Offensive strategy varies according to what the defense is playing. Generally, there are two types of offense: the offense against a zone defense and the offense against a man-to-man defense. Many variations can be used with each of these patterns.

The most common method of offense against the zone defense is to use quick, sharp passing with the intent of penetrating the zone and forcing an opposing player out of position in order to get a good shot.

Basic offenses against a man-to-man defense are a combination of passing and player movement using the give and go and the pick and roll. These are designed to screen a defensive player and then get the ball to the open offensive player. Most of the time, set plays are used. A spontaneous offense, called free-lancing (no set plays), is sometimes used.

A team should use an offense that fits the team’s abilities. If the team has good shooters, they should use that to their advantage in their offense. We won’t discuss complex offensive formations, but the top college teams in the United States use what is called a “motion offense.” This is an advanced system where players have the opportunity to free lance in the offensive area. Certain concepts are used, however. As the players move around, they are looking to screen for one of their teammates to allow an open shot or a drive to the basket. They always look for the easy pass to a teammate who has a close shot at the basket. This is a total team effort. This type of offensive allows more players the opportunity to score so that the team doesn’t have to depend on one or two players to do all the scoring.