Although some coaches consider the crosscourt pass a cardinal sin of basketball, it is an important part of the opportunity offense. Diagrams 16 and 17 illustrates the development of this play from start to finish.

The play is keyed in the usual way as illustrated in this diagram:

(1) passes to (3) then continues to the baseline.

(4) makes his cut to the basket

Assuming (3) cannot feed (4), (4) continues on across the lane to take a post position on that side of the floor.

(5) takes takes a couple of steps out to the high post position as (2) moves toward the middle, pulling his defender away from (5) and put himself in a position for a release pass from (3).

Unable to pass to the cutting (4) and aware of (5)'s movement, throws a quick hard pass across court to (5). (5) can now drive toward the basket for a layup, take a jump shot, or feed (3) now breaking off the screen set by (4) in continuation of the basic backdoor trap. This diagram illustrates (5)'s third option.

Notice that the two guards in this diagram are responsible for reversing positions in this particular option.

This play is especially effective if (5) and (4) are effective jump shooters. The crosscourt pass often catches the defenders with their backs turned, giving (5), in this case, time for an open shot. At other times, (5)'s defender, caught off guard by the pass, lunges out, giving (5) the opportunity to fake the shot and drive in for the layup.

After several rotations of the basic pattern, the defenders on (4) and (5) begin to anticipate (4)'s cut to the basket. This diagram illustrates how to take advantage of their anticipation.

This play is keyed as usual by a pass from (1) and a cut around (3), but this time (5) turns and cuts toward the basket, taking a quick pass from (3) for an easy layup. Such a counter move can demoralize a defense. It's all part of the game I call, "reading the defense".