THOUGHTS ON OFFENSIVE SPACING

Above all, remember what Chuck Daily taught us: “Spacing is offense, offense is spacing.” It will be one of the most important principles to the foundation of any offense.

In regard to motion, for us to be able to feed the post, drive the basketball, and make the cuts necessary for good offensive execution, we must first have good spacing. For us, good spacing will be 15 to 18 feet apart from all of our offensive teammates. The only time that spacing should close from that distance is during a screening situation when a cutter will cut off of screen. However, following a screen, it is important that the screener become the second cutter in order to redevelop good spacing.

Part of spacing refers to our spacing off of the baseline. During practice sessions, we will have a line taped across the court. We will refer to it as the “Motion Line.” We want every player ABOVE that line with the exception of the low post player or a cutter. If you should move below that line to cut or screen, we will expect you to “work your way back out.”

The other line involved with spacing is the 3-point arc. We want all of our perimeter players outside the arc, even (and especially) if they are opposite the ball. Again, if cutting or screening takes you inside the arc, your second movement should have you “working your back out.”

Everything involving spacing is designed to give us room to work. The one phrase that you will hear each day of practice is “HIGH & WIDE.” High refers to getting above the motion line. Wide refers to getting outside of the 3-point arc or away from your teammates. SPACING WILL BE THE KEY TO OUR OFFENSE. We can break down in certain areas and if we still maintain our spacing, good things can happen. The biggest key to spacing is your ability to “see” the floor. Don’t get caught watching the ball.