Step 1 of 29 · manual swipe also works.
SECTION 1 · BASE MOTIONSTEP 1 OF 29

Starting Alignment

1 2 3 4 5
Every player begins outside the 3-point line. 2 and 5 are deep in the corners, 3 is outside the line on the left wing, 4 trails outside the line toward the slot, and 1 brings the ball up outside the arc.
STARTING SPACING: All five players begin outside the 3-point line. Corner players are deep in the corners.
SECTION 1 · BASE MOTIONSTEP 2 OF 29

Get the Ball to the Slot

Ball to Slot
1 enters the ball to 4.
This triggers the offense.
Teaching Point
Start the action by getting the ball to the slot.
1 2 3 4 5
1 makes the slot entry to 4. This triggers the first three-man action.
RULE #1: Get the ball to the slot.
SECTION 1 · BASE MOTIONSTEP 3 OF 29

Read #1 — Action Man Backdoor

Action Man
3 is the middle player on the 3-man side.
First Option
The Action Man backdoor is ALWAYS the first option.
Cut hard looking for the ball.
Do Not Force
Throw the bounce pass only if there is a clear path for a layup.
Especially on the first cut, do not force it.
1 2 3 4 5
When 4 catches, the middle player on the 3-man side (3 in this example) is the ACTION MAN. The Action Man backdoor is ALWAYS the first option we are looking for. For now, the Action Man always backdoor cuts hard looking for the ball, but we only throw the bounce pass if there is a clear path for a layup. Do not force it, especially on the first cut of the offense.
ACTION MAN: The middle player on the 3-man side is the Action Man. The Action Man backdoor is always the first option we are looking for. However, throw that bounce pass only if the cutter has a clear path for a layup. Do not force it, especially on the first cut of the offense.
SECTION 1 · BASE MOTIONSTEP 4 OF 29

3 Clears Through / 5 Raises

Continue Through
If the Action Man is not open, keep cutting all the way through.
Fill Opposite Corner
The Action Man finishes in the opposite deep corner.
Next Space Fill
As that happens, 5 raises from the corner to the wing.
1 2 3 4 5
If 3 does not receive the backdoor pass, 3 continues all the way through to the opposite deep corner while 5 raises from the deep right corner to the right wing at foul-line extended at the same time.
CONTINUE THROUGH: If the Action Man is not open, they continue through to the opposite deep corner. Later layers can change the Action Man's read.
SECTION 1 · BASE MOTIONSTEP 5 OF 29

4–2 Pick & Roll on the Wing

2 Catches
2 sprints up and catches on the true wing.
Catch OUTSIDE the 3-point line.
4 Passes
4 passes from the slot to the wing.
Then 4 gets lower toward the basket.
Low-Angle Screen
4 screens from inside / below the ball.
1 2 3 4 5
2 sprints from the deep corner and catches the ball on the true wing OUTSIDE the 3-point line. After the pass, 4 gets lower toward the basket and sets a low-angle ball screen for 2.
STEP 5 SPACING: 2 catches OUTSIDE the 3-point line on the true wing. 4 gets lower toward the basket and sets the low-angle screen from inside/below the ball.
SECTION 1 · BASE MOTIONSTEP 6 OF 29

2 Attacks Middle / 4 Seals Then Rolls

Read 1 — Score
For the first 1–2 seconds, hunt your own rhythm jumper or a lane all the way to the basket.
Attack the middle / far side to create room.
Read 2 — Roller
If your own shot is not there, LOOK BACK TO THE ROLLER before you pass out.
4 seals for a full count, then rolls.
Read 3 — Weak Side
If option 1 and option 2 are covered, find any open player on the weak side.
1 2 3 4 5
Off the wing pick and roll, 2 attacks the middle and far side of the paint first. For the first second or two, 2 is looking for an open rhythm jump shot or a lane all the way to the basket. That deep middle attack creates space for the roller. If there is no realistic scoring chance, 2 must LOOK BACK TO THE ROLLER before passing out. If option 1 (2 scoring) and option 2 (the roller) are both covered, 2 then looks weak side for any open player.
STEP 6 READS: Read 1: for the first 1–2 seconds, 2 is hunting a rhythm jumper or a lane all the way to the basket. Read 2: if that is not there, 2 must LOOK BACK TO THE ROLLER. Read 3: if neither is open, 2 looks weak side for any open teammate. Attack the middle/far side of the paint to create room for the roller.
SECTION 1 · BASE MOTIONSTEP 7 OF 29

Pass Out to 1 — Right Slot

Pass Out
When 2 is done reading the attack and roller, 2 can pass back out to 1 in the right slot.
Why It Matters
This keeps the offense moving when the first scoring options are not available.
1 2 3 4 5
After 2 attacks the middle, 2 passes the ball back out to 1 in the right slot.
SECTION 1 · BASE MOTIONSTEP 8 OF 29

2 Spaces to the Slot / 4 to Deep Corner

Handler Relocates
Because 2 was the ball handler, 2 spaces back out to the slot.
Roller Replaces
Because 4 was the roller, 4 spaces from the block to the deep corner.
1 2 3 4 5
With 1 holding the ball in the right slot, 2 relocates out to the slot because 2 was the ball handler. At the same time, 4 spaces from the block out to the deep corner.
STEP 8 RESET: Because 2 was the ball handler, 2 relocates to the slot. Because 4 was the roller, 4 spaces out to the deep corner.
SECTION 1 · BASE MOTIONSTEP 9 OF 29

5 Cuts at a 45° Angle

45 Cut
Once 1 has the ball in the right slot, 5 cuts on a 45° angle to the basket.
Read
1 reads the cut for a possible scoring pass.
1 2 3 4 5
Once 1 has the ball in the right slot, 5 cuts from the right wing on a 45-degree angle toward the basket. 1 reads the cut for a possible pass.
SECTION 1 · BASE MOTIONSTEP 10 OF 29

5 Reaches the Far Corner / 4 Lifts to the Wing

5 Clears
If 5 is not open, 5 continues through to the far deep corner.
4 Lifts
At the same time, 4 lifts from the corner to the true wing.
Spacing
2 remains spaced in the slot.
1 2 3 4 5
If 5 does not receive the ball, 5 continues all the way to the far deep corner. At the same time, 4 lifts from the deep corner up to the wing at foul-line extended, while 2 remains spaced in the slot.
SPACING: 5 reaches the deep far corner, 4 lifts up to the wing, and 2 stays spaced in the slot.
SECTION 1 · BASE MOTIONSTEP 11 OF 29

1–3 Pick & Roll on the Wing

3 Catches
3 sprints up and catches on the true right wing.
Catch OUTSIDE the 3-point line.
1 Becomes Screener
1 passes to 3, then gets lower toward the basket.
Low-Angle Screen
1 screens from inside / below the ball.
1 2 3 4 5
3 sprints from the deep corner and catches the ball on the true right wing OUTSIDE the 3-point line. After the pass, 1 gets lower toward the basket and sets a low-angle ball screen for 3.
STEP 11 SPACING: 3 catches OUTSIDE the 3-point line on the true right wing. 1 gets lower toward the basket and sets the low-angle screen from inside/below the ball.
SECTION 1 · BASE MOTIONSTEP 12 OF 29

3 Attacks Middle / 1 Seals Then Rolls

3 Attacks
3 attacks the middle / far side first.
1 Seals
1 seals the defender outside for a full one-count.
Then Roll
After the count, 1 rolls to the ball-side block.
1 2 3 4 5
Off the wing pick and roll, 3 comes off the screen and attacks deeper into the middle of the lane first. Before 1 rolls, 1 should SEAL the defender outside for a full count so 3 has time to look for the shot. Then 1 rolls to the ball-side block.
STEP 12 TIMING: 3 attacks the middle first. 1 seals the defender outside, gives the handler a full one-count to look for the shot, and only then rolls to the ball-side block.
SECTION 1 · BASE MOTIONSTEP 13 OF 29

Pass Out / Handler Back to Slot

Pass Out
3 passes out to 2 as the outlet.
Handler Back to Slot
After the pass, 3 relocates back out to the slot.
1 2 3 4 5
After attacking the middle, the ball handler passes back out to 2 as the outlet and then relocates back out to the slot.
PASS OUT: After attacking, the handler passes out and relocates back to the slot.
SECTION 1 · BASE MOTIONSTEP 14 OF 29

Roller Replaces to the Corner

Roller Replace
1 goes to the block first, then replaces out to the deep ball-side corner.
1 2 3 4 5
After rolling to the ball-side block, the roller replaces out to the deep ball-side corner to complete the spacing.
ROLLER REPLACE: The roller goes block first, then replaces to the ball-side corner.
SECTION 1 · BASE MOTIONSTEP 15 OF 29

4 45-Cuts Through / 1 Lifts

4 Backdoor
4 makes a legitimate 45° backdoor scoring cut.
Look for the layup first.
If Not Open
4 continues through and fills out to the opposite deep corner.
1 Lifts
1 lifts from the deep corner up to the wing to create the space.
1 2 3 4 5
With 2 holding the ball in the slot, 4 makes a legitimate 45-degree backdoor scoring cut to the basket. If 4 does not receive the pass, 4 continues through and fills out to the opposite deep corner. At the same time, 1 lifts from the deep corner up to the wing to create the space.
STEP 15 READ: 4's cut is a real backdoor scoring option. 4 cuts at a 45 to the basket, then fills to the deep corner if not open, while 1 lifts to the wing to create the space.
SECTION 1 · BASE MOTIONSTEP 16 OF 29

2 Passes to 5 / 2 Sets the Screen

5 Catches
5 catches on the true left wing.
Catch OUTSIDE the 3-point line.
2 Passes Then Screens
2 passes to 5, then becomes the low screener.
Screen Angle
2 gets lower toward the basket and screens from inside / below the ball.
1 2 3 4 5
Now 2 and 5 flow into another wing pick and roll. 2 passes to 5 on the true left wing OUTSIDE the 3-point line, then 2 gets lower toward the basket and sets a low-angle screen. 5 is the ball handler.
SLIDE 16 SPACING: 2 passes to 5 on the true left wing outside the arc. Then 2 gets lower toward the basket to set the low-angle screen, making 5 the ball handler.
SECTION 1 · BASE MOTIONSTEP 17 OF 29

5 Attacks Middle / 2 Seals Then Rolls

5 Attacks
5 attacks middle / far side first.
2 Seals
2 seals the defender outside for a full one-count.
2 Rolls
After the count, 2 rolls to the block.
1 2 3 4 5
Off this next pick and roll, 5 attacks deeper into the middle of the lane first. 2 seals the defender outside for a full count, then rolls to the ball-side block.
SLIDE 17 TIMING: 5 attacks middle first. 2 seals outside for a one-count, then rolls to the block.
SECTION 1 · BASE MOTIONSTEP 18 OF 29

Pass Out / Handler Back to Slot

Pass Out
5 passes out to 3 as the outlet.
Handler Relocates
After the pass, 5 relocates back to the slot.
1 2 3 4 5
After attacking, 5 passes out to 3 as the outlet and then relocates back out to the slot.
PASS OUT: 5 passes out to 3 and then relocates back to the slot.
SECTION 1 · BASE MOTIONSTEP 19 OF 29

2 Replaces to the Corner

Roller Replace
2 goes block first, then replaces back out to the deep corner.
1 2 3 4 5
After rolling to the block, 2 replaces back out to the deep corner to complete the next rotation.
ROLLER REPLACE: 2 replaces from the block back out to the deep corner.
SECTION 1 · BASE MOTIONSTEP 20 OF 29

3 Rotations in ~10 Seconds

The Goal
3 full rotations
in approximately 10 seconds
Play With Pace
Hard cuts. Quick fills.
Decisive passes. Full-speed actions.
Why We Do It
When Base Motion is run correctly at full speed,
a very high-quality scoring opportunity should present itself.
1 2 3 4 5
Our goal is to get through three full rotations of Base Motion in approximately 10 seconds. The offense should be run at full speed with decisive cuts, hard fills, quick passes, and aggressive two-man actions. When we execute three rotations correctly and with pace, we expect a very high-quality scoring opportunity to present itself.
BASE MOTION GOAL: We want to complete 3 full rotations in approximately 10 seconds. Run it with full speed and purpose. When the spacing, cutting, filling, passing, and two-man actions are executed correctly, a very high-quality scoring opportunity should present itself.
SECTION 2 · PRESSURE RELEASESTEP 21 OF 29

SECTION 2 — Pressure Release

Original Setup
For this section, we go back to our original starting spots.
1 has the ball, 4 is backed up higher in the slot, 3 is on the wing, and 2 is deep in the corner.
Pressure on 4
The X in front of 4 represents a defender crowding the catch.
The yellow callout highlights that the defender is ABOVE the 3-point line.
Our Answer
We use PRESSURE RELEASE to keep the offense moving.
This starts with one universal rule.
ABOVE THE 3-PT LINE 1 2 3 4 5
Section 2 teaches how we handle common problems when trying to run the offense. The first common problem is defensive pressure: defenders crowd us, take away catches, and make passes difficult to complete. We will teach this from our original starting setup.
SECTION 2 SETUP: We teach Pressure Release from the original starting alignment so players can recognize it right away.
SECTION 2 · PRESSURE RELEASESTEP 22 OF 29

NUMBER 1 RULE — 4 Basket Cuts from the Slot

NUMBER 1 RULE
If 4's defender is anywhere close to above the 3-point line,
4 MUST full-speed basket cut from the slot.
Look for the Layup
This cut may create a direct layup for 4.
1 can deliver the bounce pass if the path is open.
Do Not Force
If the path is not clearly open, do not force the pass.
The cut still helps the offense continue.
1 2 3 4 5
Using our original setup, if 4 is being pressured in the slot and the defender is anywhere close to above the 3-point line, 4 MUST full-speed basket cut. This is our NUMBER 1 RULE against pressure.
NUMBER 1 RULE: If 4 is being pressured in the slot and the defender is anywhere close to above the 3-point line, 4 must full-speed basket cut. This may create a layup, but throw the pass only if the path is clearly open.
SECTION 2 · PRESSURE RELEASESTEP 23 OF 29

3 and 2 Fill Behind

WHEEL
This 3-man filling action is called WHEEL.
How It Works
If 4 does not get the ball, 4 continues through to the corner.
3 fills behind to the slot, and 2 fills behind to the wing.
Ball Handler Cue
At any point, the ball handler can call out 'Wheel'
if he feels his teammate is not open or the offense needs movement.
WHEEL 1 2 3 4 5
If 4 is not open on the cut, 4 continues through and fills the left corner. At the same time, 3 FILLS behind to the slot and 2 FILLS behind to the wing so the offense keeps flowing.
WHEEL: This 3-man filling action is called Wheel. If 4 is not open, 4 fills the corner, 3 fills the slot, and 2 fills the wing. At any point, the ball handler can call out "Wheel" if he feels his teammate is not open or the offense needs movement.
SECTION 2 · PRESSURE RELEASESTEP 24 OF 29

Why It Works

Why It Works
The basket cut may create an easy layup for 4.
Offense Keeps Flowing
If the layup is not there, the offense does not get stuck
because 3 and 2 have already filled the open spots behind the cut.
Same Principle
Cut and fill keeps spacing alive even when pressure takes away the first pass.
1 2 3 4 5
That basket cut may create a direct layup for 4. If it does not, the offense still continues because 3 and 2 have filled the open spots behind the cut.
WHY IT WORKS: The basket cut may create an easy score. If it does not, the cut still creates movement and spacing because teammates fill behind it.
SECTION 2 · PRESSURE RELEASESTEP 25 OF 29

If You Are Not Sure, CUT!

When In Doubt
If you are not sure whether the defender is high enough, CUT!
Better Than Standing
A full-speed basket cut is always better than standing still
and letting the offense get stuck.
Simple Rule
If your defender is anywhere close to above the 3-point line,
basket cut and fill.
1 2 3 4 5
If you are not sure whether the defender is high enough to trigger pressure release, CUT. A full-speed basket cut is always better than standing still and letting the offense get stuck.
WHEN IN DOUBT, CUT: If you are not sure, CUT! A full-speed basket cut is always better than standing still and letting the offense get stuck.
SECTION 2 · PRESSURE RELEASESTEP 26 OF 29

After Wheel — New Roles

WAIT FOR THE SLOT
The ACTION MAN does NOT move until the ball reaches the left slot.
New Roles After Wheel
4 cut through and filled the corner.
3 is now the new SLOT MAN.
2 is now the new ACTION MAN.
Everyone Is Interchangeable
Every player must know every spot in the offense.
As players cut and fill, their roles change continuously.
NEW SLOT MANNEW ACTION MAN 1 2 3 4 5
After 4 basket cuts and fills the corner, 3 becomes the new slot man and 2 becomes the new ACTION MAN. The ACTION MAN does not move until the ball reaches the left slot. Once the ball gets to 3 in the slot, 2 is now responsible for the Action Man read. This is why every player must know every spot in the offense — all five players are interchangeable.
NEW ROLES: The ACTION MAN does not move until the ball reaches the left slot. After Wheel, 4 has filled the corner, 3 becomes the new slot man, and 2 becomes the new Action Man. Every player must know every spot because all five positions are interchangeable.
SECTION 2 · PRESSURE RELEASESTEP 27 OF 29

Secondary Pressure Release — V

Secondary Pressure Release — V
When 'V' is called, the two slots interchange
to start the offense.
What Happens
1 dribbles the ball over to the left slot.
4 cuts in a V-shape to the middle of the free-throw line and then out to the right slot.
When To Use It
V is best used in transition,
not when both the offense and defense are already fully set.
1 2 3 4 5
When 'V' is called, the slots interchange to get the offense started. The overplayed man (4 in this example) makes a small V by cutting to the middle of the free-throw line and back out to the other slot. This creates room for 1 to simply dribble over to the left slot and begin the offense. V is best used in transition, not when both the offense and defense are already fully set.
V: This is the secondary pressure release. When "V" is called, the slots interchange. The overplayed slot man (4) cuts to the middle of the free-throw line and back out to the opposite slot, while 1 simply dribbles over to the left slot to begin the offense. Best used in transition, not when both offense and defense are already set.
SECTION 2 · PRESSURE RELEASESTEP 28 OF 29

Wheel & V — Moving the Ball Side to Side

Wheel & V Have the Same Purpose
Both are used when we need to move the ball
from one side of the court to the other.
Do Not Force the Pass
If defensive pressure makes the direct pass too difficult,
use movement instead of trying to force the ball through pressure.
Create a New Passing Lane
Wheel or V changes the spacing and lets us
safely get the ball to the other side so Base Motion can continue.
1 2 3 4 5
Both Wheel and V are pressure-release tools used when we are trying to move the ball from one side of the court to the other and defensive pressure makes the direct pass too difficult. Instead of forcing the pass, we create movement to change the spacing and get the ball safely to the other side.
WHEEL & V: Both are tools for the same problem: we need to get the ball from one side of the court to the other, but defensive pressure makes the direct pass too difficult. Do not force the pass. Use Wheel or V to create movement, change the spacing, and safely get the ball to the other side.
SECTION 2 · PRESSURE RELEASESTEP 29 OF 29

Danger of the Flat Pass

Danger of the Flat Pass
A flat pass is a straight-line pass from slot to slot.
Against aggressive pressure, that pass is vulnerable to being stolen.
What Goes Wrong
If 1 forces the flat pass to 4, an aggressive defender can jump the line
and steal it before it ever reaches the other slot.
Why It Hurts
Now we lose the ball and likely give up a wide open layup
because there is nobody back to defend the breakaway.
1 2 3 4 5
If we do not use Wheel or V against aggressive pressure and instead throw a flat pass, we put the offense in danger. A flat pass is a straight-line pass from slot to slot. If an aggressive defender steals that pass, we not only lose the ball, but we likely give up a wide open layup because nobody is back to defend.
DANGER OF THE FLAT PASS: A flat pass is a straight-line pass from slot to slot. If we ignore Wheel or V and force that pass against aggressive pressure, a defender can steal it. That means we not only lose the ball, but we also likely give up a wide open layup because nobody is back to defend.

Learn My Job

Every player must know every spot because filling changes roles.

Player 1
1: Push the middle and make the slot entry to 4. Later, on the right side, pass to 3 catching outside the 3-point line on the wing, then get lower toward the basket to set the low-angle ball screen. After screening, seal the defender outside for a one-count, then roll first to the ball-side block and only after that replace out to the corner. In the next rotation, lift from the deep corner up to the wing while 4 cuts through, so the deep corner is open for 4 to fill. Pressure Release rule: if your defender is above the 3-point line, cut backdoor and then fill a corner.
Player 2
2: Start deep in the left corner. Sprint all the way up to the true wing OUTSIDE the 3-point line and catch the pass there. Use 4's low-angle screen and attack deeper into the middle/far side of the lane so there is space for the block pass. Your reads are in order: (1) for the first 1–2 seconds, hunt your own rhythm jumper or layup, (2) if that is not there, LOOK BACK TO THE ROLLER, and (3) if neither is open, find any open weak-side teammate. Then pass out to 1 and relocate back to the slot because you were the ball handler. On the later 45-cut sequence, stay spaced in the slot while 4 lifts to the wing. In the next rotation, pass to 5 on the wing, then become the screener: get lower toward the basket, seal outside for a one-count, roll to the block, and replace back to the corner. Pressure Release rule: if your defender is above the 3-point line, cut backdoor and then fill a corner.
Player 3
3: Start on the true left wing as the ACTION MAN on the 3-man side. In this base layer, the Action Man backdoor is always the first option we are looking for, so cut backdoor hard looking for the ball. But the bounce pass should only be thrown if you have a clear path for a layup — do not force it, especially on the first cut of the offense. If you are not open, continue through into the opposite deep corner. Later sprint from that deep corner to the true right wing, catch the pass OUTSIDE the 3-point line, and use 1's low-angle screen. As the handler, attack deeper into the middle first, then pass out and relocate back to the slot. Pressure Release rule: if your defender is above the 3-point line, cut backdoor and then fill a corner.
Player 4
4: Raise or trail to the slot. Receive the first entry and read 3's backdoor. Pass to 2 catching outside the 3-point line on the left wing, then get lower toward the basket to set the low-angle ball screen. After screening, SEAL the defender outside first and give the handler a full one-count to look for the shot. Then complete the roll to the ball-side block. After the pass-out, because you were the roller, space out to the deep corner. Later, when 5 clears through, lift from the deep corner up to the wing while 2 stays in the slot. On the next cycle, 4 makes a real 45-degree backdoor scoring cut, then fills out to the opposite deep corner while 1 lifts to the wing. Pressure Release rule: if your defender is above the 3-point line, cut backdoor and then fill a corner.
Player 5
5: Start deep in the right corner. As 3 clears through, raise to the true right wing. Later make the 45 cut and, if you do not receive the ball, finish all the way into the far deep corner. In the next rotation, raise from the left deep corner to the true wing, catch the pass from 2 outside the 3-point line, use 2's low-angle screen as the ball handler, attack the middle, pass out to 3, and relocate back to the slot. Pressure Release rule: if your defender is above the 3-point line, cut backdoor and then fill a corner.

Test Me

Answer the Version 60 questions, then tap Check Answers.

1. What is the correct starting spacing for Base Motion?
2. Who is the ACTION MAN?
3. What is the first read we are looking for from the ACTION MAN?
4. On the first 4-2 pick-and-roll, where should 2 catch the ball?
5. What is the ball handler's read order coming off the wing pick-and-roll?
6. What should the screener do before rolling to the ball-side block?
7. After a pick-and-roll pass-out, how do the two players replace?
8. After 1 has the ball in the right slot, what does 5 do?
9. What is the main pace goal of Base Motion?
10. What is the NUMBER 1 pressure-release rule?
11. What is WHEEL?
12. After 4 cuts through during Wheel and fills the corner, who becomes the new slot man and new ACTION MAN?
13. When does the new ACTION MAN move after Wheel?
14. What happens when V is called?
15. When is V best used?
16. What problem are both Wheel and V designed to solve?
17. What is a flat pass?
18. Why is a flat pass especially dangerous against aggressive pressure?