A good early offensive flow prevents the defending team from setting up their pre-planned defense by forcing the defenders to “react” rather than “act”. When the early offense is able to advance the ball into the operating area within 2-3 seconds, it forces the defenders to break down of their organized defense. This scenario can force a 1 on 1 situation and if the offensive player is creative enough, he may be able to produce a high percentage field goal attempt. Pushing for early offense before the defense can set-up can also create mismatches to the disadvantage of the defending team. Most early offense plays depend on quick inbounds and pass advance to reach the offensive operating area before the defenders can set-up in the front court.

The Need for Early Offense – Fast Break

If you’re on the offensive end, pushing the ball for an early offense is a vital part in play to disrupt the defensive set-up by the opposing team. Early offense forces the defenders to “react” on the ball movement rather than “act” (attack). The main idea here is to advance the ball quickly into the front court and attack the defense before the opponents are able to set-up or organize their defense.

Opposing teams that walk the ball to the front court to set-up the offense are much easier to defend against the teams that push the ball fast for early offense. Opposing teams that run the ball to the front court in a span of 2-3 seconds are difficult to defend because it disrupts the chance of setting up the defense. The early offense creates situations for quick mid range jump shots, penetration lay-ups and kick out passes for easy scoring. Teams that walk the ball to the front court are much easier to defend because the defending players are allowed to set-up the positions on the defensive end. A well set-up defense can execute traps and denials and force turnovers and rush the shots as the time on the clock runs out.