PRESENTS Innovated and Designed for 43 Hoops Basketball

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MAX Offense Coiled Book_Layout 1 10/17/11 12:53 AM Page 1

PRESENTS

S ES DE ATN SIGNED FOR GRE

Innovated and designed for 43 Hoops Basketball Club By: Chris Carr MAX Offense Coiled Book_Layout 1 10/17/11 12:53 AM Page 2

EXPECT TO BE THE BEST

Introduction

First off, I would like to thank you for the time and effort that you put into the game of basketball. It is because of you that we have the ability to enjoy success at all levels, through this wonderful game. I am happy and proud to present this program to you, the MAX Motion Offense. This book is designed to help both beginning, and more advanced coaches on how to learn, motivate, teach and interact with your team. Most importantly, it will assist you in learning this great game. By keeping these simple things in mind, you will be able to build a tradition that hinges upon pride and success within your basketball program.

The primary purpose of this book is to introduce basketball to you with an innovative twist. Over the past 15 years I, NBA veteran Chris Carr, have coached and studied the game of basketball, and developed a cutting edge offensive style that will help you maximize the performance of your team. I Introduce to you the MAX Motion Offense. This is an innovative motion offense that requires you to do one thing, play basketball the way players have played it their entire life, with the ball in their hands!

The MAX Motion Offense was designed to give basketball players enough freedom to play the game with efficiency, while at the same time having available reads to take advantage of defensive offsets. With this offense, your players will now have the ability to take advantage of the highest percentage shot in basketball, the lay-up. The MAX puts coaches and their defensive schemes in a position that they do not like to be in, decision making mode. This offense takes advantage of a defense that is geared to take away options, as most defenses are created, and at the same time gives your team the ultimate advantage of making high percentage shots!

As you may know, I was a professional basketball player for 9 years, played college basketball for 3 years in one of the nations top basketball programs, Southern Illinois University, as well as being a three year varsity letter winner and all- state selection in high school. I have played basketball in the United States and around the world. I have played and studied under a number of different coaches with varying styles and philosophies. Some of the things I have learned are that ball movement and passing are the two most important elements of a good offense. With the MAX Motion Offense, you get all of these key offensive principles including spacing, unselfishness and shot quality.

Throughout this teaching I am going to share with you some of the things that I have used to build one of the more successful spring and summer basketball programs in the upper Midwest. A major division one basketball coach complimented the program by saying that, “43 Hoops has a style of play that allows me, as a college coach, to truly identify their skill level by their style of play.” Along with my years of dedication and knowledge, I am so very thankful to God that I have had the ability to play the game of basketball. He could have given anyone the talents and abilities that he blessed me with, and I now get an opportunity to share my knowledge and understanding of the game with you.

Enjoy!

Chris Carr Founder, 43 Hoops Basketball

Introduction

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EXPECT TO BE THE BEST

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Key Terms Used To Describe The MAX Motion Offense...... Page 3

Chapter 2: Understanding The MAX Motion Offense...... Page 7

Chapter 3: Defensive Reads...... Page 10

Chapter 4: Breaking Down The MAX Motion Offense: 2 Player...... Page 12

Chapter 5: Deny Defensive Reads...... Page 16

Chapter 6: Breaking Down The MAX Motion Offense: 3 Player...... Page 18

Chapter 7: Switching Defense Reads...... Page 22

Chapter 8: Breaking Down The MAX Motion Offense: 4 Player and Team Concepts... Page 24

Chapter 9: MAX Motion Offense Individual Drills and Play Calls...... Page 26

Chapter 10: Epilogue...... Page 30

Table Of Contents

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1Key Terms Used To Describe The MAX Motion Offense The following are key terms used to help describe the MAX Motion Offense. Please note, these terms may not be the same terminology that all coaches will use to describe the aspects of this offense. These are the terms used for our basketball program.

Trigger Point This is one of the 5 spots on the court that are used to initiate the offense off of the dribble. The 3 primary trigger points are just outside of the elbow areas and the nail hole (center of the free throw lane). The secondary trigger points are outside of both blocks. (diagram 1.1)

Point of Attack This is the area on the floor that a player receives the ball and has the ultimate objective of making a play off of the dribble. It is also used to set up other scoring options. (diagram 1.2)

Pitch A pitch is a pass made by anyone that hits a trigger point and makes a jump stop. A pitch is made with 2 hands, so the ball handler can control the ball. A pitch is NOT a dribble hand-off. Two players can never come together close enough to have a dribble hand off. There must be a 10 to 12 foot spacing in order to achieve a pitch. (diagram 1.3)

True Cut This is a cut made by the player opposite the point guard in the initiation of the offensive set. It is a cut that is designed not to run on top of the ball handler, but to give space so the ball handler has enough room to circle out and replace, or make a pitch, just outside of the 3 point line and above the elbow trigger point. (diagram 1.4 - 1.7)

Space 10 to 12 foot spacing is required to make this offense effective. Spacing is what is needed to make any offense successful, and is critical in the MAX Motion Offense. To make True Cuts to the Points of Attack with speed is also vital to the success of this offense.

Rip Screen This is a screen that is set for a player. The player that receives this screen typically is the person who hits the trigger point once this option is called.

Rub Rub is a call for isolation on the wing or top of the key.

Fist Fist is a call for a ball screen. It can be called at any point and time within the offensive scheme.

Loop A loop is an option that has a wing (2 or 3) run off of a double high screen to the opposite wing. This generally means we will be in a rub once he receives the ball.

Triple A triple is performed when the ball handler makes either a strong or weak side pitch. The ball handler now runs off of three screens along the baseline.

Drop A drop is a post seal for any player that has the ability to post up. With proper spacing, the player should have a 1-on-1 situation.

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Diagram 1.1 These are the 3 primary trigger points of the MAX Motion Offense. The strong side elbow, The weak side elbow, and the middle of the foul line.

1 PLAYER 1

3 2 WING WING

Diagram 1.2 These are the key point of attack areas. The offensive player must receive the ball and make an aggressive move to get either to or through a trigger point.

1 PLAYER 1

Diagram 1.3 2 A pitch is performed when the guard hits a trigger point 1 and delivers a direct pass to the Point of Attack. Make sure spacing is 10 to 12 feet.

Key Terms Used To Describe The MAX Motion Offense

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These diagrams give an outline on how to execute a nail trigger point into the MAX Motion offense. It requires a true cut from the high post player. Diagram 1.4 Diagram 1.5 Diagram 1.6 Diagram 1.7

3 2 3 2 3 2 3 2

1 1 1

4 4 POST POST

4 1 4 POST POST

Head Man In transition, the point guard always has the ability to pass the ball ahead. This will typically be done so or Pat the team can run a BASE transition set.

BASE A transition or early offensive set that requires a point guard to pass the ball for an early wing entry. Once complete, players have a specific sequence of screens to run in order to execute. BASE will always end turning into MAX.

Slide This is performed by the opposite post player who is the first player down the court in transition. His primary job is to stay opposite the ball by moving with hands up as the ball is entered into driving or scoring areas.

Pin Down This is a screen performed to get a shooter open for a jump shot. This can be done at a straight angle (elbow to block) or a wide angle (elbow to corner).

Jump Stop Performed to pitch the ball to the player entering the point of attack. This is key to not turning the ball over.

Power Dribble This is performed when the player reaches the trigger point, and the person that is hitting the point of attack is denied. This means that you have an angle to attack the rim.

Sprint Cut This is a cut made from any point on the floor to a trigger point. These cuts are made at full speed, and receiving the ball ready to attack.

Pump and Go This is used to trigger a backdoor. The player with the ball dribbles to a trigger point. If he can’t beat his player, the player in the corner will fake a true cut, and go backdoor for a pass and finish.

Fade Dribble This is used once a player receives a Rip screen. This particular action is used to get a better angle to pass the ball to either the slip player (screener) or the shooter.

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Lag A lag is when the ball handler can not reach a trigger point, or needs a release. The guard will then dribble the opposite high man out. The high man must make a deep V cut, or come behind and replace the guard that dribbled the player out and be available.

Skip Pass This occurs anytime you see the help guard inside of the post. The ball handler must read this and deliver a pass for a 3 point shot.

Hold This is used in transition or early offense.The player that receives the ball on a fast break has the option of returning the ball to the point guard to explore a sequence of options.

Power Any type of pin down or down screen.

Lob Pass A lob pass is thrown to the post when the ball handler makes an attacking move and draws the defensive post player to help. At this point, the ball handler throws a lofting pass to the edge of the backboard. The post player must catch the ball, and finish without a dribble!

There are also some very specific rules that must be followed when executing the MAX Motion offense. It is a must when you are implementing this offense that you instill the necessary discipline in outlining and following rules.

No Dribble This defeats the whole purpose of the MAX Motion offense. If 2 players are allowed to come too Weaving close together, the defense has the ability to either jump switch or double team the ball. Remember, spacing is essential for the execution of this offense.

Do Not Holding the ball on the perimeter does not allow the offense to run effectively. If you don’t have the Hold the Ball ability to make an aggressive play either for yourself or a teammate, move the basketball and allow a teammate that has an advantage to make a play for you.

Don’t Over Dribbling the basketball in place or taking numerous dribbles to create a shot is a definite NO. Dribble Once you receive the ball at a trigger point, or off of a rip screen, you have the choice to make an efficient play, or move the ball to a teammate.

Don’t Panic You don’t have to rush to make a play. Remain patient and you will get the shot you want.

Don’t Force You don’t have to take contested shots. If you don’t have a clean shot or a lay up, keep the ball moving Shots until you get the desired shot you want.

There will be more terms that are used throughout the teachings, basic basketball terms to be exact. The important thing to remember is that these will be the primary terms used in describing the offense.

Key Terms Used To Describe The MAX Motion Offense

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2Understanding The MAX Motion Offense “Do not hold the damn ball! I don’t care what you do with it, just don’t hold it! You can go to the basket, pass it, move it, dunk, dribble it somewhere, but don’t hold it and do nothing with it!” Quote by George Karl, Denver Nuggets

Welcome to the world of big time basketball. Throughout this next section, you will get an opportunity to see inside my mind. For those of you that know me, you might think of that as a short trip. Anyway, all joking aside, we are going to take a look at what I feel is an offense that caters to the basic needs of any team. Whether you are a team that prefers to control the tempo, a ball control team, or an up tempo team that likes the score to be in the 90’s, this is the offense for you. One question you might ask is, “What type of skill does this require?” It requires you to be able to do one thing, play basketball the way it was intended to be played. Let me explain.

When you first begin to play the game of basketball, there are two essential things you learn to do, shoot lay-ups and play 1-on-1. The basis of the MAX Motion Offense is derived around those two key elements. My philosophy on the game of basketball is that there is a game of 5 players playing against 5 players, and within that is 5 individual games. If you don’t prepare yourself to compete at each position individually, in essence, you will be at a disadvantage. This is one of the key principles I lived by throughout my entire career. I worked very hard to make sure that, from a skill stand point, I was equal or better than everyone I knew I would be facing. Of course, there were times throughout my career I knew that I would play against great players. I always wanted to at least make sure that, from a skill perspective, I could even the playing field to some degree. However, there is always exceptions to the rule (a guy with the first name of Michael for example) that no matter what you did, you were still at a gross disadvantage. It is of such high importance to make sure that, as a coach, you prepare each of your players individually, with a team concept in mind. So that, when they do play together, they will have the ability to understand the game from multiple aspects. This is critical because by doing this they will never be at a disadvantage, and will ultimately control the game on both ends of the court.

We now have established the foundation for, what I feel, is the most innovative approach to basketball that you will see for some time. The MAX Motion Offense is a collage of different philosophies that I have studied and played in throughout my career. By no means am I the inventor of basketball, however, you will see similarities of this approach by some of the top college programs in the nation; most notable, the University of Memphis.

Understand that this is a concept designed to give players structure so it is not a street ball game, yet allow them enough freedom to play the game how every player first learned how to play it, from a 1-on-1 perspective.

There are 2 basic principles that come with understanding the MAX Motion Offense. First, make the defense stop the person with the ball, and second shoot the highest percentage of the highest percentage shot in basketball; the lay up. We are going to outline these in full detail for you. Also, make sure that when you are teaching this offense you utilize all of the breakdown drills, and follow the appropriate progression of drills. Nothing in basketball, particularly with kids, will work without them knowing and understanding why they are performing a particular task or movement. Lastly, make certain your team works and accepts the physical challenge of running such an intense offensive scheme.

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The first rule of the MAX Motion Offense is, Make the Defense Stop the Person with the Ball. Now, you may be thinking to yourself, “It doesn’t take a genius to figure this out.” You are absolutely right; it doesn’t take a genius to figure any of this stuff out. However, what it does take is a person that has a high level of patience and a high level of tolerance to run the offense. It also takes a person that has the ability to see and understand the game of basketball at a high level.

As you will see in diagram 2.1, the floor is spaced in a very unique way. In particular, don’t allow the post player to clog the block. John Calipari, Head Coach of the University of Memphis, took on an approach that I adapted into this offensive scheme. Having played for Coach Calipari, I am happy to see him having a successful run in the college ranks using a very similar offensive style. The difference between what he does and my interpretation, the MAX Motion Offense, is the importance to have some screening actions, along with the ball movement.

As I mentioned earlier, making the defense stop you is key. With the way the MAX Motion Offense aligns, the player guarding the ball has specific defensive rules he must follow. He must force or encourage the ball to be dribbled to either the sideline, a weak hand, or towards the middle of the court. Depending on where the ball is, typically determines what the other defensive players will do and what position they will be in.

Some teams, such as the University of Northern Iowa, play defense known as the pack. This particular defense leaves all players in a constant help position. This is to encourage teams to take more contested three point shots than what they are particularly accustomed to. It is also designed to limit the amount of dribble drives to the basket. Other programs, such as the University of Minnesota, play a constant pressure defense that speeds the tempo of the game up, allowing for more turn overs. They achieve this by getting out and denying the passing lanes to force these turn overs. The MAX Motion Offense allows you to play against any type of defense. The reason being, there are no written rules to what the offense will do. The team simply plays off of what the defense gives them. This is the main point as to why it is so important to understand what the defense is doing.

Initially, in the MAX Motion Offense, the point guard has to read how the defense is playing, and from there he gets the offense moving by hitting one of the initial trigger points. This puts the defense in a state of duress. At this point, the guard is moving at full speed, making an attempt at either a straight line or get a driving angle past the defensive point guard. The other defenders now have a very difficult decision. The first choice is to stay in a deny defense and leave a driving lane open, or the second choice is to help. Once the defensive team has committed to a help and recover situation, an offensive advantage will have been created. In diagram 2.1, you can see where the defense now has a very long run for a closeout.

The second rule of the MAX Motion Offense is, Shoot the Highest Percentage of the Highest Percentage Shot in Basketball; the Lay Up. The ability to shoot the ball is an art form. It is not a given that every player that plays the game has worked on shooting the ball, or spent time breaking down their shot in order to become a better shooter. It is very rare for a person to take the time to do this. The opposite is true with the lay up. Everyone learns how to shoot a lay up. In fact, as a young player myself, my only goal was to get to the basket and finish with a lay up. It wasn’t until I got to high school that I realized how important shooting was. That was of course until I began to dunk! Once this new event occurred, shot fundamentals went out the window. It wasn’t until I got to college that I realized I needed to be a much more balanced player in order to be unstoppable. My point to all of this is everyone can shoot a lay up, and with the MAX Motion Offense, that is the preferred shot.

Understanding The MAX Motion Offense

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With the MAX Motion Offense the atmosphere has been created for the player to have attacking angles. It is now a simple game of 1-on-1. The old rule goes, “If I can beat you to the basket ten out of ten times, I will do so.” So, with all that being said, the players in this particular offense have a specific format that they follow once the ball reaches various trigger points. It is left up to the person with the ball to constantly attack the defense, and make them stop dribble penetration. If this is done effectively, the defensive team will adjust, which then will allow for the shooters to have uncontested jump shots, which is the second highest percentage shot in basketball. As we move on, you will see how all of this meshes together to create the MAX Motion Offense, the most innovative offensive scheme in basketball.

Diagram 2.1 Diagram 2.2

5 5 3 3 2 2 3 3 2 2 5 5

1 1

4 1 4

Diagram 2.3 Diagram 2.4

5 5 3 2 2 3 5 5

3 3 2

1 1 2 1 1

4 4

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Defensive Reads 3 “Don’t just drop your head and go, go with a purpose. The defensive guy is standing there with a purpose. He is there to stop you from scoring, dummy!” Quote by Cotton Fitzsimmons, Head Coach, Phoenix Suns

In order to play the game of basketball correctly, there are some essential elements that need to be addressed. After developing basic fundamentals, you then have to learn how to play the game. There are two sides of the ball that you must know, and no, this is not football, so yes, you must play a dual role. The two roles are called offense and defense. Right now, even though we are discussing an offensive scheme, it is important to note that you have to understand how defenses work in order to execute an effective offense.

Our number one basic concept that I want to introduce is very elementary, and it goes back to what we mentioned earlier. The very initial things you are taught when it comes to the game of basketball are shooting lay-ups and playing 1-on-1. The primary goal of the MAX Motion Offense is to put the defense in a position that they have to stop all of your players from making aggressive drives to the basket. So, in essence, you want to make the defense stop you by forcing them to play 1-on-1. I know and fully understand there are multiple defensive schemes derived to stop people from driving to the basket by guarding the paint, help and recover, and deny. However, this offense allows you to have a high level of success, no matter what defensive scheme a team runs. What it all comes down to is being able to read the defense.

Our first key principle is Make the Defense Stop the Ball. As you will see in diagram 3.1, depending on a teams defensive rules, you have an option to either dribble to a spot on the floor to get to the basket by beating your player, or make the help defense stop the ball, and give another player an opportunity to make a play for your team. One thing I want to make sure that I am clear on is this: making a player stop you does not mean taking 10-20 dribbles and not going anywhere, like an And-1 Mixtape. The MAX Motion Offense is designed for a player to make a play either off of a triple threat, or off of the dribble.

Make sure to inform your players of the following key points:

Go somewhere with the ball. The defense then has to make a choice on how to defend.

Make the defender stop the person with the ball.

If the defender can’t stop the ball, make the help stop the ball.

These are the key points that you will want to stress within the MAX Motion Offense. When going somewhere with the ball, you must make an attack to a specific area. You don’t dribble in place. Every team has a specific defensive rule about where they want to encourage or dictate the ball to go. These are pushing/encouraging the ball to the sideline, pushing/encouraging the ball to the middle of the floor, or playing straight up and not allowing any penetration. The person with the ball in their hands must understand this and make the correct read. You must play against the defense knowing that you have the option of going to one of any three points on the basketball court. The defender knows where they want the ball handler to go, but that does not necessarily mean they have the ability to stop the ball.

Defensive Reads

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To accomplish this, the ball handler must make an aggressive move to get to what is called a trigger point. (Diagram 3.1) This is where the first read will occur. The person guarding the ball has the task of guarding a person dribbling at them full speed. My theory is that one person can’t humanly stop another person that has the ball. (Diagram 3.2) The reason behind this is the offensive player knows what they want to do and where they want to go. If the defensive player does anything wrong at all, it then puts the pressure of stopping the ball on the rest of his teammates. So, by making an aggressive move, and making an attempt to straight line the defender, the defender has to work extremely hard and will eventually make a mistake. Once the ball handler beats the initial defender, the help will have to scramble, and decide three things: 1.) whose responsibility is it to stop the ball, 2.) how will I rotate once the ball is dribbled at me, and 3.) how will I close out once my man receives the ball. These are the three key elements that make this particular offense nearly impossible to defend!

The other aspect that is addressed with the MAX Motion Offense is that it is very difficult to prepare for. Anyone who attempts to scout this will see a variety of actions, and none with any form of consistency. Each player will have individual tendencies, but, as a team, there are no direct reads that will tip the defense in order for them to stop the MAX Motion Offense.

Diagram 3.1 The MAX Motion Offense has 3 primary trigger points as shown in this diagram. Outside of strong side elbow, outside of weak side elbow, and the nail at the middle of the free throw line.

It also has 2 secondary trigger points, the area just outside of both blocks. 1

Diagram 3.2 You must make the defense stop the ball in a 1-on-1 setting. The ball handler’s primary goal is to open the defense up and get an angle to the basket.

Defensive Reads

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Breaking Down The MAX Motion Offense: 2 Player 4 “Play the game the way it is supposed to be played. It is so much better when you have a cohesive unit that understands how to play together, then to have a group of individuals that are selfish.” Quote by former coach Paul Westphal

Breaking down the MAX Motion Offense is somewhat of a complicated process. The thing you must remember to emphasize is everything must be done as fast as possible. As I described earlier, there are three primary trigger points with this particular offense. It is similar to the Memphis Motion offense in the sense that you want to get the ball to a particular area on the court. Those three points are: elbow, nail hole (middle of free throw line), and opposite elbow. There are also two secondary trigger points. Those are outside of both block areas. (Diagram 4.1)

Drill #1 (Diagrams 4.1-4.4) Player #1 starts with the ball at mid-court. Player #2 starts in the deep corner on the strong side of the court. Player #1 will make a hard dribble to the strong side trigger point. Once player #1 reaches the trigger point and makes a jump stop, player #2 must now make a sprint cut to the point of attack. This is where the player receives the ball. The wing player receiving the ball now catches on either a jump stop, or on his low-side pivot foot. The technique to this is crucial because we want to make sure the player does not travel. Player #2 will catch the ball, count to one (this is simulating the closeout aspect of the drill) and then make a 2 dribble attack to the middle of the paint for a pull-up jump shot. Player #2 also has the ability to make a crossover move and attack the secondary trigger point. If this second option is selected, the player that made the pitch must now replace to the wing instead of to the corner. Also, the guard that makes the pitch must now sprint to replace the player that just received the ball. This is very critical in the MAX Motion Offense because the player that makes the pitch must now be available to receive the ball and ready to make a play. Once you have explored this option with numerous reps, you can now progress on to the next option.

Diagram 4.1 Diagram 4.2

2 1 1

Breaking Down The MAX Motion Offense: 2 Player

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Diagram 4.3 Diagram 4.4

2 1

Drill #2 (Diagrams 4.5-4.9) Player #1 starts with the ball at mid-court. The wing line has now moved to the opposite corner. The same protocol in Drill #1 applies with this breakdown as well. The player with the ball will now make a crossover dribble and attack the weak side trigger point. The wing player will now make the same cut as Drill #1 to the trigger point and work on going both ways off of the dribble, without traveling on the catch! Remember, the player that makes the pitch, must now sprint to replace the player that received the ball.

Diagram 4.5 Diagram 4.6

2 2

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Diagram 4.7 Diagram 4.8

2 2 1 1

Diagram 4.9 Drill #3 Player #1 and Player #2 both start in a two guard front. (Note: once the ball is put into play, all of the perimeter spots are interchangeable). The start positions are one step towards the sideline, just off of the lane line extended. This is to ensure proper spacing. Player #1 will then 2 dribble to the nail trigger point and make a jump stop. 1 Player #2 is the Lag player. The Lag player will now make a true cut and get to the secondary trigger point for a short jump shot or a pitch to the guard. (Note: if a player reaches a secondary trigger point at any point and time in the offensive set, the player in the next spot removed must lag behind the ball so the player dribbling will have a release). If a player gets to the secondary trigger, they will also have the weak side corner to throw the ball to for a 3 point shot.

Drill #4 (Diagrams 4.10-4.12) The ball handler starts with an aggressive dribble move to any of the three primary trigger points. Once the ball handler reaches the trigger point, simulate having the player that sprints to the point of attack being denied. The player with the ball must make a strong hesitation dribble, cuff the ball, and make a hard 1-dribble drive and either finish at the rim, or throw a soft lob to the low post player that is opposite the ball handlers driving lane.

Deny Defensive Reads

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Diagram 4.10 Diagram 4.11

3 1 2 3 1 2

4 1 4 1

Diagram 4.12 These four breakdown drills must be executed daily at 100% speed. This can be used as a conditioning exercise as well. Make sure the 3 1 2 players understand the timing, spacing and speed that these drills must be executed with. Coaches, you can also use cones and chairs to assist in teaching the proper execution of the 2 man breakdown.

To reiterate, these drills are started from both sides of the court, going both ways after the catch reaching either the middle of the paint or the secondary trigger points. The players will also work on executing the offense from the point of attack areas. As you progress through learning the MAX Motion Offense, the RIP option will also become a great weapon. A RIP occurs when a player receives a flare screen 4 1 for either a three point shot or a Rub.

When breaking down all of these drills, it is important that all player movements are at 100% top speed, I can not stress this enough. Also understand that this particular series might make you scratch your head, however, this is where being extra patient will come into play. There are times that you will want to keep the team moving and cutting merely to run down the defensive team. This concept, coupled with playing the MADD Defensive concepts (which is outlined in second book) will allow your team to have great success.

The final aspect you want to address with all the breakdown drills is executing great fundamentals. Having the ability to effectively pass, catch and dribble the basketball is key to the overall complexity of the MAX Motion Offense. This will be repeated throughout so please take note of it. You, as a coach, are in a position where you practically over emphasize the fundamentals. This will help your team understand that these things are extremely important.

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Deny Defensive Reads 5 “Give me five players that are all fundamentally sound over guys that can make wow plays any day. I can win with guys that are fundamentally sound and know how to play the game of basketball because they know how to win.” Quote by Michael Jordan

A good man-to-man defense has the ability to take away scoring options for their opponents. You will not be able to take away everything, but the defensive team will be able to greatly limit the options that are available. By playing great defense, there are a number of coaches that feel that they can, or have the ability to, determine who will get offensive opportunities and where they will get them from. Having a defense that plays passing lanes or denies players from catching the ball greatly feeds into the things described above. Coaches like Roy Williams, John Calipari and Billy Donovan are coaches that use speed and athleticism to play a smothering style of defense that force players to either not get the ball, or catch the ball so far out on the court that they don’t have the ability to make their next pass. This defense can be very frustrating for an opposing coach, and if you don’t have players that are fundamentally sound, your team does not stand much of a chance playing against this style of defensive play.

As you are aware, this is an offensive technique and fundamental teaching book. You can’t discuss utilizing any type of offensive scheme without discussing great defensive teams that have the ability to force teams into things that they don’t want to do. In using the MAX Motion Offense, you will have to play against varying defensive schemes. In this chapter I am going to outline an approach that will assist in formulating a successful game plan to offset a deny defensive strategy.

Below is a list of things that you will not want to do against a deny defense:

Don’t put the ball on the floor without reading and understanding the initial defensive setup.

Don’t pass to people being denied. (seems obvious but have to say it)

Don’t telegraph passes.

Don’t stand and beg for the ball.

Don’t make soft cuts.

In the MAX Motion Offense, the point guard will make three initial reads: 1.) Is the player on the strong side of the court being denied, 2.) is the player in the LAG position being denied, and 3.) can I beat my player and drive to the basket? This is important because the guard reaching a trigger point is vital for the offense to function properly. The primary ball handler must understand that having control of the ball under pressure is important as well. The way a team utilizing the MAX Motion Offense should approach a team playing a deny defense, is to enter the ball through the weak side trigger point. This is the path of least resistance as the defensive player is two passes away and already in help position.

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Other options that could help release pressure include using a FIST with the low post player. This will allow the ball handler to get some space, or cause a switch. When that switch has occurred, the offense should be executed. The reason for this is the defensive team now recognizes that there is a mismatch, at which point they must readjust their thought of denying and go to a more conventional help defense. If, by some chance, the defensive team has the ability to trap the FIST, the ball handler still has an option; throw the ball back to the roll guy, and force the defense to make a rotation. (Note: the trap will only occur if the low post player does not sprint into the ball screen). There are also other options that can be used, such as LOOP and EARLY offensive sets, and we will outline those in later chapters. These other options will also help alleviate pressure and provide more scoring opportunities.

Another option that can be performed against a deny defense is called a PUMP. This occurs when the ball handler dribbles to a trigger point, reads a deny, power dribbles into a jump stop, and reads that the Point of Attack player is being overplayed. A PUMP by the ball handler triggers a back door cut. Make sure that both you and your players understand that this particular read and action must take place at full speed, and must be set up with a hard two-steps by the Point of Attack player.

The other option that can be ran is a weak side trigger into a TRIPLE. This will allow some movement by the offense while making some of the defenders react to this action. Ultimately, the offensive format will be reestablished once the TRIPLE has been performed.

These principles are key in understanding how to attack a deny defense. Remember, no offense is effective without being able to handle the ball under pressure, make good passes and setting good screens, when available.

Deny Defensive Reads

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3 Player Breakdown 6 The three player breakdown of the MAX Motion Offense is vital to the success of the team. Players must have the ability of knowing and understanding specific reads, cuts, and movements outlined at the beginning of this book in order to make this offense truly work. With the three player breakdown, you can now see the different motions of the MAX Motion Offense beginning to come together, and different situational reads and options now begin to make sense to the players. Take a look at a couple of drills that I recommend. These will assist you in teaching the offense.

Drill #1 (Diagrams 6.1-6.4) This drill starts with a two guard front. Both players are spaced evenly, one step off the lane line. The third player will start in either corner. The guard can now enter the ball through the strong side trigger point, the nail, or if the wing player is in the weak side corner position, he can enter the ball through that option as well. Once the ball enters at a trigger point, you now have a number of options that can be executed. Set a pass number that you would like to see the three players execute and move with. This will help them understand how they should move.

Diagram 6.1 Diagram 6.2

2 2

3 1 3 1

Diagram 6.3 Diagram 6.4

1 1

2 2

3 Player Breakdown

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Drill #2 (Diagrams 6.5-6.11) Drill #2 starts with the same two guard front. Now, as the guard hits either trigger points, (either nail or strong side trigger) players will work on the RIP aspect of the MAX Motion Offense. This particular option is designed to get either a good three point look, force a switch, hit the screener after he sets a good screen, or force the defense to switch and get a RUB option. What you will start to understand about the MAX Motion Offense, is it is designed to put the defense into making a choice within a split second. These defense decisions are: 1.) players must choose to either switch, which puts players at a disadvantage depending on who the player is coming off of the RIP screen, 2.) fight through the RIP, which puts the player in a chase situation, which will now open the floor up for a secondary trigger point attack, or 4.) finally, miscommunication, which will open up a wide open shot, or a slip to the basket by the RIP player.

Diagram 6.5 Diagram 6.6

1 3

2 1 2

Diagram 6.7 Diagram 6.8

2 1 2 3

3 1

3 Player Breakdown

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Diagram 6.9 Diagram 6.10

2 2

3 3 1 1

Diagram 6.11 There are other options that you can explore with the MAX Motion

Offense. The options we are exploring in this chapter are to give 2 you an idea of the versatility of this offense, and gives your players 1 an opportunity to explore possibilities. Here is another drill you can perform to assist you in learning the MAX Motion Offense:

Drill #3 (Diagrams 6.12-6.17) This breakdown drill starts with a ball handler and two wing 3 players. The ball handler has the ability to initiate the offense with either a strong side or weak side trigger. Remember, this is not a dribble weave offense! This is an offense that requires precision and timing, and the players must understand the timing of every cut. Back to the drill, as the ball handler hits a trigger point, the player on the strong side secondary trigger point, the wing player, must now time his speed cut. If the ball handler is hitting a secondary trigger point, this means the help defense is “Stuck in the mud.” With this occurrence, the pitch must occur once the ball handler knows the help is not in a stunt position. The Point of Attack player will now have either a 3 point shot, or a drive to the paint for a short pull-up jump shot. This option can be drilled upon with either an initial weak side trigger or a nail trigger. In the event the ball handler makes an initial strong side trigger, the opposite wing player must then sprint to occupy the opposite lag guard position. This helps the players understand that specific positions must be occupied in order for the offense to be effective. The player will then receive the ball while making a true cut, and hit the secondary trigger either for a shot, or a pitch for a 3 point shot.

Understanding these drills will greatly assist you in learning the MAX Motion Offense. Once the players, in smaller settings, learn the different nuances of this offense, the team concept will be much easier to comprehend when implemented.

3 Player Breakdown

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Diagram 6.12 Diagram 6.13

3 2 3 2

1 1

Diagram 6.14 Diagram 6.15

1 2 2

3 3

Diagram 6.16 Diagram 6.17

1 1

3 3

3 Player Breakdown

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Switching Defensive Reads 7 “The aggressive team wins. Play aggressive. No matter what the other team does, it all depends on how we, as a team, adhere to our offensive scope and execute!” Quote by Detroit Pistons coach Flip Saunders

Utilizing a switching defense against the MAX Motion Offense is another approach that a team may take. Again, understanding how to not only read the defense, but also knowing what trigger points to use to attack opposing defenses, is a key component to the success of this offense. We will now take a look at how to execute the MAX Motion Offense against a switching man-to-man defense.

The criteria for a team that utilizes a switching man-to-man defense are:

The players are all of like sizes.

The players are all of like skill levels.

The post players are athletic enough to cover perimeter players.

The Guards are physical enough to defend the post players.

The team, as a whole, lacks foot speed.

The team forces or pushes everyone to their help defense.

If you play against a team that can perform all of these tasks, then they will all play in the NBA someday. Typically, teams that switch everything on defense, have a difficult time defending interchanges, ball screens and movement screens. When you have a team that plays this particular style of defense, you should get very excited about the MAX Motion Offense. I will tell you why.

As we go through this book and learn about the MAX Motion Offense, let’s make sure we constantly remind ourselves why we use this offense and the primary concept behind it; making the defensive team stop the person with the ball. If this objective is not reached by the defense, the MAX Motion Offense will allow your team to shoot an extremely high percentage of the highest percentage shot in basketball; the lay up.

When a team decides it wants to try and take the team out of their offensive scheme, they will start switching anytime two players come together. This is one of the primary reasons why using a dribble weave is not an option within this offensive structure. By coming together, and not keeping a proper 12 to 15 foot spacing, you make the defenses job easier. However, by keeping proper spacing, and making cuts at MAXimum speed, a switching teams defensive scheme will eventually break down by either lack of communication, or a post switching onto either a guard or a wing. At that point, the offense either continues to run until it gets the offensive team a lay up, or until the offensive team gets a RUB situation.

Switching Defensive Reads

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The good thing about a RUB is that the defensive team, just like the offensive team, knows there is a mismatch. Once you have this opportunity, the defensive team must adjust to help the mismatched defensive player. This again puts the defense in a position where they will have to stop the ball, which will allow the offensive team to take advantage in a variety of ways.

Here are a couple key principles to remember when playing against a switch defensive team:

Keep 12 to 15 foot spacing to keep the interchanges difficult.

Make hard cuts at MAXimum speed to all points in the offense.

Offensive concepts and rules remain the same.

Don’t settle for 3 point shots! Remember to take what is there.

There is no time frame, be patient and the defense will break down.

Switching Defensive Reads

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Breaking Down the MAX Motion Offense: 4 Player and Team Concepts 8 “Basketball is a team game. You must work within the confines of the offense to help the team be successful. With individuals, the team concept will be lost, and so will our team if we don’t get it right!” Quote by former NBA coach Paul Silas

We are now reaching some very important points in the MAX Motion Offense, and beginning the final stages of teaching this offense. Please pay close attention to this section as now there are more people on the court, more bodies moving around and a low post player. With these final two sets of breakdown drills, it will give you an overall perspective of how the offense works. You will also see and understand how all of the breakdown drills tie into the finished product, along with the numerous options and variations that this offense can be used for. The MAX Motion Offense could even be the basis to run the Princeton offense as well. You really could utilize this offense to set up any type of dribble entry offense, or any type of misdirection plays. Let’s look at the final breakdown drills for the MAX Motion Offense.

Drill #1 There has been one consistent defensive theme surrounding the MAX Motion Offense; stop the ball. With four players on the court, the team now has the ability to work on every trigger point. Players entering the Point of Attack areas, must do so in a MAXimum sprint with MAXimum effort and MAXimum intensity! (catch the logic behind MAX Motion Offense now?) Simulating various defensive reads will assist in learning the offense more fluently. Let’s start this one by entering through the weak side trigger point. The LAG player must slide and occupy the guard’s spot once the guard dribbles through the nail. Again, it is important that this is done at full speed. As the team becomes more comfortable with the offense, you will have the option of implementing some back door options, and RIP screen options. Once the ball handler gets to the weak side trigger, he has a choice between a pitch to the Point of Attack player, or turning the corner and finishing at the secondary trigger point.

Drill #2 With a five player breakdown, you may also implement early offensive actions like HOLD, LOOP and Fist screens. All of these options will end by going directly into the MAX Motion Offensive movements and executions. Let’s take this opportunity to discuss the LOOP, which occurs after the early offense. This action is triggered with a name call. The post player that is in the LAG position will set screen #1 at the right elbow area, while the low post player will set screen #2 at the opposite elbow area. The initial strong side guard will now make an “Iverson” cut from the corner, up and over the two post players setting screens. Next, either the two or the three player, depending on which side of the court you initiate on, will receive the ball on the opposite wing of where they started. Once they receive the ball, it turns into a RUB. Remember, any time you have an opportunity for a RUB, it is not meant to hold the ball. The play is designed to force a switch, or get space for an open jump shot.

Breaking Down the MAX Motion Offense: 4 Player and Team Concepts

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Drill #3 We will now discuss FIST actions. Anytime this action occurs, it is not considered your conventional ball screen. It happens really high out on the floor, in open space, allowing the point guard to explore all options out of dribble penetration. The player setting the FIST should never roll, unless the defensive team has deciphered an intelligent scheme to defend it. This also gives opportunities for the low post player to duck-in for a quick post seal. Make sure the player setting the FIST, sprints to set the FIST screen, allowing players to move together in unison.

Another point to note, make sure your post players work on constantly sliding away from the ball with their hands up. This is very important to remember at probably the most important spot on the floor, as they will get the most opportunities to finish off plays. It is duly important, while working with the post players, that you really work on pursuit of the basketball coming off the rim. Also, being able to simply catch the ball off of both lob and direct passes will be critical in the success of this offense. These particular options can be worked on by making the guards and wings, while working on attacking the paint, also work on making passes to the player in the finishing (post) position.

Drill #4 Drill #4 can be used as a transition drill or dummy offensive set. Players start in their typical transition positions. The point guard will head man the ball up the floor to the wing player. The wing player will then dribble the ball to the free throw line extended. If the post player has an advantage, a DROP could be called. If not, two different options can occur; either the point guard can sprint to the block and now set a cross screen for the post, or a diagonal POWER screen can be set for the post player. At this point, the post player will come off the POWER screen for a look at a jump shot or drive. There are other options that you can also look at such as dribble hand-offs and post options.

Drill #5 This can also be used as a transition drill with all five players. As the players transition up the court, all players will occupy the MAX Motion Offensive positions. The low post player, opposite the ball handler, makes a NAIL flash. As the ball handler passes to the flashing low post player, the opposite high post player makes a hard backdoor cut. The wing player in the corner will then sprint to the Point of Attack, and come off the high post players dribble hand off. Once the high post player at the nail makes the hand off, that player now is on the perimeter and the post player that made the initial backdoor cut is now the low post player. From here, you now have a choice between a RIP screen for the point guard, or a duck-in pass from the guard that received the dribble hand off. If this breaks down correctly, you now have the spacing to enter directly into the MAX Motion Offense.

There are numerous other options you can explore from here. Of course, I have the things that I like. You, as a coach, will have things that you prefer as well. The beauty of this offense is that you have the ability to modify it to cater to the individual needs of your team. Or, change it to fit your individual coaching style, it’s that versatile.

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MAX Motion Offense Individual Drills And Play Calls 9 “Playing hard and playing to win are two different things. You can play hard and still kill your team. Playing to win is a mindset and a habit.” Quote by Chris Carr

There are a number of individual drills that you can use to help your team understand how to play the MAX Motion Offense. The ball handling, passing and shooting drills will help all of your players thrive in this offense. Remember, these drill should be performed every day. Repetition is key in learning the process of how any offense works, and even more true in the MAX Motion Offense. The reason behind this is that there is a lot of freedom in the MAX offensive structure. If you don’t have the ability to execute correctly as an individual, you will not have the ability to help your team be successful.

Drill #1 This is a very simple drill working on making a jump stop and keeping your balance. Five players at each end, all with basketballs, start at opposite ends of the court. Players will then start with the ball in a triple threat, sweep through, take 3 hard dribbles to their right, and end with a jump stop. Now, once the players have stopped they will sweep through to their left, taking three hard dribbles to their left and again, make a hard on balance jump stop. This drill needs to be done at full speed for at least two to four trips every practice.

Drill #2 Same setup as Drill #1. Players will sweep through and dribble hard with their right hand for three dribbles. The players will turn for a protected right handed dribble for three dribbles, and then explode and dribble hard through the opposite baseline. Again, this drill must be done at least two to four trips daily.

Drill #3 This drill is similar to Drill #2. The only difference is that now the players will sweep and dribble. Once they have used their protected dribble, they will then crossover and explode through the other baseline. This drill must also be done with a between the legs dribble, and a behind the back dribble as well.

Drill #4 The next set of drills will require you, the coach. The players will all be at half court with a basketball. You will stand at each one of the trigger points, pretending to jump out and deny the pass to the Point of Attack player. This is the key reason behind all of the ball handling. Players must be very skilled in changing speeds in order to set up the defensive players. They don’t have to be overly fast, just good at changing speeds.

Drill #5 Drill #5 will start out the same as the last drill. Again, you, the coach, will implement a change of direction once the players cross half court. Now the players will work on dribbling through the first trigger point, and attacking the secondary trigger point. Once the player reaches the secondary trigger point, they must finish with a bank shot. The reason behind this, it gives the low post player, opposite of the ball, an opportunity to rebound and get a put back.

MAX Motion Offense Individual Drills And Play Calls

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Here is a list of play calls, or options, for the MAX Motion Offense. Although this offense is dominated by reading the defense, the play calls that are discussed will give you some additional options to counter defensive adjustments. Also note that these options CAN be used against both man-to-man and zone defenses. All of the play calls will end with the team utilizing the MAX.

Pump and Go This is an option to take advantage of an overplay of the player trying to get to the Point of Attack. The ball handler will dribble to the trigger point, power dribble, and “pump the ball” to initiate the back door cut. This alleviates any misreads or turnovers from misreading the defense. If you don’t see a “pump” then you don’t cut backdoor! Also, as a safety, the player in the LAG position will also make a true cut to the Point of Attack. This gives the guard another outlet, and gives the team a chance to stay in the correct offensive format.

4 Pass to Rip Anytime you give a number and a call, the particular option you want to execute will not take place until you have made the desired amount of passes. In the case of calling a “4 Pass” you want the team to make 4 attacks to trigger points. When the player that reaches the desired trigger point after receiving the fourth pass, that player will then have a RIP screen option for a three point shot, an attack, or, if the defensive team switches, a RUB.

Base This is a transition call. The point guard will head man the ball and make a basket cut. That player will now set a cross screen for the post. If the post takes a low cut, the point guard will empty out to the weak side corner and everyone else will rotate one spot. If the post takes the high cut to the elbow, then the point guard will come back out to the strong side and receive a Power screen. From here, the opposite post will set a Power screen for the opposite wing on the weak side. The player will then curl and empty out to the opposite side of the floor. The point guard will also curl and come around to the strong side pick. The post with the ball will then run a dribble hand-off with the point guard. This will help set up the MAX Motion Offense.

Fat Rat This is when the low post player, who is opposite the ball, makes a high post flash and receives the ball. Once post player gets the ball, the LAG player will make a back door cut. The wing in the strong side corner will then sprint to the trigger point. As this happens, the weak side wing will sprint and set a RIP screen for the initial ball handler. Once this is set, the wing will dive to the basket. The post player now has the option to throw over the top to the point guard, or run a dribble hand off with the strong side wing. If this occurs, the post player is going to swing all the way around and get a post up on the block. The wing player that set the initial RIP screen, will now set another RIP screen for the post that set the hand off. This will allow that player to get the ball on the block for a lay up.

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Fat Pig A Fat Pig is called when teams are overplaying, and you need to alleviate pressure on the ball handler. The ball handler will dribble the LAG player out. The LAG player then simply makes a deep v-cut to the top of the key and replaces the place the ball handler just occupied. The ball handler will now hit the low post player flashing to the strong side elbow. Once the post player receives the ball, the initial ball handler will then make a basket cut. The wing player will hit the trigger point and make a True Cut to get the ball from the post player. The opposite wing will now sprint to the front of the rim, and set the first part of a staggered double screen. The initial LAG player will set screen number two. Once the post player that passed to the wing passes the ball, that player will set a screen for the wing that set the first part of the staggered double screen. This gives options to both sides of the court, along with an option for a jump shot or a drive to the basket.

Fist Up Anytime there is a Fist call, it is a call for a ball screen. A Fist Up is a ball screen set up high and out on the court. The low post player will set the screen, and pop to the three point line. (NO ROLES TO THE BASKET!) If a team wants to try and trap and rotate, this will make their rotations much longer and allow for more open space.

Fist Side Again, anytime there is a Fist call, it is a call for a ball screen. A Fist Side is a ball screen set on the wing. Depending on how a team is playing ball screens will determine whether you decide to leave the strong side corner occupied or unoccupied. Once the ball screen is set, the post will pop to the three point line. (NO ROLES TO THE BASKET!)

Hold A HOLD occurs when the ball handler throws the ball ahead to the wing and does not cut through. This will be used to trigger either a Fist Up, Fist Side, or a RUB.

4 Pass to Rub Whenever you give a number and a call, the particular option you want to execute will not take place until you have made the desired amount of passes. If the play calls for a 4 Pass to RUB, the players will hit the necessary trigger point and pitches until 4 passes have been reached. At this point, the remaining perimeter players should space the weak side of the court. With this in place, the defense will set up to stop the isolation. With proper spacing, and the right mindset of the isolated player, the offensive team will get a wide open shot, or a driving opportunity against a player in a closeout situation.

4 Pass to Drop Again, when you give a number and a call, the particular option you want to execute will not take place until you have made the desired amount of passes. Using a 4 Pass to Drop will allow the team to get a post up opportunity for the low post player. Same rules apply as above. Remember that this pass sequence could be as many or as few passes as you would like. Whatever the scenario, make sure the players are moving and cutting at 100% speed. The drop portion occurs with a name. The player that you will want to drop into the post will be moving and will hit a trigger point and dive directly to the post. Make certain that the post player sits in the post and seals strong so they can get the ball and score, or create a scoring opportunity for a teammate.

MAX Motion Offense Individual Drills And Play Calls

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Offset This is how a team can utilize the MAX Motion Offense to attack a zone defense. Rather than start in the typical two player front format, the ball handler will study the zone and make his reads accordingly. Against a 2-3 zone, the ball handler will dribble the lag man to the wing position, and align with the top player on that side of the court. There will now be four players occupying the strong side of the court, forming an initial overload. Once the defense begins to match up with the current format, the play will now shift and the same trigger points will be utilized. (I could go into more detail here, but I don’t want to give away the surprise ending if I have to coach against a person reading this!)

Triple A triple is designed to get a player a three point shot off of baseline screens. This option will always be used for the player initiating the offense. The ball handler attacks the strong side trigger point. From there, the Point of Attack player makes a sprint cut to the Point of Attack and receives the ball. This player will now use a FADE dribble to get the ball to the weak side of the floor. The ball handler will run off of 3 screens along the baseline, with the middle screen being set by the opposite wing player. The first screen will be set by the low post player, who will then circle and set a RIP screen for the wing that delivers the ball to the player coming off of the Triple screen.

Magician This is a specialty play to get a lob for your best athlete. The play starts with the initial trigger point and pitch. The ball handler will then sprint to the strong side corner. The low post player will make a flash cut to the strong side elbow. As this happens, the weak side wing will come and set a RIP screen for the high post player in the LAG position. There will then be a lob to the edge of the rim. If the player can not dunk, they should catch the ball and land or finish off the backboard.

Remember, all of these drills must be done at MAXimum speed. In order to play in this offense, you have to be able to move and not get tired. You must have MAXimum intensity and MAXimum court sense. (Hence the name MAX Motion Offense)

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Epilogue10 “There is a game today. We have to play it. We might as well go and win!” Quote by Yogi Berra

The design and planning of the MAX Motion Offense has been thought out, studied and conceptionalized for quite some time. By no stretch of the word do I feel as though I have reinvented the wheel. What this offense has done is taken the game back to its beginnings. There are a number of areas that I feel are completely lost in today’s game, and having the ability to think and play the game as an individual, in the scope of a team game, requires imagination and a high basketball I.Q. I strongly feel this offense gives you the ability to do both.

The Memphis Motion offense, made famous by John Calipari, is the primary offense the MAX Motion Offense is patterned after. The are a number of things I like about the Memphis offense, but the main aspect is it gives the offensive players an opportunity to be creative. However, there is some areas I changed to suit the needs of what I feel is important, and they are the additions of RIP screens, Power screens and cross screening actions to get the ball into the post. These are the key additions that separate this offense from the Memphis Motion offense. There are also some other aspects I have chosen to use, and please make sure you as a coach understand how to teach this offense. Once you have learned the nuances, you will have the ability to maximize your potential as a team and as a coach.

Like I stated earlier, I have played the game at various levels and for a number of coaches. There are a couple of things I feel are very important that come from a coach. The first is trust. Learning how to get a player to trust in you is a very important element. If a player trusts you, they will always turn to you for guidance no matter what the situation. If this has been established, the closeness of your team will be at such a high level it will literally hurt for you and the team to lose. This ultimately will make the players work harder, which will make both you and the players strive for a high level of success.

The second important factor that comes from you as a coach is communication. When I played for the Chicago Bulls, I had the good fortune of playing for Tim Floyd, currently the head coach at the University of Southern California at the time of this writing. The one thing I loved and respected about him was that he would take the time to explain his expectations of me in a very positive manner. He let me know exactly what he felt I should do as a player, as a person, and as a leader on the team. I welcomed that and was very appreciative of the respect that he gave me.

The final aspect is to RESPECT THE GAME! This is the area I feel is most important. There is a number of things that fall into the scope of respecting the game of basketball. First and foremost, you must respect yourself. Embrace the fact that god has blessed you with the ability to play the game and don’t take it for granted. As players, we all have the responsibility of keeping the game at a certain level. With this great responsibility comes work ethic, passion for yourself, and care for learning and teaching the game the right way. If we can all remember this and live by these simple rules, life as a whole will be wonderful and we will all be blessed!

I hope you have enjoyed this learning tool about the MAX Motion Offense as much as I have enjoyed presenting it!

Chris Carr, 43 Hoops Basketball

Epilogue

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