*Creating Space*

Some NFL football teams struggle because their receivers are unable to consistently create separation from the defensive people they are playing against. We, as fans, like to criticize our favorite team's quarterback because he seems to hold the ball to long but is it all his fault? If your receivers can't create space, how can

we expect the quarterback to be able to complete passes to them?

There are a variety of situations in high school basketball in which an offensive player needs to create space. If your players can't create space, its going to be a long night for your offense! Can your best ball handler(s) get open if the defense is pressing? Can your wings create enough separation so the ball can be entered or reversed? Can your post up players create a passing lane long enough to receive the ball?

Since a picture (or in this case a diagram) is worth a thousand words, I have diagramed some of the "freeing" type movements players need to learn so your offense can function. If you view, the "Moving Without The BaLL" file page you will find the diagrams that will illustrate these movements.

The offense I see most often at the college level is what I would refer to as being the dribble drive type offense. Often, it starts with a high ball screen. The other three players on offense space outside the arch and look for a possible kick out pass if the dribbler cannot get to the rim/the roll screener is not open. The really good ball handlers learn to identify where the help is coming from on their drive and make the kick out pass to a potentially open player.

I always ran some type of continuity style offense. I never got into the dribble drive. If it fits your style, use it. I also was never good at teaching motion offense, which I philosophically, really like. My problem was I found it very difficult to teach the nuances that truly made motion offense affective. Regardless of your type of person to person offense, you will be more effective if you learn to play your person while on offense. It just makes sense that it is more difficult to guard someone who moves as apposed to someone who stands!

The phrase "move with a purpose" certainly makes sense. Younger players will almost always move towards the ball or make random cuts

which often "gum up" the offense rather than make it flow better.

I believe there are two considerations to teach and emphasize to players concerning movement. First, move in such a way that you force

your defender to "break his/her vision." In other words, make your

movements in such a way that your defender, momentarily, cannot

focus on both you and the ball. Second, move so if the ball had "eyes"

it could see you, Example, you pass inside to a post player. After making

the pass, move to a spot on the floor where a pass to you would be easier

because the ball can "see" you.

"I wonder how long the incubation period is for a basketball?"