The Flex Offense

With the growth of the popularity of the game of basketball globally over the last several years, there has also been growth in the styles of play that have developed. This has led to different offensive systems that benefit the players and styles of different areas of the world. The Flex Offense was a product of the development of basketball in the country of Argentina and has seen recent success and recognition in the NBA thanks to players such as Manu Ginobili of the San Antonio Spurs and Luis Scola for the Toronto Raptors.1

The Flex Offense looks to create high-percentage, quick scoring opportunities for its players through aggressive defense that can help lead to quick transitions from one end of the court to another. There is an emphasis on attacking the defense early to not allow the defense to set up or become organized. The flex offense requires players to be able to push the ball but also be able to make smart decisions with the basketball, deciding when they have an advantage on the defense, and when it would be more beneficial to continue into the half-court offense. Once in the half-court offense, there is an emphasis on movement with continuous cuts and screens. This is designed to wear the opponent down over the course of the game. Players are also required to be very versatile as they must be able to perform all facets of the game well and be a threat to score in many different ways.2

A successful implementation of the Flex Offense begins with proper execution of the transition game. In order to do this, an emphasis is placed on players filling the proper running lanes in order to put pressure on the defense and create over-load situations that can benefit the offense. There are multiple ways to run the floor but all must result in the same basic formation on the offensive end. The point guard, or “1” player will bring the ball down and finish off-set outside the three-point line on the right side of the floor. The “2” player will run down the sideline and finish in the right corner, outside the three-point line.The “3” player will run down the opposite sideline and finish in the left corner, once again, outside the three-point line. The “4” player will run to the right block (same side as the 1 and 2 players) looking to post up. The “5” player runs down the left lane-line extended, finishing outside the three-point line on the left side, opposite of the 1.3

The initial action once this basic set-up is formed begins with the pass from the 1 at the top of the floor across to the 5 who is opposite of him. At the same time, the 2 player will cut towards the basket, using a flex screen set by the 4. The 2 must be able to read  his defender and make the appropriate cut, either above or below the 4, accordingly. If he does not receive the pass for the layup , he will continue on to the opposite block where he will post up. After setting the flex screen, the 4 will then receive a down screen from the 1 player. Off that screen, the 4 will then pop up the lane line extended and receive the reversal pass from the 5 player. The 1 player will fill the spot in the right corner vacated by the 2 player following their screen. As the reversal pass from the 5 player to the 4 player happens, the 3 player will cut and receive a flex screen from the 2 player who was still posting up on the left block. The same action is now repeated on the left side that was just performed on the right side.

The flex offense is one that can be made as simple or as complicated as desired. This secondary break can be run continuously if desired and more appropriate for your players. Other options that may be a little more complex can be implemented as well. These other options will be covered in future posts.

References

1Colas, Y. (2013, May 17). Why We Watch: Manu Ginobili, Man Without A Plan. Retrieved February 15, 2016, from http://theclassical.org/articles/why-we-watch-manu-ginobili-man-without-a-plan

2Gandolfi, G. (2009). NBA coaches playbook: Techniques, tactics, and teaching points. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics

3Flex Offense : Transition & Half Court Phases - Basic Diagrams. (n.d.). Retrieved February 15, 2016, from http://hoopstudent.com/flex-offense-transition-half-court-phases-basic-diagrams