Free Throw Break

 

Free Throw

Do not forget to install and practice an early push out of a free throw situation. Teams should take full advantage that players can be aligned in specific positions during free throw situations. Players need to know exactly what their assignments and are responsibilities for both a made and missed free throw.

When executed to perfection early push off a free throw usually ends up with an easy shot off an out numbered situation. However, gaining an out numbered player advantage is not the only benefit from an early push. Player mismatches and/or defensive fouls are also a result of the defensive players not having enough time to set up, and often end up out of position unable to make a play. Having an organized early push out of a free throw situation also prevents the opponent from executing a surprise press after a made free throw.

Normally, the two strongest rebounders O4 and O5 assume the baseline positions with the inbounder O4 lining up on the right side. The shooting guard O2 has the responsibility of boxing out the shooter. The point O1 and small forward O3 are position along the three point line anticipating an early push. In the case of an opponent offensive rebound, they are also in position to quickly match up defensively.

 

Pinch

In the case where the opponent has an extremely strong offensive rebounder, O4 and O2 pinch. O3 dives and boxes out the shooter.

Note: If X2 should attempt to line up on the free throw lane line, then O3, who is entitled to the spot by rule, takes it.

Learn More Box out and rebound. You cannot break without the ball.

 

Made Free Throw

On a made free throw, inbounder O4 quickly takes the ball out of bounds and looks to make an inbounds pass to point O1. O3 sets a screen for O1 and then releases to the left outside lane. O2 after boxing out the shooter releases into the right outside lane. O5 flies down the court posting up on ball side. O4 after inbounding the ball assumes a trail position.

Missed Free Throw

CAUTION: Teams should never give up an offensive rebound on a missed free throw. Offensive rebounds after a missed free throw are really big plays (RBP's) and can determine the outcome of the game.

On a missed free throw, rebounder O5 triggers the early push by making a quick outlet pass to point O1 and assumes the trail position. O3 sets a screen for O1 and then releases to the left outside lane. O2 after boxing out the shooter releases into the right outside lane. O4 flies down the court posting up on ball side.

Inbounds Pass Denial

In the event that O1's defender X1 gets through O3's screen or the defense switches on the screen to prevent the initial inbounds pass, O1 reverses direction to get open. Inbounder O4 also has option of making an over the pass to O1.

Made Free Throw Pinch

On a pinch rebound situation, inbounder O4 takes the ball out quickly and looks to inbound to O1. O2 after pinching releases to the right outside lane and O3, after boxing out the shooter, releases into the left outside lane. O5 flies down the court posting up on ball side. O4 after inbounding the ball assumes a trail position.

Missed Free Throw Pinch

In a pinch rebound situation, on a missed free throw, rebounder o4 looks to make a quick outlet pass to O1. O2, after pinching, releases to the right outside lane and O3 after boxing out the shooter releases into the left outside lane. O5 flies down the court posting up on ball side. O4 after making the outlet pass assumes a trail position.

 


Quick Hitter - "GO"

On the right occasion, a quick hitting break off a made free throw can be executed that can catch the defense napping and produce an easy layup. Inbounder O4 quickly takes ball out of bounds and makes an inbounds pass to O3 near mid court line.

Point O1 makes a diagonal cut to the free throw line extended on ball side. O2 after boxing out the shooter releases into the left outside lane. O3 passes ahead to O1 and makes a basket cut. O1 looks to feed O3. If/when O3 cannot pass ahead to O1, O3 dribbles to the middle anticipating to create an out numbered three on two situation.

 

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