This four-week outline organizes teaching time. Adjust it to the team's practice schedule and current skills. Repeat a block when players cannot make the read and complete the next action. The week number does not establish readiness.

Week 1: spacing and the Chin entry

Teach the starting alignment and walk through the complete Chin action. Use short passing and cutting breakdowns for the difficult detail, then restore the five-player sequence.

The key timing check is 3's cut when the ball leaves 4 for the wing. Player 5 backscreens 3 and immediately flares 4. Distinguish that cut from the dribble-at backdoor used when the wing pass is denied.

Readiness check: players can identify the ballside, enter from either side and name the pass that starts the cut. Use the Chin lesson for the exact positions.

Week 2: continuation and one Low option

Cover the first Chin pass deliberately and teach the dribble-up, fills and reversal. Add a post catch with one Low split or cut. Keep that option consistent before adding a second choice.

After the post passes out, teach the wing dribble-up to Chin. Save the pass-up connection until Point has been learned. In the Low curl progression, a tight defender on 2 creates the source read.

Readiness check: the team completes the original action when the first cutter is covered and reaches the correct spots after the post passes out.

Week 3: Point and the needed connection

Introduce the Wave entry and one Point route. Player 1 feeds 5 and cuts while 5 holds the ball. Over, Away and Under name that passer's route. Work through the chosen route's return pass and next action before adding another route.

Connect the wing pass-up to Point when the group recognizes the routes. Add a specific counter only when the base action is understood. Pearl is the denied high-post-entry counter.

Readiness check: players can identify the first cutter and continue with the correct ball-screen, post or turnout option. See the Point guide.

Week 4: recognition and competitive possessions

Use the actions already learned against live defense. Start some possessions with a prescribed defensive response, then remove the prompt. Review a missed read separately from a missed shot.

Use temporary constraints only for the detail being taught. Remove a constraint that forces a backdoor into a closed lane or makes a player pass up a good early opportunity. Finish with normal possessions so the players must choose.

Readiness check: the group enters, recognizes the learned response and continues without a new sideline call.

Structure each teaching block

  1. Show the source diagram and walk through the complete action.
  2. Use the appropriate breakdown drill for passing, footwork or timing.
  3. Present the defensive cue deliberately, then allow a live choice.
  4. Restore all five players and finish the possession.
  5. Record the next correction on the practice plan.

Coordinate this with the ten-practice outline

The ten-practice outline is a shorter planning view of these priorities. Use one calendar for the team. Stretch or combine blocks according to the available time and player recognition.

Use the diagrams with the lesson

Get the free Chin excerpt or see the complete playbook.

Teaching reference: Lee DeForest's Princeton Offense Blueprint, printed pages 6-24 and 57-63. The calendar below is an adaptable planning example.