How to Run a UCLA Offense in Basketball

This is a simplified version of the UCLA offense. It may be a little advanced for younger players, but it is an effective high school offense that has defined movements for every player. When run correctly there should be opportunities for good shots for every player.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Set the offense up with the point guard several feet beyond the three point line, the shooting guard and small forward on the wings, the center at one block and the power forward on the other block.
2. Cut to get open. Both wing players should cut to free themselves from their defenders and open themselves up for an entry pass from the point guard. The center will also flash to the middle of the free throw line.
3. Enter the ball to one of the wings. The point guard will trigger the UCLA offense by making an entry pass to one of the wings.
4. Cut off the center for a lay up. After entering the ball the point guard must run by the center who will pick off the player defending the point guard. The point guard must cut between the center and the player with the ball so that he can be open to receive a pass from the wing player. This is the first option when a team runs the UCLA offense.
5. Look for the center. After the point guard cuts through the center should be open for a pass. The player with the ball should check to see if he is open. This is the second option in the UCLA offense.
6. Screen for the power forward. If the center does not receive the ball, he should set a pick for the power forward. The power forward should cut over top the screen so he is cutting through the middle of the lane and not under the basket. This is the third option in the UCLA offense. After setting the pick the center should attempt to seal his man off to either receive a pass or go for an offensive rebound.
7. Replace the holes in the set. The wing player who did not receive the entry pass should flash up to where the point guard was originally and the point guard should continue his cut through the lane and angle off along the baseline away from the ball to fill in where the wing player was.
8. Run it again. The team can run the UCLA offense again with a player with the ball at the top of the three point circle, two wings and both post players on the blocks.

Tips & Warnings

• There are several other plays that can be run from through the UCLA offense. The wing and one of the posts can run a pick and roll. A double screen can be set by the post players for the weak side wing or the power forward can set a back screen for the center.