How to Run a Basketball Offense: The Shuffle

This is initially a complicated series of moves, sometimes called the continuity pattern. Its strength comes in the constant player motion and (without a shot clock or turnovers) the numerous shot opportunities and reshuffling.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Athletic Socks
• Basketball Uniforms
• Basketball Hoops
• Basketball Shoes
• Basketballs

First and Second Shuffles

1. Position the offense: point guard as ball handler, center in right low post, first forward in left low post, off guard at left wing, and second forward in left high post.
2. Have the second forward screen as off guard swings around and into the key.
3. Have the point guard pass to the off guard.
4. Tell the off guard to either shoot or dish to the center or first forward.
5. Note that if the off guard is prevented from taking the pass, he or she continues into the lane as before.
6. Instruct the first forward to cut in behind the off guard.
7. Have the point guard pass to the first forward.
8. Instruct the first forward to take the shot.

Third Shuffle

9. Note that if the point guard couldn't find the first forward, the point guard waits.
10. Have the center move up into the right wing.
11. Have the second forward cut into the pivot area.
12. Instruct the first forward to continue movement and halt in the right high post.
13. Have the second forward set a screen.
14. Send the point guard dribbling around the screen and driving to the hoop.

Reshuffle

15. Understand that if the point guard fails in penetrating the key, he or she passes out to the second forward, who takes point.
16. Note that the players are now positioned in a mirror of the original formation. Start over.
17. Note that the second forward is the point guard.
18. Note that the first forward is the example's second forward at right high post.
19. Tell the center that he or she now has the off guard's old job at right wing.
20. Note that the off guard is now in the center's position at right low post.
21. Note that the point guard has the first forward's job at left low post.

Tips & Warnings

• If a shot clock is used, hurry.
• Watch that your players don't linger in the key.
• If you have any condition that would impair or limit your ability to engage in physical activity, please consult a physician before attempting this activity.