3 Reasons to Learn the Princeton Offense
6 min read
The Princeton Offense combines practiced actions with decisions made against the defense. Here are three reasons to study it and decide which parts fit your players.
Efficient
The Princeton Offense combines rehearsed entries with reads against denial, help, and switching. That structure gives players a familiar starting point while leaving room to respond to the defense.
Remember when your scout team defends your new set better than any team you will face all year? Teams learn how to defend specific actions very quickly, and with the innovation of scouting and video technology, the ability to use set plays is even more difficult. What is the answer?
Mixing set plays with good spacing and driving opportunities combined with a player's ability to read the defense and a coach's ability to determine where the ball should go at any point in the game.
Beautiful
Good ball movement can turn an available shot into a better one. Teach players to recognize a teammate with a clearer lane or a shot within their range. Take an open layup when it appears, even if it comes on the first pass.
Unless your team features the best players in the state, and even then it would work, you should focus on adding parts of the Princeton Offense to your playbook. There are many versions of this offense and many different reads that coaches can use to get shots for their players.
A well-timed cut or pass can create an advantage against a quicker defender. Execution still depends on passing skill, shooting, spacing, and the opponent. Installing the offense does not guarantee an upset.
Adaptable
The Princeton Offense gives a coach several ways to respond to pressure. A denied catch can lead to a backdoor cut. A defender anticipating the ball screen can give up a baseline drive. Teach the answer attached to the action your team actually runs.
One of the biggest timewasters a coach can face is installing new and changing sets throughout the year. It is frustrating to constantly add new plays instead of focusing on execution and fundamental basketball. If you install the Princeton Offense, you can continue to develop your offense without making constant changes.
Time is something each team has, and if you use your time more efficiently, your team will be more prepared at the end of the season when it matters most.
Ready to Install the Princeton Offense?
The Princeton package includes the playbook with six sets, original diagrams, set plays and counters, plus the video walkthrough and Practice Plans & Drills Guide.
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