5 Common Myths About the Princeton Offense

"The Princeton Offense Is Slow Ball"

Nope.

This offense has been run in the NBA with both the Sacramento Kings and the LA Lakers using a 24-second shot clock. The tempo of the game can be dictated by calls from the coach or focusing on particular sets. One key to any offense is unpredictability, and by attacking quickly on one possession and then making the defense work on the next, the opposing team is never able to settle in on defense.

"It's Just a Motion Offense"

No.

A motion offense is an offensive attack relying upon multiple reads from multiple offensive players on each possession. In addition to reading the defense, a motion offense has little control over where your player will be open for the shot or even who is going to be shooting. The Princeton Offense gives a coach control over where the shots come from and who will shoot them. It is not a freelance motion offense.

"It Only Works for Smart Players"

Sorta. But hear me out.

What offense can any team run that does not have players who understand how to cut, pass, dribble, or shoot? The Princeton Offense has a reputation for being too difficult for players with an average basketball IQ to execute. This is a myth. Repetition and teaching make all the difference.

In the playbook, you get the key teaching phrases and progressions to help your players understand how to score. You also get breakdown drills that turn each read and cut into a habit. Remember: the more the players are forced to think, the slower their feet get. The drills and teaching progressions will give you an execution and strategy advantage over your opponent.

"Zone Defense Shuts It Down"

Only if you can't shoot.

If you are not working on shooting every day in practice, it won't matter what offense you run — whether it be the swing offense, a motion offense, the blocker/mover offense, or simple pick and rolls. Defenses will sag in the paint and prevent you from scoring. The playbook includes zone sets that work against any type of zone defense or half-court trapping zone. You'll also learn the shooting drills and finishing drills that teach your players the best places to look for shots against any defense.

One shot from one spot practiced 100 times is much better than 100 different shots practiced one time. Repetition is the mother of skill.

"It Limits Your Best Players"

Absolutely not.

This is a common misconception. The Princeton Offense gives you the opportunity to isolate your best player in their best positions. It is a nightmare to scout because the coach can decide when and where to isolate or attack with the best offensive player on your team.

The key is being able to disguise your isolations within a motion offense concept. Imagine running cuts and screens for easy baskets, and if the defense stops those initial cuts, then attacking with your best player whether it be in the post or on the perimeter. Denying your best player? Easy to score off backdoor cuts that your team practices every day.