Princeton Offense

"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 set actions or plays, the Princeton Offense relies purely on constant motion to create open shot opportunities. 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.

Basic Flow and Continuity Various Entries

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.

Backcuts and Pressure Releases Raising the Level of Passing Psycological Aspects

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.

Effective Use of Dribble

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.

Posting Up Basic Post Moves Low Post Actions Low Post Solo Cut Reads & Counters

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.

Examples of Quick Hitting Options

Press Break

Most teams will extend their defenses in an effort to increase the tempo of the game and to disrupt the Offensive flow. Therefore, teams must expect to encounter and be well prepared to counter and attack full court and half court presses.

Laker Press Break Cat

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.

Learn More:

Motion offenses Improving Shooting Coaching Prerequites ESPN: Princeton Offense 101 Screening Thoughts to Consider Offensive Rebounding Motivation & Learning Techniques