Princeton Offense

By Ernie Woods

"Nothing creates more problems for the defense than movement."

The Princeton offense is not really an offense at all in the true sense, but rather an unstructured style of
play. Very similar to the Passing Game offense, rather than relying upon executing a set pattern or play, the
Princeton Offense relies purely on constant motion and specific counter actions based on defensive reads to
create open shot opportunities with the classic backdoor cut for an easy basket being its signature option.
Developed and popularized over the years by Pete Carril, all five players are totally involved in the offense at
all times. This is why it is so enjoyable to watch and coach.

Since the Princeton offense is a team oriented offense, it provides for a maximum effort within the limits of a
team's athleticism. It does require players that can shoot well from the outside, pass and drive with either
hand, and possess good court savvy. In addition, all players must develop an unselfish attitude and work
hard to create open shots opportunities for their teammates. This is accomplished by having patience and
controlling the ball. Because of this constant player movement superior physical conditioning is a very
important ingredient to its success.

One of the nice things about the Princeton offense is that it is very flexible in that it can be initiated with
almost any type of entry. It can be ran out of a variety of alignments, and can be adaptable to most offensive
schemes. The Princeton Offense spreads the court by keeping everyone above the free throw line except for
basket cuts. This high alignment not only forces the defense to defend the entire court, but it also eliminates
any weakside defensive help.
 Princeton Offense - Basic Continuity

The Princeton Offense normally starts out in a 2-3 high post alignment. Basic
action is begins on either side of the court by executing any one of the various
pass or dribble entries available. Phase two consists of a series of exchanges
and/or down screens. In Phase three, is initated with the high post making a
basket cut. Phase one repeats with post flashing to the middle for possible
backdoor action. If/when the backdoor is not available, the basic action continues
by flowing directly into another entry.

Phase 1. Entry (High Post Set)

The Prince Offense entries are automatic, and are triggered according to the
ballhandler's pass or dribble. On a pass to wing the ball handler makes a "Give &
Go" The guard to guard pass keys an off guard shuffle or Hawk cut. A post pass
initiates high post split action. Dribble entries include mid screen, dribble clear,
and dribble weave options.
 Hawk Entry Mid Screen Entry UCLA Entry

Ballhandler O1 passes to O2 and
makes a rubs off O5. O1 passes to
O4 and cuts to basket. O4 looks to
feed O1 or O2 if o2's defender X2
loses vision on the ball.
O2 clears to opposite corner as
ballhandler O1 drives off O5's high
post screen. O1 has option or turning
the corner and driving to the basket
or passing to wing o4 and cutting to
the basket.
Strongside guard O1 makes a wing
entry pass to O4 and rubs off O5’s
high post screen to basket. Note: O1
also has option of making a direct
"Give & Go" cut to basket.

Dribble Clear Entry High Post Entry Weave Entry

O1 dribbles clears wing O4. O1 looks
to feed O4 on back cut to basket or
post up.
Ball handler O1 passes to high post
O5. O1 and O2 cut directly to basket
looking for possible feed from O5.
Against a sagging defense, O1
dribbles directly toward wing O4's
defender and then makes a short
pass out to O4 moving out. In most
cases, in the Princeton Offense's
weave action, short kick out passes
are used instead of dribble handoffs.

Phase 2. Exchanges (No Post Set)

Exchanges and constant ball movement are the heart of the offense. This phase
is where the majority of ball control takes place. This constant motion sets up the
open backcuts and " Give & Go" cuts which are the trademarks of the Princeton
Offense.
 Wing Exchanges
If O4 does not pass to O1, O4 makes
a reversal pass out to O5. Wings O3
and O4 then exchange with O1 and
O2. O5 looks to feed O1 or O2 for an
open shot. Note: O5 should be alert
to pass to either O3 or O4 on a
basket cut anytime their defender
loses vision on the ball.
Base Cross
If not open on basket cuts, O1 and
O2 have option of crossing under the
basket. This is especially effective on
the high post entry. Note: O1 and O2
also have the option of faking the
cross and popping out directly off of
O3's and O4's down screens.
Down Screens
On pass out to O5, O3 and O4 have
option of setting down screens with
O1 and O2 rather than exchanging.
After screening O3 and O4 pop out
to keep middle open.
Post Back Cut
Any time the pass out to O5 is
overplayed or denied, O5 quickly
back cuts to basket for shot
Back Cuts
On O4’s pass out to O5, any time O1
or O2 are overplayed or the defense
anticipates the exchange, O1 and O2
have the option of back cutting to the
basket rather than coming off a down
screen or exchanging.
Post 1-on-1 Isolation
O5 always has green light to drive
hard to the basket when O5 can beat
the defender. O5 also has an open
shot opportunity if the defender sags
off.
 Phase 3. Post Action (Low Post Set)

Anytime the high post makes a basket cut, the offense flows into a four out low
post alignment. However, because of a lack of dominate post players, post ups
have the tendency to be more for kick out passes to outside shooters than they
are for scoring. The post flashes into middle looking for possible backdoor action
if/when they do not receive ball on post up.

Post Basket Cut Post Up Backdoor Action

When O5 passes to either wing, O5
cuts to the basket anticipating a pass
from O2 or O3 when the defender X5
loses vision of ball. If O5 does not
receive ball on basket cut, O5 posts
up.
03 looks to feed 05 isolated 1-on-1 in
low post area. O5 has option of
scoring or making a kick out skip
pass to O1 or O2 or O4 spotting up
for outside shots..
When O5 does not receive ball on
post up, O2 dribbles out for spacing
and O5 flashes into middle. If/when
O1 or O2 passes to O5 on flash, O5
looks to feed O3 or O4 on back cuts
to basket.

Post Lob

Any time defender X5 denies O5

flash cut into the middle, O5 back
cuts to the basket for possible over
the top lob pass.
 Continuity - Back to Phase 1.

If/when post O5 does not receive pass on flash to middle, the Princeton Offense
flow directly back into any of the phase 1 entries determined by the defensive
deployment.

Princeton Offense - Entries

One of the nice things about the Princeton offense is that it is very flexible in that
it can be initiated with almost any type of entry. The various entry cuts are
predicated automatically by the ballhandler's entry pass or dribble clear. The off
guard (Hawk) and high post rub (UCLA) are the most commonly used entries to
initiate the offense; however, recently, the Mid Screen entry is becoming the
entry of choice. All entries can be ran equally on both sides of the floor.

Entries: | Hawk | UCLA | Mid Screen | Dribble Clear | Zipper | High Post |

Hawk Entry - Weakside Guard Rub

Ballhandler O1 passes to O2 and rubs off O5's high If O1 is not open on basket cut or post up, 04 passes
post screen to basket. O2 passes to wing O4 and out to O5 initiating wing exchanges or down screens.
cuts to opposite corner.
UCLA Entry - Strongside Guard Rub or Basket Cut

Strongside guard O1 makes a wing entry pass to O4 If/when O4 cannot pass to O1, O4 makes a reversal
and rubs off O5’s high post screen to basket. Note: pass out to O5 initiating wing exchanges or down
O1 also has option of making a direct "Give & Go" screen action.
cut to basket.

Mid Screen Entry

O2 clears to opposite corner as ballhandler O1 If/when O4 cannot pass to O1, O4 makes a reversal
drives off O5's high post screen. O1 has option or pass out to O5 initiating wing exchanges or down
turning the corner and driving to the basket or screens.
passing to wing o4 and cutting to the basket.

Dribble Clear Entry - Strongside Wing

O1 dribbles clears wing O4. O1 looks to feed O4 on If wing o4 is not open, 01 makes a reversal pass out
back cut to basket or post up. to O5 initiating wing exchanges or down screen
action.

Zipper Entry - Wing Loop

O1 dribble clears wing O4 as high post O5 rolls If defender X4 should over play and deny the
down to set a down screen. O1 looks to feed O4 passing lane, O4 immediately back cuts to basket for
popping out or O5 posting up against a smaller an over the top lob pass from O1.
defender if the defense switches.

High Post Entry

Ball handler O1 passes to high post O5. O1 and O2
cut directly to basket looking for possible feed from
O5.
If not open on basket cuts, O3 and O4 set down
screens for O1 and O2 crossing under the basket.
Note: O1 and O2 have option of faking the cross and
popping out directly off of O3's and O4's down
screens.

The Princeton offense is adaptable to attacking any type of defenses. Most opponent game plans include
playing aggressively and extending defensive pressure in effort to disrupt and speed up game tempo;
however, with the middle of the court wide open, this plays right into the hands of the Princeton Offense
which is loaded with back cut reads. The real strength of Princeton Offense, strong outside shooting along
with offensive patience, will punish any team that elects to play a sagging man to man or zone defense.
Tempo and Passing Skills
In controlling tempo, it is imperative to have patience and make the defense work and wear down. This
usually means walking the ball up the floor; however, at the same time, being alert to take full advantage of
quick break opportunities if/when they do arise. Controlling the ball requires good ball handling skills. It is not
uncommon to make 15 to 20 passes during a possession. By controlling tempo it not only cuts down and
minimizes the number of the opponent's offensive possessions, but also can create match up problems.
Most opponents if/when they fall behind, are forced into taking out their "Bigs" and play small.

Players should be able to pass with either hand. Players must keep their heads up and see the floor
anticipating teammates movements and counters. Despite all players handling the ball multiple times,
turnovers are kept to a minimum by having the patience to make simple, safe passes and by not forcing or
rushing any pass. The Princeton Offense's basic "Give and Go" passes and backdoor cuts are some of the
oldest plays in basketball; yet, they are still among the prettiest plays in the game today.

Back Cut Counters vs Overplays

Rule #1: Go away from pressure. Do NOT fight it.

The classic backdoor cut for an easy basket is the signature of the Princeton
Offense. However, open back cuts just do not happen. They are set up with ball
control and good outside shooting. The constant player movement and
exchanges, along with patience, has a tendency to wear down or lull even the
best of defensive efforts to sleep (Condition Response). The Princeton Offense
anticipates and senses defensive mistakes or let ups, and strikes without
hesitation.

Since defensive pressure is the weapon of choice to disrupted the Princeton

Offense, most backcuts are pressure releases against defensive overplays;
however, they can, also, result from defensive errors such as loosing vision on
the ball or watching the ball and loosing vision of the player that they are
guarding. Following are some examples of backcuts against defensive overplays:
Dribble Clear Action

If/when defender pressures and
overplays O1's entry pass to wing.
O1 dribble clears the wing. O4 steps
out to receive a pass, but then back
cuts hard to the basket looking for a
feed from O1.
Dribble Clear action can also be
initiated out mid screen action.
NOTE: On the wing back cut or
dribble penetration, it is important for
the wing to stay above the "Block" so
that the backboard can be used on
the shot.
If/when the wing's defender X4 sags
off to help out against dribble
penetration, O1 strings outs the
defense by dribbling out and looks to
pass to O4 back cutting to the
basket.

High Post Back Cuts

If/when a reversal pass is made to the high post and Anytime O1's defender X5 overplays and denies the
exchanges are taking place, the wings have the reversal pass out to O5, O5 backcuts to the basket.
option of back cutting to the basket whenever the
defense anticipates the exhanges.
High Post Flashes
Out of the four out, low post
alignment, when the post flashes into
the middle, it keys the traditional
"Backdoor" play.
Diagonal Screen Backdoor
If/when defender X2 denies the
guard to guard passing lane, O2
back cuts to basket.
Anytime O5's defender X5 denies the
flash cut, O5 backcuts to the basket
for possible lob pass.
If/when O2 does not receive a pass
on the backcut, O2 sets a diagonal
down screen for the low post O5.
Post O5 breaks high to receive pass
from ballhandler O1 as O2 steps out
to set a backscreen for wing O3. O5
looks to feed O3 backcutting off O2's
screen.
On the high post backdoor action, O4
can slip the weakside exchange and
cut to the basket looking for a feed
from post O5.
Whenever the defender X1 overplays
the passing lane, O1 goes away from
pressure and back cuts to the
basket.
 Princeton Offense: Psychological Aspects

One of the biggest weapon’s of the Princeton Offense is its reputation for being a
giant slayer. Opposing coaches fear having to play against a team oriented
offense in a low possession game, especially when there is nothing to gain and
everything to lose. In addition, when playing against the Princeton Offense, they
have to contend with the strong advice of “don’t ever get behind” which only
creates more pressure and even panic if/when they do fall behind. This fear and
uncertainty, in almost all cases, is subconsciously passed onto their players.

1. Pressure of playing a low possession game takes away any room for mistakes.
Most teams are not experienced with dealing with the tremendous mental pressure
that occurs when every possession is vital to the outcome of the game. This
pressure gets magnified even more during end of game crunch time.
2. Exposes and capitalizes on fundamentally weak defenders. Also, exposes any
strong armed, inside players without outside defensive skills. Playing outside is a
new adventure and they usually have no clue how to or the attitude to defend
peripherally. Physically and mentally unprepared.
3. The easy shots that occur off back cuts against defensive overplays are very
demoralizing to any defense.
4. Constant motion not only causes physical fatigue, but more importantly mental
and spiritual fatigue. Prone to making physical and mental errors.
5. In and effort to speed up tempo, opponents’ tend to hurry and rush their shots.
Turnovers are also increased by forcing and making difficult passes in the effort
to speed up the game.
6. Dammed if you do, with back cuts. When they sag off, they loose all disruptive
capabilities and are susceptible to ball control and good outside shooting.
7. Opponents conditioned to expect ball control tempo have a tendency to trot back
on defense with backs to the ball making them vulnerable to easy transition
baskets.
8. Slow tempo is bad for offensive team and individual player stats. Players with
high stats can become very frustrated and discouraged when playing in a low
possession game.
9. Opponents brained washed into thinking you are going to hold the ball, but in
reality attacking the basket on every cut and pass. Forget to defend the basket.
The threat of holding the ball, just like the threat of the dribble, is the Princeton
Offense’s best weapon.
 10. Because of its patience and teamwork, the Princeton Offense, like defense, is
stable and steady night after night. It is never dependent on having a hot or cold
shooting night from the field.

Raising Your Level of Passing

What level of passer are you?

Level One. Throws the ball to an area just to get rid of it. Common among beginning players.
Level Two. Just throws the ball toward a teammate no matter if they are ready to receive it or not.
This is why players get hit by the ball during practice when just standing around.
Level Three. Surgeon. Passes to a specific target (hand or finger). Leads receivers into good shots.
Rarely throws the ball away. Closing the Passing Distance

Whenever a defender plays off, close the distance with dribble penetration.

When defenders anticipate and play off in the
passing lane, not only are they able to concentrate
on intercepting or deflecting the pass, but the
range that they are able to cover increases.
When the passer closes the distance with dribble
penetration against a defender playing off in the passing
lane, it forces the defender to defend against the drive
and eliminates their playing of the passing lane making it
easier to complete the pass.

The ability to move the basketball and hit the open man is a characteristic found in all great players and
teams. In order to perfect this ability to its utmost, players must utilize and master the following fundamental
principles of passing:

1. Anticipate. Read the defense and know where to pass before receiving the ball. Outstanding
basketball players have the ability to anticipate where to pass the basketball. This is why
professional players need very little team pattern to create good scoring opportunities for their
teammates.
2. Maintain a proper spacing. Most passes should be made within a 12' to 15' distance. This
spacing spreads the defense and allows for quick, accurate passing. Passes beyond 15' carry a
high risk of interception. Never throw directly at a receiver moving away from you. Always lead the
receiver to the basket on lob and baseball passes.

When the defender is playing off, close the distance with a dribble to less than 3'. The closer the
defender plays, the less time they have to read and react to the passer's movements. Dribble
penetration will also force the defender to defend against the drive and eliminates their playing of
the passing lane.

1. Note: On post feeds, the majority of steals are made by the passer's own defender not the
post's defender.
 2. Look off the receiver. Use split vision to see the passing lane and receiver. Avoid telegraphing
pass by turning head and looking directly at the receiver. Use quick wrist action for all passes.
Eliminate all unnecessary movements like winding up and stepping with the pass.
3. Pass through the defense. Avoid passing over or around the defender. Pass fake in opposite
direction. Watch the defender's hands and make a quick, accurate pass away from them. When the
defender plays with his/her hands up, fake high and pass under their arm pit. When the defender
holds his/her down, fake low and pass over their shoulder between their arm and head.
4. Read and pass away from the receiver's defender. Recognize how the defender is playing the
receiver and pass to the opposite side. The receiver has the responsibility to "shape up" in such a
manner that he presents a good target. They must protect the passing lane by assuming a low
stance with the foot nearest to the defender forward between the defender and the ball.

Passing: Line of Deployment

By recognizing where the defender is playing the receiver in relation to the "Line
of Deployment" allows the passer to lead the receiver into a good shot.

When the defender assumes a pass denial position on When the defender plays on the baseline side of
the top side, the pass should be made to the receiver's the receiver, the pass should be made to receiver's
baseline hand. top hand.

1. Note: Never pass to a receiver that does not call and want the ball.
2. Move the ball. The ability to make the good quick, strong pass cannot be over emphasized. The
basketball has to be moved. A player should be able to successfully execute his play (pass, shot,
drive) within three seconds after receiving the ball. The ability to move the ball separates the good
players from the mediocre ones and the good ball clubs from the poor ones.
3. Pass and move. Passer must move a specific purpose after executing a pass. Each movement
should result in a screen, a shot, rebound position, a fake or clear. Standing and watching after
making pass is a major fault of the poor player.
4. Develop pride in your passes. Work hard to perfect all types of passes. Be clever, not fancy. The
clever passer will receive praise while the fancy one will be ridiculed.

Note: In basketball there is a big difference between a completed pass and a successful pass.
Effective Use of the Dribble
Although the Princeton Offense is primarily a passing offense, dribbling plays an important role. First of all,
all five players have the "Green Light" anytime they can beat their opponent on a direct drive to the basket.
However, they do not create this opportunity. They just take when it becomes available. Dribbling is used
sparingly to maintain proper court spacing, execute player exchanges, and to set up special set plays. The
dribble, also, becomes a valuable weapon in combating and countering defensive overplays or sagging man
to man defenses.

Princeton Offense - Effective Use of the Dribble

| Driving | Spacing | Dribble Clear | Dribble Handoff | Misdirection | Drive & Kick |

Basket Drives

All players, including posts, should be able to drive to the basket using either
hand. When driving to the basket, players should use only one or two dribble to
get to the basket in order to prevent any defensive help from taking place. It is
also important that players assume a head up, triple threat position and read the
defense prior to putting the ball on the floor. Note: For any drive to be successful
players must finish (score).

Ballhandler O1 passes to O2 and rubs off O5's high If O1 is not open on basket cut or post up, 04 passes
post screen to basket. O2 passes to wing O4 and out to O5 initiating wing exchanges or down screens.
cuts to opposite corner.
Mid screens and side screens can be used to create
drive oportunities.
Basket drives opportunities can also be created
using a quick change of direction (cross over, spin,
or behind the back) dribble. However, to be effective
these moves must be used very sparingly during a
game.

Maintain Spacing

Spacing is a crucial element in the Princeton Offense. Players must be aware of

proper spacing at all times, and, if necessary, use their dribble to maintain proper
spacing.
Dribble Clear

Anytime a defender overplays and denies the passing lane to the wing, much like
a back door cut, the ballhandler has the automatic option of executing a dribble
clear. When the ballhandler dribbles toward the receiver, the receiver back cuts
to the basket for shot.

When defender X4 denies the passing lane to O4. When using a mid screen, if the defender denies the
O4 sets up the defender by taking a step toward the wing pass, the wing can back cut to the basket
dribbler O1 and then backcuts to the basket. O1 interchanging positions.
looks to feed O4 on back cut or posting up.

Dribble Weave Action

Against a sagging man to man defense, the dribble handoff becomes a tactic of
choice. The dribble handoff is the cornerstone of the &quout;Old" weave offenses
of the fifties. With it's multiple options, the dribble handoff can create serious
problems for any team that is not prepared to defend it. In the Princeton offense,
short kick out passes are used in lieu of direct handoffs.
O1 dribbles directly toward defender X4, sagging off The dribble weave action can also be initiated off a
O4, and makes a short kick out pass to O4. Since mid screen.
04's defender is sagging off, this is a relatively safe
way to exchange and move the basketball.

Misdirection Dribble

The use of the "Misdirection" dribble or change of direction is very effective in

creating open passing lanes. Much like a magicians fool their audiences, the
misdrirection dribble can fool the defense.

O1 dribble clears wing O4. If/when O4 is not open on Misdirection dribble action can also take place using
backcut, O1 reverses the dribble and looks to feed a mid screen.
the primary receiver O5.
Drive and Kick

The tactic of driving all the way to the basket and making a kick out pass to set
up open outside shots is used extensively in Asian basketball. When back to
back drives are used, it actually turns into a very effective inside weave.

O3 drives to basket, but instead of taking a shot makes a kick out pass to O1 spotting up for an outside shot.
When O1's outside shot is not available or if the defense rushes out, O1 fakes the shot and drives to the
basket. O1 kicks makes a kick out pass to O2 spotting up.

Post Play
Because of its spread court, high post alignment, the Princeton offense does accentuate a low post power
game. Nevertheless, by employing basket cuts and dribble clears, any player can be readily posted up.
However, in the Princeton Offense post ups have the tendency to be more for kick out passes to outside
shooters than they are for scoring.

Princeton Offense - Posting Up

By employing basket cuts and dribble clears, any player can be readily posted
up. However, in the Princeton Offense post ups have the tendency to be more for
collapsing the defense and making kick out passes to outside shooters than they
are for scoring. Post up entries can be executed at any time, from any position on
either side of the court.

Entries: | UCLA | Hawk | Dribble Clear | Post Roll |

UCLA Entry - Strongside Guard Post Up

Strongside guard O1 makes a wing entry pass to O4 If O1 is not open on basket cut, 04 looks to feed 01
and rubs off O5’s high post screen. posting up. O1 has option of scoring or making a
kick out pass to O3 or O2 or O5 spotting up.

Hawk Entry - Weakside Guard Post Up

Ballhandler O1 passes to O4 as O2 rubs off O5's If O2 is not open on basket cut, 04 looks to feed 02
high post screen. O4 looks to feed O2 on basket cut posting up. O2, isolated 1-on-1 in low post area, has
or O1 cutting to opposite corner. option of scoring or making a kick out pass to O3 or
O2 or O5 spotting up for three point shots.

Dribble Clear Entry - Strongside Wing Post Up

O1 dribbles clears wing O4. O1 looks to feed O4 on If wing o4 is not open on basket cut, 01 looks to feed
back cut to basket. 04 posting up. O4 has option of scoring or making a
kick out pass to O3 or O2 or O5 spotting up for
outside shots.

Post Roll Entry - High Post Post Up

O1 passes to wing O4 as post O5 rolls to basket. O4 If O5 is not open on basket roll, 04 looks to feed 05
looks to feed O5 on basket cut. isolated 1-on-1 in low post area. O5 has option of
scoring or making a kick out pass to O3 or O2 or O1
spotting up for outside shots.

Princeton Offense - Post Action

In the Princeton Offense scheme of attack, post ups have the tendency to be
more for collapsing the defense and making kick out passes to outside shooters
than they are for scoring.

Low Post Action

Post 05, isolated 1-on-1 in low post area has an
option of scoring or, more importantly, making a kick
out pass to O1 or O2 or O3 spotting up for open
outside shots.
The low post isolation also can readily flow into solo
post cut action. The wing can initiates this two
person game simply by feeding and cutting high or
low off the low post. See Solo cut options link for
more details.
Kick Out Pass to Backdoor Action

If/when the post makes a kick out pass to O1 and a
shot is not taken, O5 flashes to high post area. O1
passes to O2, who in turn, passes to O5 flashing into
the middle. When O5 receives the ball, O3 and O4
back cut to the basket.
Anytime O1's defender X1 overplays and denies the
passing lane out from O5, O1 backcuts to the
basket.

If post O5 cannot feed O1 on basket cut, O5 passes Anytime O2's defender denies the passing lane out
out to O2 setting up weakside skip pass action. O2 from O5, O2 backcuts to the basket.
passes to wing O3 and cuts to opposite wing off O5's
back screen. O3 looks to make a skip pass to O2.
NOTE: This weakside screen action is especially
effective in attacking defenses that sag off and
provide good weakside help support.
Ball Reversal

If/when wing cannot feed the low post, O4 makes a If/when defender X1 denies the passing lane, O1
reversal pass off the dribble to O1 initiating the post's back cuts to basket.
high post flash and backdoor action.

If wing O4 does not feed O1 on basket cut, O4 Anytime O2's defender denies the passing lane from
continues dribble and passes to O2. Post O5 steps O4, O2 backcuts to the basket.
out and sets a back screen for O4. O2 then looks to
make a skip pass back to O4.
NOTE: This is another option especially effective in
attacking defenses that provide good weakside help
support.
 Basic Post Moves
All players should be proficient in posting up strong and executing basic post
moves. However, for any post isolation to be effective, both the passer and post
player must be cognizant of the location of defensive player. Long time coach
and present Laker assistant, Tex Winter, has not only brought the importance of
court spacing into the game, but he has also coined the phase "line of
deployment" which assists players and coaches in "reading" and countering
defensive post deployment. Post reads and counters:

| Power Layup | Baby Hook | Post Lob | Face Up | Jump Hook | Drop Step |

Power Lay-up Option

Read: Defense plays on the HIGH SIDE of the post. Corner Feed option.

When the defender X5 assumes a 3/4 pass denial position on the top side When the defense assumes a 3/4
(above the line of deployment) of the post, the post should cheat up the pass denial position on the top side
lane, seal off the defender, and give the passer a target with the baseline of the post, the wing O3 has option
hand. Passer should lead the post to the basket for power lay up. Post of passing the ball to the corner for
should maintain defensive seal until pass is overhead. a better passing angle into the post.
Baby Hook Option

Read: Defense plays on the BASELINE SIDE of the post.

Point Feed option.

When the defender X5 assumes a 3/4 pass denial position on the baseline
When the defense assumes a 3/4
side (below the line of deployment) of the post, the post should cheat down
pass denial position on the baseline
the lane, seal off the defender, and present the passer a target with the top
side of the post, like with the post
hand. Passer should lead the post to the basket for baby hook. The baby
front, the wing has option of
hook should be executed with a quick, long, lead step into the middle with
reversing the ball to the top of the
the foot pointing toward sideline or corner. Shooting arm should be kept
circle for a better passing angle into
straight using a flipping wrist motion. Shooter should be end up facing the
the post.
basket on follow through.

Post Lob Option

Read: Defense plays in FRONT of the post.

Ball Reversal option.
When the defense X5 assumes a full front denial position on the post, the
post should force the defense out away from the basket, seal off the Against the post front, the wing also
defender, and give the passer a target with the baseline hand. Passer has option of reversing the ball to
should make a pass just over the top of the fronting defensive player. the top of the circle for a better
Note: It is important for the post to wait and not release the defensive seal passing angle into the post.
until the pass is overhead.
Face Up: Triple Threat Options

Triple Threat Shot

Options
1. Jump Shot.
Defender has hands
down.
2. Pump Fake and
Drive. Defender
anticipates and
challenges shot.
3. Step Back. One
dribble drive step
toward basket then a
quick step back to
create separation
from the defense.

Read: Defense plays BEHIND the post.

When the defense X5 plays behind the post, the post should seal off the Note: All three Triple Threat
defender with a strong low, knees flexed stance, and give the passer a shot options are sequential
target with both hands. Upon receiving the pass, the post should make a read and react (attack) moves.
strong pivot and face the basket assuming a triple threat position (drive,
shoot or pass). Unless the defensive post is an extremely good shot
blocker, the defensive player is at a big disadvantage.

Jump Hook (Advanced) Option

Read: Defense plays on the BASELINE SIDE of the post.

When the defender X5 assumes a 3/4 pass denial position on the baseline side
(below the line of deployment) of the post, the post should cheat down the lane,
seal off the defender, and present the passer a target with the top hand.

Passer should lead the post to the basket for shot. The jump hook is executed
off a low, hard power dribble into the middle. Shooting arm should be kept
straight using a flipping wrist motion with the off arm protecting the ball. Shooter
should end up facing the basket on follow through.

Drop Step Move (Fake Hook).

If defender X5 recovers and tries to block the hook shot, O5 fakes the jump
hook, and then makes a reverse, drop step pivot toward the baseline, sealing off
the defender for a lay-up shot.
 Solo Post Cut Reads and Counters
Pass and cut baseline options: Handoff, Fake Handoff, V-Cut Jumper, Post
Roll
Pass and cut over the top options: Handoff, Fake Handoff, Pull up Jumper,
Post Roll
Other options: Post Pick and Sidescreen
Solo Baseline Cut Actions:
Handoff option
READ: Defense CHASES OVER screen.
When the defender X3 plays on the high side of wing
O3, after feeding the post O5, O3 should fake high
and then cut baseline for possible handoff and shot.
When O3 does not receive a return pass from O5,
O3 continues out to the weakside isolating the post
O5 on a one-on-one situation.
V-Cut Jumper option
READ: Defender goes BEHIND against base cut.
> >
When the defense switches or when O3's defender
X3 goes behind O5, O3 steps out executing a "V" cut
for a pull up baseline jump shot.
Fake Handoff option
READ: Post defender CHEATS OUT to help early.
>
When defensive post X5 tries to step out and help
out on O3's base cut, the post O5 has option of
faking the handoff and making a quick move
opposite into the middle for shot.
Post Roll option
READ: Defense SWITCHES on base cut.
When the defense switches, O3 strings out the
defense with dribble, isolating the post O5 against
the smaller defender X1. The post O5 also has the
option of clearing out, isolating O3 one-on-one
against the bigger defender X5.
Solo Top Cut Actions:
Handoff option
READ: Defense CHASES OVER screen.
When the defense plays to the low side of wing O3,
O3 after feeding the post O5, should fake low and
then cut over the top of the post for possible handoff
and shot. When the wing does not receive a return
passfrom the post, the wing continues out to the
weakside isolating the post on a one-on-one
situation.
Pull Up Jumper option
READ: Defender goes BEHIND against top cut.
When the wing defender X3 goes behind O5, after
getting a return pass from O5, wing O3 has option of
pulling up for an open jump shot.
Fake Handoff option
READ: Post defender CHEATS OUT to help early.
When defensive post X5 tries to step out and help
out on top cut, the post O5 has option of faking the
handoff and making a quick baseline drop step or
spin move to basket for shot.
Post Roll option
READ: Defense SWITCHES on top cut.
When the defense switches, O3 strings out the
defense with dribble, isolating the post O5 against
the smaller defender X1. The post O5 also has the
option of clearing out, isolating O3 one-on-one
against the bigger defender X5.
Other Solo Cut Actions:

Post Pick option Side Screen option

READ: Cutter screeens the post's defender. READ: Post steps out and screens.

Wing O3 after feeding the post sets a screen on the
post's defensive player, allowing the post to wheel
into the middle off pick for shot.
Note: most teams are not prepare to defend the on
ball post pick.
Post can initiate side screen action at any time by
stepping out and setting an "ON" ball screen for the
O3 on wing. O3 drives hard of O5's side screen and
has layup, pull up jump shot, or pass to O5 rolling to
basket.

Quick Hitting Options and Specials

The Princeton offense is one of the few offenses that actually sets up plays to create open outside shots. In
addition, it has the capability to flow directly into quick hitting set options anytime the shot clock winds down
or at the end of a period preventing any panic or rushed shots. Set plays can also be initiated after time outs
or called out at anytime.

Quick Hitting Options

| High Post Split | Side Screen | Guard Lob | Weave | Weakside Skip |

High Post Split

O1 passes to high post O5, and cuts O1 and O2 can make direct basket If O5 does not feed O1 or O2 on
to the basket over the top of O5. O2 cuts rather than splitting the high basket cuts, O1 and O2 cross under
cuts over the top of both O1 and O5. post. the basket and go off O3's and O4's
O5 looks to feed either O1 or O2 on down screens.
basket cuts.

Side Screen

When O5 passes to wing and instead
of making the usual basket cut, O5
steps out and sets an on ball screen
for O1.
O1 drives off O5's on ball screen as
O3 and O4 set down screens for
shooter O2. O1 looks to make a kick
out pass to O2 for open three point
shot.
Side screen action can also be
initiated by O5 stepping out to set an
on ball screen from a low post
position.

Guard Lob

O1 makes a guard to guard pass to O2 and rubs off
high post O5 to opposite corner. O2 passes to wing
O4 and cuts to the basket over the top of O5's back
screen. O4 looks to make a over the top lob pass to
O2.
If/when the lob pass is not available, O4 makes a
reversal pass out to O5 initiating wing exchange
action.
Dribble Weave
Dribble weave action is initiated with
O1's dribble penetration. If O1
cannot drive to the basket, O1 makes
a kickout pass to O4 who inturn
dribble penetrates over the top of
O5's mid screen.
Weakside Skip Pass
The weakside skip pass is an
excellent option against teams that
provide good weakside help. It starts
with a low post entry. O1 passes to
wing O4 and cuts to the opposite
corner. O4 feeds O5 posting up low.
O4 looks to turn corner and drive to
basket or make a kickout pass to O3
who continues the dribble weave
action.
O5 then makes a kickout pass out to
O2 who in turn makes a reversal
pass to O3. O5 flashes high and sets
a back screen for shooter O2. O3
looks to make a cross court skip
pass to O2. O2 has the options of
shooting or passing to O4 spotting up
in corner.
Weave action continues with O3
looking to turn corner and drive to
basket or making a kickout pass to
O1. If overplayed, dribbler O1 has
option of passing to O2 and making a
backcut to the basket off O5's back
screen.n
If/when O4 cannot feed O5 posting
up, O4 dribble penetrates to the free
throw line and makes a kickout pass
to O2. Post O5 flashes high and sets
a back screen for O4. O2 looks to
make a cross court skip pass to O4
going off O5's back screen.
Coach’s Commitment and Added Benefits
Coaches must be sold on the Princeton Offense. It involves the "All or None Principle." Do not try to employ
it, if you are not sure or are not entirely committed. In giving players the freedom to create, coaches may a
feel a real loss of offensive control at first, but as the season progresses, they will soon realize and
appreciate the advantages and full potential of a non-structured offense. In addition, the Princeton Offense
provides for the following added benefits:

• Teaches the value and benfits of teamwork.

• Practicing basic ball handling and shooting skills daily.
• Practicing defensive fundamentals against offensive movement and back cuts daily.
• Never having to reset the offense or call out plays.
• Movement makes it harder for the defense to block out.
• It is tough to scout because it is not predictable.

Reading (the defense) is fundamental

Pete Carril's last win as the coach at Princeton, a stunning upset over UCLA in the first round of
the 1996 NCAA Tournament, will always be remembered for its final play: the "trademark" back-
door layup.

Although the Yoda of college basketball has spent the last six years in relative obscurity as an
assistant coach and consultant for the Sacremento Kings, his legacy continues to live on in the
college and NBA game. Just look at teams like Princeton, North Carolina State, Northwestern, Air
Force, Samford and the New Jersey Nets. Each employs Carril's system of offense with a good
deal of success.

With a premium placed on passing, cutting and intelligent movement without the basketball, the
offense is the epitome of what good team basketball should look like. There is an understanding
that offense is a series of two- and three-man plays and that all five players cannot compete for
the ball but, rather, share it.

We will cover, in the next two Basketball 101 "classes", the Princeton Offense, in two parts: the
Low Post offense and the High post offense. Pay attention and don't turn your head or you'll get
"back doored".

Part I: The Low Post Offense

Find the Center:The offensive thinking in the Princeton system is for the ball to go through the
center so that he can be the playmaker. So, in both transition or in a half-court set the important
thing is to "find the center" or the 5 man.
Alignment: The offense starts in a 2-2-1 alignment with the center (5) on the ball side. It is
important to determine the places on the court from which your perimeter players can best drive
to the middle. It really helps if all of those players can dribble and pass from both sides of the
court.
First cut: The 1 passes to 3 on the wing and cuts through to the opposite corner. Every single cut
in the offense must be made at full speed and with authority. The 2 then fills in at the top of the
key.

First Back Door: If 5 is fronted in the low post and the offense cannot be started through him, 3
dribbles hard at the elbow. If 2's man "tightens up" to overplay the pass to 2 or turns his head to
look at the ball, 2 back doors hard to the basket. The 3 is taught make his bounce with one hand
off the dribble -- it's a quicker pass than picking the ball up with two hands -- right off 2's
defender's butt.
Post Feed: The 3 feeds 5 in the low post and drifts to the corner for the possible open 3-point
shot if his man leaves to double team. If 3's man doesn't double team 5, the spacing on the
perimeter is ideal for 5 to go 1-on-1.
The Next Look

Another Back Door Cut: After 5 catches the ball, 2 cuts through to the opposite corner as 4 fills
in at top of key and 1 replaces 4. If 4's man looks for ball or tries to overplay 4, 4 back-door cuts
to the basket looking for a bounce pass from 5. This is why it is crucial that the 5 is an excellent
passer.

Slip Split: Another option in the offense when 5 has the ball is for 2 to screen away for 4. The 4
must always watch his defender. If the defender starts to cheat over 2's screen, 4 back-door cuts
to basket and receives bounce pass from 5.
Pass Out and Dribble At: When the ball is passed out of the low post -- in this case to 2 -- 2
dribbles hard at the next player on the perimeter, the 4. Again, when 4's man turns his head, 4
back-door cuts to basket and looks for a 1-hand bounce pass from 2.

If 4 is not open, 1 replaces 4 and receives the pass from 2. The 4 posts up and 5 comes up to set
the "flare screen'" for 2, who gets jump shot on pass from 1.
Another Pass Out and Dribble At: When 5 passes out of low post to 3, remember 2 has cut
through and 4 starts to replace him at the top of the key. The 3 dribbles hard at the elbow and
sets up back-door cut by 4. The 1 replaces 4 and, if 3 throws it to 1, 5 will "flare screen" for 3 for a
jump shot.

Back-Door Cut: Anytime an offensive player on the perimeter is denied a chance to catch a
pass, it is an excellent opportunity for him to use the defender's aggressiveness against him by
changing direction and cutting to the basket.
Final Word
As you can see, this offense is based on good spacing of your offensive players on the court, the
intelligence to "read" how the defenders are playing and, then, executing the fundamentals to
make the correct play. It has proven, time and time again, to be a great way to neutralize another
team's superior athletic ability -- especially in Princeton's case. So, we'll end Part I with a quote
from Pete Carril, "In this life, the big, strong guys are always taking from the smaller, weak guys,
but?the smart take from the strong."