X applies the Point OUA options from a wing entry. Player 1 passes to 3, both guards fill the corners and 5 moves to the high post. Player 3 feeds 5 and becomes the cutter who reads Over, Under or Away.
Identify the passer before naming the read
The starting positions change the player assignments. In this X diagram, 3 is the passer into 5. The guards are in the corners. Teach the forward's cut from that position instead of repeating Point instructions that assume 1 is the passer at the top.
The source describes X as a variation of Point from a different angle. The familiar reads help players connect the actions, but the next screener and receiver still have to be identified in each diagram.
X Over
Player 3 cuts over the ball and sets a fake screen for 4. Player 4 backcuts for the pass from 5. Player 1 screens in on the baseline while 3 squares up for the return pass.
The playbook connects this to the Wave Away reads and counters. Preserve that continuation rather than calling it a generic reset. The forwards take screening roles that belonged to guards in the earlier alignment.
X Under
After passing to 5, player 3 makes the direct rim cut for the return pass. If 3 is covered, 1 fills the wing. The offense can use the Wave Over options, including a wing ball screen between 5 and 1. The source also identifies a pick-and-pop option between those players.
The first cutter is 3. Keeping 1 in the rim-cut instructions from the top-entry Point diagram would put the wrong player in the action.
X Away
Player 3 goes to downscreen for 1. Player 1 rejects the screen and backcuts toward the basket. Player 3 pops back to the wing for the ball and 4 downscreens for 1.
Printed page 30 also gives 3 a double-backdoor changeup before the Wave Over options. Teach that as a separate choice after the base Away sequence is understood.
Compare X and Point
| Detail | Point entry | X entry |
|---|---|---|
| Entry passer in the source | 1 from the guard position | 3 from the wing |
| Post | 5 receives at the elbow after the Wave entry | 5 receives high after the guard-to-wing pass |
| First read | 1 chooses the OUA route | 3 chooses the OUA route |
| Other players | Follow the chosen Point diagram | Both guards fill the corners before the entry |
Teach the entry and one continuation together
Walk through the pass from 1 to 3, both guard fills and the feed to 5. Start with one of 3's routes and finish the movement of the players away from the ball. Then show the response when the first cutter is covered.
Players can recognize a familiar read while still needing practice with a new angle. Check the passing lane and the next fill instead of assuming that learning Point makes every X position automatic.
Use the Point overview to review the read names, then keep the X diagrams in front of the group for the actual player assignments. The actions guide shows where X fits among the six sets.
Source: Lee DeForest's Princeton Offense Blueprint, printed pages 29-30.
Use the original diagrams
Start with the free Chin excerpt or use the complete playbook for this lesson and its continuations.
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