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"Scissors" or "splitting the post" takes place when an offensive player (preferably the pivot-post man) takes a position at the foul line. He faces mid-court with his back to the basket It is important for the pivot man to have good balance, with his feet apart, butt out, and arms away from the body to protect the ball. If the ball is held too close to the body, his guard can reach from behind and cause a jump ball. The two backcourt players are in a position to do the cutting. The player who passes the ball to the post man cuts first. He cuts off one side of the post man and the other player cuts off the other side. The second cutter should time himself so that he cuts off the heels of the first cutter. Both players must cut very close to the post man to prevent their guards from sliding through. The post man does not throw the ball to the cutters but hands the ball off. A hand-off is much easier to handle.

Scissors or splitting the post. 3 sets up the post; 1 and 2 split the post; 4 and 5 come back for defensive balance.

 

Whenever the backcourt players cut in for the basket, the front line players must replace them in the backcourt for defensive balance. This will prevent the other team from fast-breaking if they recover the ball. The post man, after giving one of the cutters the ball, turns and follows the play in. In case he cannot give the ball to one of the cutters, the post man turns and faces the basket holding the ball high. He either passes the ball to one of the cutters under the basket or tries to free himself for a shot. This is called a "turn-around" play. This same play can be started by the backcourt player 2 from the opposite side of the court. 2 passes into the post man and cuts first, 1 cuts off 2's heels. 4 and 5 come back for defensive balance.

The post or pivot man in each play has the following possibilities: 1. He can pass to the first man who is cutting. 2. He can pass to the second man who is cutting. 3. He can pivot and shoot. 4. The pivot man may pivot and drive in behind the second man for a lay-up shot. 5. He may use the turn-around play. 6. He may pass the ball out to one of the back players for a set shot. This same maneuver can be worked by "scissoring" off the pivot player stationed alongside the foul line. 2 passes to 1; 1 passes to 4; 4 passes into the pivot and cuts first. Then 1 cuts off 4 back. 2 moves over to take 1 's place, and moves out in 2's place. 1 passes to 2; 2 passes to 5; 5 passes into the pivot and cuts first. Then 2 cuts off 5' heels. 1 moves over to take 2's place, and 4 moves out into 1's place. 1 passes to 2; 2 passes into the pivot mar and cuts first. 5 cuts off the back of 2. 1 moves over to take 2's place, and 4 moves out to take l's place. The post or pivot man has the same possibilities playing in the keyhole as he had when playing in the foul circle. These are some of the basic plays that can be easily utilized from this set-up, but there are a great number of variations.

Fast break The fast break is not only an imposing offensive threat, but it is also very colorful to watch. Players like to use the fast break because it gives them a chance to play at top speed, make sparkling plays and score often. As a result, most teams use the break today. The fast break can be started after capture of a rebound, through an interception, after an out-of-bounds or jump ball. The main objective is to advance the ball into a scoring area before the other team has a chance to set up a defense. The offense usually comes down court outnumbering the opponents. Occasionally the offense will come down court for an unguarded shot. The effectiveness of the fast break depends upon how much time is devoted to it in practice sessions. The fast-breaking team must be able to control the defensive backboard. This will require at least two big, strong boys who are not afraid of body contact. Once the ball has been secured, the break can be started either by dribbling or passing, although passing is much faster than dribbling. When the rebounder gets the ball, he must dribble away from the basket and clear himself for a passing position. The initial pass is usually a long pass.

 

The baseball pass is very effective as a beginning for the break. The pass is made to a teammate half-way down the court near the side-line. The ball is then passed to a teammate cutting down the center lane. Another teammate streaks down the opposite side-line. These three players break at top speed, passing the ball back and forth, trying to keep in their respective lanes. There are three vertical lanes, one lane runs down the center of the court and the other two lanes run along the side-lines. It is important that the players stay in their lanes. This spreads out the defense! As the three players near the opponent's foul line, the player going down the center lane should have the ball. He stops at the foul line. The other two players "square" the corners. The middle man always stops at the foul line, unless he has a chance to drive in for the basket. This keeps the defense spread out and also puts him in a good shooting position. Upon reaching the foul line, the middle man should attempt a shot. If a defensive man tries to stop the shot, one of the players squaring the corners should be free for a pass and a clear shot.

 

Some teams use a trailer. He is usually the player under the basket who did not get the rebound. He breaks quickly down the center of the court using the middle man as a block. He cuts off him at the foul line, receives a pass and drives off him for the basket. Teams using a zone defense have an advantage over the man-to-man defense employing the fast break. A zone defense can place their best rebounder near the basket and have their best ball-handler and fast-cutter in breaking positions. This is not always true in the man-for-man defense. In the man-for-man defense the players do not have any assigned areas but must follow their men. Because of this, they may find themselves out of position for rebounding and cutting.

 

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