You can spice up the drill by adding in several rule changes such as:
Allowing the team with the ball one or two dribbles per possession.
Adding three points to a team’s total score for any made layup.
Allowing screens.
2-on-2, half-court drill
This is a competitive drill used to teach players how to the read the defense and make leads for the ball or back-cut to the basket. The emphasis of the drill can easily be changed toward the defense, but in this description we focus on the offense and the motion principles involved. It incorporates all the fundamentals of the previous drill in a very competitive environment.
Drill set-up: Have players form two lines at half-court. The first player in each line serves as a defender (X1 & X2), and the second player in each line begins on offense (O1 & O2). Two coaches line up on each sideline and serve as the passers. The first pair of players to score seven points wins.
DIAGRAM 2: 2-on-2, half-court drill (set up).
DIAGRAM 3: 2-on-2 half-court drill. The drill starts with a pass to either coach (on the sidelines). The offensive players are not allowed to use screening or dribbling, instead using spacing, timing of cuts and communication to get open and score.
The offensive players can pass the ball back to the coaches at any time, so essentially it is 4-on-2.
Drill variations:
Allow one type of screen to be used, such as a downscreen or backscreen.
Allow offensive players to use two dribbles each time they touch the ball.
Allow on-the-ball screens.
Dribble-entry-and-post-up drill
A big part of motion offense is the ability to score from inside the paint. Passing the ball into the post can often lead to a good assist — or if it’s a bad pass, a turnover. The defense is generally aggressive in the post area, as it knows that you can get high-percentage shots inside.
The following drill breaks down the perimeter-to-post feed through a game-like approach. It’s also a great tool for teaching your players proper offensive stance, pass fakes, reading the defense, and sealing/re-sealing techniques.
Drill set-up: Have your players form two lines one at the half-court line, and the other on the sideline near the wing. The first player in each line is on defense (X1 & X2), and the second player in each line is on offense (O1 & O2).
Station one coach in the lane. He or she watches over the two offensive players and makes sure that they are using proper post-up and post feed techniques. Another coach is positioned along the baseline, and he or she is in charge of watching over the defenders and making sure they utilize proper post defensive techniques.
The offensive players must use a dribble entry, recognize the defense, and make the appropriate feed into the post. The post players must catch the pass and make a good post-up move.
DIAGRAM 5: Dribble-entry-and-post-up drill. The drill starts with a dribble entry to the wing. The wing player makes a back cut to the basket and posts up on the block. Encourage the passer to re-locate on the perimeter.
Penetrate-and-pitch drill
This drill is an important part of any motion offense. It encourages aggressive ball handling toward the basket, forcing the defense to make adjustments, and for both the dribbler and off-the-ball players to create space and make reads of the defense.
Drill set-up: The initial set up is the same as in previous drill. The first pair of players to score three points wins. Penetration can come from the point or wing positions toward the middle of the court. Build to 3-on-3 by adding a weak-side post player.
DIAGRAM 6: Penetrate & pitch drill (A).This diagram shows an example of where the help defender has hedged early, and as there is no ball-side post, there is space for a basket cut (shaded area) by O2.
DIAGRAM 7: Penetrate & pitch drill (B). This diagram shows an example of when the help defender has helped late, and there is space behind the penetration to fill (shaded area).
12 Steps To Building Your Motion Offense
This is an excerpt from our eBook that accompanies Don Kelbick's Motion Offense DVDs.
This shows you the step-by-step process that Don Kelbick uses to implement a motion offense.
We have also added videos and article links to help demonstrate some examples.
Step 1 - Three Basic Rules
These three basic rules for motion offense will govern any situation that your players find themselves in, and should be emphasized at all times. The first step in implementation is to explain these rules to the players:
1. Share the Ball
2. Do What You Do Best, and Recognize What Your Teammates Do Best
3. Create Space
Every movement and decision a player makes on the court should adhere to these rules at all times. Players may find themselves in a thousand different situations, some of which you may not have covered in practice, but these three rules will always apply.
Step 2 - Select Your Cuts and Screens
As a coach, you must decide what offensive actions you would like to incorporate into your motion.
In this video, we identified 28 different screens and cuts that could be utilized in your motion offense. You can use as many different options as you are comfortable with. Those may also change depending on your personnel,
the type of team you have, or the opponent you are preparing for.
It may be helpful to create a list of the cuts and screens you want to emphasize in your offense. Prioritize your list so that those actions that are the most important to the success of your offense are at the top of the list. This list may change as
your offense evolves over time. However, it is a useful tool to help organize your skill development drills and practice time.
Here is a video of 17 basketball screens for your offense. You can also view the full article:
Step 3 - Drill in Pieces - 2v0 Drills
After I have identified the cuts and screens that I want to incorporate into my motion offense, I begin my implementation by drilling in pieces. I do this without defense so that the offense can become comfortable with each action without being
distracted by what the defense is doing.
I like to begin by having players learn the screens and cuts that I think are important within a two-man game. The motion offense video demonstrates a number of 2v0 screening and cutting combinations. These provide the structure to learn the
movements within the motion offense, and will give you a context for your skill development.
Once you have chosen what actions you want to emphasize, you can begin to design drills to reinforce those screens and cuts.
Here are some examples of two player drills that you use to initially teach cuts and screens at the beginning of the season:
Step 4 - Drill in Pieces - 3v0 Drills
Once players begin to understand the scoring actions in the two-man game, I add another offensive player and put them through as many situations as possible in a three-man unit.
Again, while we are in the teaching phase, I do this without defense so that the offense can focus on their coordinated movement without worrying about how they are being defended.
As we progress through the teaching process, I will determine the options within each drill until the players become more comfortable with what actions are available to them.
Step 5 - 3v0 Dummy Offense
It is not possible to go through every situation that will happen in a game. Therefore, the next progression is to allow players the freedom to make their own decisions without the coach dictating what actions to take. This allows players to interpret
what they see on the floor and do something that is appropriate. Players learn to react to different situations instinctively which makes for a more fluid motion offense.
Step 6 - Play 3v3 Live
Once players are comfortable in 3v0 Dummy Offense, we immediately add defense and play live. I may place offensive players in common situations to start each possession, but once the ball is in play, the offense is free to do whatever they want as long
as they share the ball, do what they do best, and create space.
An alternative version of this drill is called the "Continuous 3 on 3".
Step 7 - 4v0 Dummy Offense
After players become comfortable operating as a three-man unit, I add a fourth offensive player and return to playing Dummy Offense. With four players on the court, new situations will arise that were not possible previously.
It is important to note that I utilize Dummy Offense more frequently during the teaching phase of my implementation while players are still learning how to incorporate the various cuts and screens into the offense. In this stage,
I require them to make more passes before taking a shot so that they learn to move in concert with one another.
Step 8 - Play 4v4 Live
As players progress in 4v0 Dummy Offense, I add defense and allow the players to compete in live situations. I will continue to utilize various restrictions on the offense to emphasize the need for multiple passes, ball reversals, post touches, etc.
Playing 4 on 4 gives the offense great spacing, and provides everyone an opportunity to handle the ball. We utilize this in implementation and throughout the season to practice our motion offense.
Here is an example of a drill that requires three ball reversals before a jump shot. For a deeper explanation of the drill, you can view this article: Motion Offense Drill & Brad Stevens' Secret To Better Offense
Here is an example of a drill that requires the designated player to shoot the basketball. For a deeper explanation of the drill, you can view this article: One of the best motion offense drills that you will find (even during games)
Step 9 - Drill in Common Situations with 4v0 Dummy Offense
As I continue through the implementation process, I not only use restrictions, but I also drill in common situations. I do this by returning to 4v0 Dummy Offense. However, I now orchestrate the player's initial action and alignment so that players
learn to act appropriately in situations that happen most frequently in games. Numerous examples can be found in Chapter 4: Common Situations.
Step 10 - Drill in Common Situations with 4v4 Live
Once players begin to understand the options available to them in common situations, I add defense and play live.
Step 11 - Play 5v4
The implementation phase, I add a fifth offensive player before adding a fifth defender to allow the offense to explore their options as a five-man unit. I will, however, restrict one offensive player by not allowing them to shoot.
The open player now learns how to create scoring opportunities for the other four players who are defended.
Step 12 - Play 5v5
Players are now ready to compete in a five-on-five situation. You may use restrictions or scripted entries to hone the skills that your motion offense requires.
We use restrictions and contraints to polish our offense and solve problems like:
Get more ball reversals
Improve shot selection
Create better shooting opportunities
Get the ball inside
Make crisper cuts
Play more decisive
Get more player movement and less standing
Improve screening fundamentals
You can see how we solve these problems and use contraints in chapter ?.
What's Next?
Beginning with Chapter 8, I present other aspects of the offense that you may want to incorporate into your program.
These include dribble entries, various player alignments, quick hitters, and transition options to provide you with different ways to get into your motion offense. Consider what entries will be most successful for your team and begin to utilize
them to initiate your offense in both drill and competition.
Resource: Don Kelbick's Motion Offense -- DVD 2-Pack & Supplemental eBook.
What do you think? Let us know by leaving your comments, suggestions, and questions...
5 Basketball Exercises to Move the Ball with Passes
There is nothing better than watching a team move the ball quickly and efficiently around the court without greed.
Overcoming the defense with smart passing the ball to each other, creating situations for open shots and passes is one of the great offensive techniques.
Want your team to do it?
Basketball passing exercises in this article will help you with this.
But first let me explain something very important...
There are two types of training exercises:
1. Technique for passing the ball.
2. Decision making during transfers.
Unfortunately, most coaches only focus on the "technical" aspect of training and forget how to train their team's decision-making ability when it comes to sharing the ball.
Your players will not improve their game passes by doing thousands of repetitions of chest passes.
While technical drills have their place, they are far less important than passing drills with decision making.
We must let the players learn how to read the defense and make the right decisions.
In addition, ball passing exercises are great for starting a workout to warm up your team and get them to communicate and work together.
5 ball passing exercises.
1. Advance
How the drill works:
Players form 3 columns evenly distributed along the end line. The two outside players start with the balls.
3 players advance across the court passing the ball back and forth to the middle player and then finish the exercise with two shots from under the basket.
Purpose:
A fun passing exercise that works on catching and passing without running, with communication, timing, and shooting from under the basket at game speed.
Formation:
Players form 3 columns behind the end line.
Two players on the outside lines have balls.
Instructions:
3 players (1, 2 and 5) begin to move forward on the court. The 1st outside player passes the ball to the 2nd player in the middle line.
Immediately upon receiving the ball, the center line player returns the ball to the same player on the touchline.
The 1st middle player then turns to the other side and receives a pass from the 5th outside player and immediately returns the ball to him.
Outside players may use 1-2 steps to avoid running.
The drill continues until the players reach the opposite 3-point line. When this happens, the two outside dribblers go to the basket and shoot.
The group then waits at the opposite end for the rest of the groups to complete the exercise before starting the exercise on the other side. On the right scheme at the top, the three players (4, 3 and 2) continue the exercise according to the scheme described above.
Options:
Medium or 3-point shots. Instead of ending with a run to the basket, players may end with mid-range shots or 3-point shots.
Back and forth - Instead of waiting at the other end, the troika can complete the drill both ways. Only now the threes are placed on both end lines and begin the exercise when the three from the opposite side return to their half of the court.
One Ball - If you are coaching very young players, you can run this exercise with one ball until the players understand how it works.
Coach's notes:
Passes must be passed on the move in front of the player using proper passing technique.
The receiver must hold his hands at goodie level, showing 10 fingers and calling for the ball to be passed to him.
The middle player must catch the ball and quickly pass the ball to a running partner. Don't run!
Shooting technique while moving from under the basket is very important in this exercise. Watch your footwork and make sure all players are doing it right.
2. Monkey in the middle
How the exercise works:
Players are divided into groups of three. Each group has one ball. The two transmitters lined up 12 to 15 feet apart. The third player in the group is the "monkey in the middle". He tries to hit or steal the ball. The two outside players must pass the ball to each other without using cross passes or dribbling. Simply turning and using feints to open up the passing line and pass the ball past the defender.
Goal:
A fun exercise that works on defense at the same time. This exercise will teach players how to use feints and turns to create a passing zone and also to protect the ball.
Lineup:
• Groups of 3 players.
• Each group has one ball.
• The passers are lined up 12-15 feet apart with the third player (back) in the middle.
Instructions:
1. The drill starts with the defender attacking the player who starts the drill with the ball.
2. The attacker uses feints and steps to pass to another attacker while the defender attempts to parry or intercept the pass.
3. After each pass, the defender rushes towards the ball carrier and tries to press the ball again.
4. When the defender recovers the ball or kicks the ball, the players change positions.
Variations:
Change after a certain time - Players can change positions
after a certain period of time (depending on the age of the players, their strength and stamina), and not after each interception and elimination. For example, 30-40 seconds.
One dribbling available. Let the attacking players hit the ball once to the floor to open up the passing corner. It will be tougher for the defender.
Only bounce passes allowed - in order to make it more difficult for attackers, allow them to only bounce passes.
Notes:
• It is very important for a defender to have active arms and legs at all times. This is the best way to intercept.
• Passing players must wait for the defender to recover before making the next pass. The purpose of the training is to learn how to pass and create passing angles.
• If there is no set time, the offensive player must not hold the ball for more than 5 seconds without passing the ball.
• No passing in an arc! They make the drill too easy for the attackers and will not lead to improvement.
3. Swing passes
How the exercise works:
The team is divided into 4 groups in the corners on half the court. The players make a pass to the player on the right, who start running along the sideline towards the endline. The sender then joins the end of the column into which he passed the ball.
Purpose:
A drill intended to be used primarily with young players or as a warm-up. This training will improve passing the ball on the move, as well as improve reception and passing without dribbling.
Lineup:
• The team is divided into 4 groups. One group located in each corner.
• The first player in one of the groups has the ball.
Instructions:
1. The drill is started by ball carrier 02 passing the ball 01 to the player on the right.
2. Before passing the ball, the receiver must start running in the direction of the next group, where he will make the next pass of the ball.
3. 01, having received the ball, passes it to player 05, who starts a dash towards 03.
4. After each pass, the passer joins the end of the group where the ball was passed.
5. The exercise continues according to the same scheme with passes and jerks of the players along the square in the same direction.
6. After a certain period of time, the coach changes the direction of the passes.
Options:
Turn on the second ball. If the players perform confidently, then you can enter the second ball in the opposite corner.
Various types of passes - The drill can be performed with one or two hand passes, bouncing, etc. One Dribbling - Players are allowed to make one dribbling before passing to the next player. This can be useful if you are passing with one hand.
TIPS:
• The receiver does not need to slow down or speed up to catch a transmission. Transfers must be accurate, timely and forward.
• The receiver must initiate the snatch in a timely manner with arms outstretched to assist the passing player in making a timely and accurate pass.
• It is very important that you do not make any mistakes during the exercise. Don't let them fall into this bad habit.
• Begin the exercise at medium speed at the beginning until the players understand it. Then increase the intensity.
4. Bronze gears.
How the drill works:
Starting at the end line at the edge of the penalty area, pairs of players pass the ball back and forth using different passes as they run across the court to the other end line. When they get there, they move closer to the touchline and come back using various passes over the players in the middle of the court.
Purpose:
An excellent warm-up that provides many passes in a short amount of time. Including passes of various lengths and types for players in training.
Line-up:
• All players find a partner.
• Each pair has one ball.
• Pairs split into two columns behind the endline at the edge of the SR.
Instructions:
• 1. The first pair move to the opposite side at a slow pace in the middle of the court, passing the ball from the chest to each other.
• 2. As soon as the first pair is closer to the 3-point line, the next pair starts.
• 3. When the first pair of players reach the opposing endline, they move to the touchlines and return, passing the ball over the pairs of players moving in the middle of the court.
• 4. When the players return to their starting position, they rejoin the pairs in the middle of the court and continue continuous training.
• 5. Every couple of minutes, change the type of passes players make for middle pairs and outside pairs.
Options:
Gears for pairs in the middle. For the mid lanes, there are several types of passes that I recommend: from the chest, with a rebound, one-handed from the chest, and one-handed with a rebound.
Outline Passes - For outside lines there are several types of passes that I recommend: chest passes, overhead passes, one hand passes.
Remember to consider your team's age, strength and skill level when deciding which passes they should use during practice.
Tips:
• Follow the pace of the exercise; especially if it is used as one of the warm-up exercises. Walking should not be allowed, but too much traffic should also be avoided. Accurate transmission is the main focus of training.
• Players on the outside lines must not make too many passes in an arc and with a very high trajectory on their passes. They should be at a height that is safe enough not to hit the midlines, but straight enough to reach your partner quickly.
• The ability to pass the ball with either hand is an important skill to develop. Expect mistakes when your players first perform a drill, but make sure you train them properly.
• Footwork is very important during this workout. Players must be able to catch the ball and pass back to their partner in two steps. If you are training young children and they cannot pass the ball at speed yet, slow down the pace of the exercise.
• After each run around the court, the players must switch to the sides so that they practice passing short and long passes from both sides of their body.
5. Netball
How the exercise works:
regular battle without dribbting the ball is allowed at any time. Games can be played 3 on 3, 4 on 4, or 5 on 5.
Target:
An excellent exercise that improves not only passing the ball, but also moving without the ball, positioning, jerking, etc. This exercise will lead to less use of dribbling in games and fewer losses.
Lineup:
• Divide the players into two teams based on the number of players available for training.
• Try to make teams of the same height and skill level.
• Only one ball is needed for training.
Instructions:
1. Teams play normal full game - no dribbling!
2. The exercise is performed within the time specified by the trainer.
3. Start with the arrangement shown in the diagram.
Point system:
• The game is played up to either 5 or 11 points.
• Each 2-point roll is worth 1 point.
• Each 3-point roll is worth 2 points.
• Must win by 2 points.
• In the event of a shooting foul, the offensive player throws one free throw for 1 point.
Variations:
One Shot Allowed - Players are allowed 1 dribbling when they gain possession of the ball. This is not a requirement, just an option.
Only bounce passes allowed - Restrict your players to only use bounce passes.
3 teams. The exercise starts by dividing your team into 3 groups of 3 to 5 players. Two teams start defense in each half. The third team is in the middle of the court on offense. The offensive team chooses one side and tries to score the ball without dribbling. Same scoring system as above. After a goal is scored or the possession of the ball is changed, the defensive team receives the ball, attacks in the opposite direction. The previous offensive team may play defense up to the center line of the court. Play until one team reaches 5 or 11 points.
Tips:
• It's very important to give players instructions on how to set up wide and run smart to get the ball.
• If you need to step in to make adjustments or re-emphasize the most important points of the exercise (distance, snatches), step in but keep it short.
• All passes must be at least 3 feet long. Don't let the players run up and pass the ball from each other's hands.
• Footwork is important in this exercise. Make sure the players are not running and that they are using turns correctly.
• Players must speak and use raised arms when rushing to the basket to receive the ball.
Footwork and other offensive skills They include starts, stops, turns, feints, jumps, dashes, catching the ball and moving without the ball.
Starts . At the beginning of the dribble, the supporting foot cannot leave the floor until the ball has left the hands. When throwing or passing the ball, the foot can be lifted off the floor, but cannot be put back on the floor until the ball is released from the hands.
The offensive player, as well as the defensive player, must always be in balance in order to be able to take a step in any direction. In the attacker's normal stance, the legs are about shoulder-width apart in a semi-squat position; body weight at the base of the toes, heels slightly off the floor; head is raised. The movement begins with the transfer of body weight to the leg performing the step, and a strong repulsion with the supporting leg. If the player is not in possession of the ball, his arms are pressed to his body, and his elbows are pointing down. The forearms are parallel to the floor, and the hands are above the level of the belt and are ready to receive the transmission.
Stops . Basketball players must learn to stop quickly while maintaining their balance. In addition, the player in possession of the ball must stop in accordance with the rules. If the ball is caught with both feet off the floor and the player lands on both feet at the same time, the rules of the game are the same as when receiving a pass in a standing position: either foot may be used as the pivot foot. If the ball is caught while one foot is on the floor (count "one"), that foot becomes the pivot foot and the other becomes pacing (count "two"). The pivot foot is not determined when the ball is caught in a one-footed stance and the player jumps and lands on both feet at the same time.
We have found that of the two ways of stopping with the ball (the jump stop on both feet and the stop in the step position), the second way is more natural and easy. During a step stop, the player lowers the pelvis at the moment when his supporting leg is placed on the floor (count "one"), and strongly bends the knee of the supporting leg when the stepping leg touches the floor (count "two"). The step with the walking leg is made longer than usual, the leg is placed on the entire foot in order to gain maximum stability.
The first team to successfully complete 30 passes wins.
Two coaches line up on each sideline and serve as the passers. The first pair of players to score seven points wins.
The defense is generally aggressive in the post area, as it knows that you can get high-percentage shots inside.
The post players must catch the pass and make a good post-up move.
This diagram shows an example of where the help defender has hedged early, and as there is no ball-side post, there is space for a basket cut (shaded area) by O2.
Share the Ball
This list may change as
your offense evolves over time. However, it is a useful tool to help organize your skill development drills and practice time. 
Therefore, the next progression is to allow players the freedom to make their own decisions without the coach dictating what actions to take. This allows players to interpret
what they see on the floor and do something that is appropriate. Players learn to react to different situations instinctively which makes for a more fluid motion offense. 
Simply turning and using feints to open up the passing line and pass the ball past the defender. 
For example, 30-40 seconds. 
The players make a pass to the player on the right, who start running along the sideline towards the endline. The sender then joins the end of the column into which he passed the ball. 
Don't let them fall into this bad habit. 
The first pair move to the opposite side at a slow pace in the middle of the court, passing the ball from the chest to each other. 
The previous offensive team may play defense up to the center line of the court. Play until one team reaches 5 or 11 points. 
When throwing or passing the ball, the foot can be lifted off the floor, but cannot be put back on the floor until the ball is released from the hands. 
If the ball is caught with both feet off the floor and the player lands on both feet at the same time, the rules of the game are the same as when receiving a pass in a standing position: either foot may be used as the pivot foot. If the ball is caught while one foot is on the floor (count "one"), that foot becomes the pivot foot and the other becomes pacing (count "two"). The pivot foot is not determined when the ball is caught in a one-footed stance and the player jumps and lands on both feet at the same time. 
