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The secondary break offense is a continuity offense which has been successful for many teams at the high school and collegiate level. The offense not only allows various opportunities for isolations on the perimeter and in the post, but it provides a framework for a well-spaced, fluid plan of offensive attack. This tutorial will provide the information necessary to understand the basic concepts of the secondary break offense. Diagrams and tips will beprovided in order to aid in the learning of this extremely valuable offensive weapon. In order to follow the diagrams, simply refer to the table provided below. Common basketball terminology will be used; therefore, it will be assumed that the reader understands the basic concepts of this sport.
To begin the offense, the two guards and the post who does not get the defensive rebound sprint down to their assigned spots. The wings stand free throw line extended while the post who does not get the rebound runs to the right side block. The point guard pushes the ball up the floor and the trailer spots up at the top of the key. The point guard quickly passes ahead to the right side wing. The wing looks to pass it into the post player on the block. This is the first option of the offense. As long as this post player is beating his/ her defender down the court this is a great play to make. Versatility is not something that is necessarily valued in this offense. As long as the team is able to exploit one option, they should continue to do so until the defending team is forced to make an adjustment.
As with any offense, offensive rebounding is key. Emphasize this with the team. When the players on the perimeter notice a shot being attempted it is their responsibility to crash the boards. The wing players should run to the bocks while the trailer should sprint to the front of the rim. It is the job of the point guard to be the first one back on defense. Therefore, the point guard has no rebounding responsibilies.
If option one is not advisable, the guard with the ball the reverses the ball to the trailer. The trailer then atttempts to pass the ball to the opposite wing. If the opposite wing is denied, they must cut backdoor and the trailer can make the pass. This backdoor cut is option two. It is very important that the post on the block remain in their position so that the opposite wing has space to cut.
If option two is not available because the weakside wing is not being denied, the the trailer reverses the ball to the wing. The post on the block flashes to the ballside block and works to get postition. The wing player with the ball feeds the post. This is option three. In the meantime, the opposite wing moves to the block in preparation to backscreen for the trailer.
If the wing cannot feed the post in option three, then the opposite wing continues up the lane to set a back screen for the trailer. The wing then looks to throw a lob pass to the trailer. This is option four. It is essential that the trailer waits for the screen and does not move too early. It has been shown to be effective if the trailer makes a jab step in the opposite direction before using the screen.
If the wing cannot hit the trailer off of the back pick, the wing passes the ball to the screener at the top of the key. The screener can either look for a shot or attempt to complete what is called the second seal. The second seal occurs as a result from the action of the block post. After the wing passes the ball to the top of the key, the post pins his/her defender in the lane. The guard with the ball at the top of the key then looks for the lob to the post. It is key that the post shows a target hand as to where he/she would like the pass to be thrown. This second seal action is option 5.
It has been my experience that after this offense is completely run through that one of the five options will be open. If the defending team begins to read the play and cheat on the reversal passes or other options, it is very important the the team running the secondary break remembers to "play basketball". "Playing basketball" means that each offensive player must read the defense and determine which action to make as a result of it. Even though the team is running a play, it is vital that the offense takes what the defense is giving them. Therefore, when the offensive players "play basketball", they react to the actions of the defense and make the play that is the most beneficial. This is very difficult to do, however. In order to become successful in reacting to the defense, the offense must first understand the offense to the extent where they can predict what the defense will do. The more comfortable the team is with the offense, the more successful it will be. Remember, confidence comes with repitition. Make sure that any team that attempts to run the secondary break offense has the opportunity to practice each option numerous times.
Test Your Secondary Break Knowledge
Link to Northern Michigan University
Latest update to this document: 27 September 2000
L. Dalton: ldalton@nmu.edu.