If you want to create a lot of player movement in your team's basketball offense, you should consider a weave offense. Old time coaches Everett Dean and Branch McCracken used an offense similar to this back in the 30's, 40's, and 50's. This offense is still widely used today, but more adapted to the 3-point shot.

There are many more options than I show here; however, the basic Indiana controlled free-lance patterned offense consisted of the following three fundamental plays. If it doesn't result in a high percentage shot on one side of the floor, you run the same #453 on the other side. I first saw it being used by Coach Woody Weir in 1938.

"Woody Weir played 3 years for Hall of Fame Everett Dean made his name in coaching, winning 12 sectionals, 6 regional and 2 semi-state championships in 18-year high school coaching career first at Jasper where '38 team was 23-5 and at Marion where he put 2 teams into state finals. Coach Weir, widely known for his strong desire to win and his excitable nature, once was seat-belted down in a futile attempt to control his sideline antics." (Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame)

The size of the center is important to assist the others in picking-off their defenders. The center takes a position six feet off the end-line and halfway between the sideline and goal. The forwards line up near the sidelines, free-throw line extended. Power forward 4 drifts into the pick-off block initiated by the center 5. The defenders can not switch on this play because of the defensive mismatch. If they do switch, take advantage of that situation.

If open, 4 takes a lead pass under the basket for a lay-up. If not he continues across the court and sets up a high post position.

Keep in mind you are looking for high percentage scoring opportunities all along the way. This is a controlled free-lance offense designed to take advantage of defensive mistakes.

The guards drive through looking for scoring opportunities. Never lose sight that this is a controlled free-lance offense, but you are always looking for high percentage scoring opportunities.

 Full explanation and drills for these 3 basic plays can be found by clicking on either the following links:

• Play #4 - (Pick Opposite)
• Play #5 - (Scissor Cut)
• Play #3 - (Pick and Roll)