Princeton Offense: High Post Hand-Off
The Princeton Offense has a high degree of continuity so it will always provide a solid option for those teams looking to implement a system that provides a continuous array of options.
The High Post Hand-Off Play is no different to any Princeton Offense, but has a slight variation on the rotations used to mirror the standard movement.
The High Post Hand-Off Play starts with a flash by Five (5).
One (1) executes a pass to Five (5)
Scoring Options:
- Five (5) will have only one defender between the player offensive player and the basket. This is an ideal isolation situation.
- As Five (5) flashes for the ball, it would not be unusual for the defender guarding Two (2) to move high side of the offensive player. This could result in a back door cut.
One (1) creates a lead and looks to cut by Five (5) looking for the hand-off. One (1) is free to cut on either side of the Five (5) looking for the hand-off.
If the hand-off is successful Five (5) must roll to space and fill a receiver spot.
If the hand-off is not possible the ball is passed out to Two (2) on the strong side wing.
With the pass being made to Two (2), Five (5) now has an opportunity create space for an interior seal. Five (5) should be looking to bring the defensive player away from the intended position of the low post.
Ideally, Five (5) should look to create as deep a seal as possible for an easier pass into the keyway and offensive post move without a dribble.
As Five (5) is finishing the low post movement, Four (4) will cut aggressively to the basket ensuring to move below the line of two (2) so this creates a good angle for the second option movement which is a strong side high post flash.
Scoring Options:
- Five (5) on the reseal
- Four (4) on the cut to the basket
- Four (4) on the flash to the high post
If at any time the ball is passed to either post player, standard high low post offensive principles apply.
Off the ball post player should look to move into a receiver spot and through their movement keep the off the ball defender busy and away from the basket.
Two (2) initiates a pass to One (1).
On the flight of the pass Four (4) moves to set a back screen for Two (2). Additionally, Three (3) on the weak side of the floor lifts from the wing to elbow extended position.
Two (2) creates a lead then cuts off the screen set by Four (4). Two (2) can cut off the screen on either side. The important point to remember is for Two (2) not to cut directly into the possible offensive movement of Five (5). Space needs to be maintained between the two (Five and Two) players.
The cut performed by Two (2) is not intended to head towards the basket, but instead the area about three feet below the foul line. This position of the cut will ensure a better passing lane and not bring additional defenders to the post areas.
After setting the screen Four (4) rolls to the strong side elbow position awaiting the ball reversal and continuation of the offense on the opposite side of the floor that is common in the standard Princeton Offense.
Scoring Options:
- Five (5) on the pass into the post
- If Five (5) is passed the ball, then there could be a high post cut by Two (2)
- Two (2) off of the screen set by Four (4)
- Four (4) on the square-up from the screen
One (1) lifts up the sideline improving the possible passing lane.
One (1) makes a pass to Four (4).
As the pass is received by Four (4), Five (5) flashes across the keyway and then up the weak side of the keyway to the high post.
The ball is reversed to Three (3) and the Princeton Offense High Post Hand-off Play is ready to start again.
Scoring Options:
At all times Five (5) again is in a 1 on 1 situation. Before the ball is passed by One (1) and Four (4) a look into the post must be attempted.
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Coach Riches has been working within the sport, business and education industries for many years. During this time he has built an extensive number of formal and informal qualifications. A firm believer in training and development designed to help people reach their full potential, relevant o their needs and functional to their industry environment.