The Point Set: OUA Reads and the Wave Series

The Point series begins with a pass to 5 at the high-post elbow. The passer then cuts Over, Away or Under. These names describe the passer's route after the entry. The post holds the ball and reads the cutters.

The Wave entry

Player 2 is waved through and cuts through the elbow. That cut creates a brush screen to help 5 get open at the elbow. Player 4 drops to the corner as 2 cuts through. Player 1 feeds 5, then begins the chosen Point action.

Keep the jobs clear. Player 2's cut helps free the post. Player 5 receives the entry. Player 1 cuts after passing. The OUA decision happens with the ball at 5.

Over

After the high-post entry, 1 cuts over the top of the ball toward 4 and sets a fake screen. Player 4 moves toward 1 to set up the backcut, then cuts to the rim for a pass from 5. Player 1 pops back for the return pass and should catch above the corner.

If the return pass is denied, 1 can backcut. If 1 catches, the printed page 19 continuation uses a side ball screen by 5, who rolls to the basket. That rolling continuation belongs to this Point Over option. See the full Over sequence for the trap response and personnel versions.

Away

Player 1 cuts away from the ball to set a fake screen for 3, then receives the return pass from 5. If 1 uses 5's ball screen, the page 17 continuation keeps 5 high. Player 5 follows across the lane instead of rolling.

Player 4 screens for 3 to reach the wing. A pass to 3 opens the post and flare options. This is a different continuation from the rolling Over option. See Point Away for the full sequence.

Under

Player 1 sprints to the rim for the return pass from 5. If the rim pass is unavailable, 4 screens for 1's turnout to the wing and then posts for a high-low pass from 5 or a wing feed from 1.

The playbook offers a version that returns 5 to the post and another that keeps 4 inside for the possession. Teach those alternatives separately. The Under lesson follows each version through the next wing decision.

The Pearl counter when 5 is denied

Pearl starts when the high-post pass is unavailable. Player 1 uses a spin dribble near the top. Player 3 backcuts for a pass from 1 and posts if the cut is covered. Player 2 fills the wing while 5 follows 1 across the lane and prepares the flare screen.

Player 1 passes to 2, creating the post and flare options. The spin dribble belongs to 1, who still has the ball. Pearl should be taught as the denied-entry response, with its own spacing and cuts.

Keep the continuation attached to the read

A useful Point lesson includes the entry, the first cutter, the return pass and the next action when the defense covers that cutter. The same word can describe a different player's decision in another coach's system. Use the player numbers and diagrams in Lee's playbook when teaching these routes.

At a later wing catch, an available post feed starts Low, a pass up connects to Point and a dribble up connects to Chin. A pass to the post stepping out at the top can establish 5 Out. Work on the specific connection shown in the chosen diagram.

Use the playbook's 3-on-0 Wave Cuts to practice the passing and return actions. Restore the weakside players before teaching the complete post and flare sequence.

Source: Lee DeForest's Princeton Offense Blueprint, printed pages 17-24.