Basic Continuity Offenses: Flex, Swing, and Chin Explained
FLEX OFFENSE – Cross-Screen, Downscreen, Repeat
Steps:
Start with a pass to the wing.
Opposite low block sets a cross screen—cutter dives to the near-side block.
Screener receives a downscreen from the top, pops out for the reversal.
Repeat the action on the other side.
Use For:
Layups
Mid-range shots
Screening timing
Key Coaching Cues:
“Cut hard through the paint.”
“Screen wide and low.”
“Pop to the top with pace.”
SWING OFFENSE – Elbow-Based Reversal Flow
Steps:
Pass to the wing, cutter goes through or screens away.
Swing the ball across the top.
Hit the high post or reverse through the guard.
Fill spots, keep the action moving side-to-side.
Use For:
Flow offense with multiple entries
High-low passes
Weak-side scoring chances
Key Coaching Cues:
“Play through the elbow.”
“Stay balanced as we reverse.”
“Every swing creates a new read.”
CHIN OFFENSE – Backscreen Into Pick-and-Roll
Steps:
Guard passes to wing and cuts off a backscreen to the rim.
Screener pops and receives the ball at the top.
Initiate a pick-and-roll.
Repeat the sequence on the other side.
Use For:
Creating space for pick-and-roll
Developing read-and-react options
Misdirection and high-IQ offense
Key Coaching Cues:
“Sell the back cut.”
“Run the ball screen tight.”
“Read the switch, drop, or blitz.”
Why Continuity Offense Is a Smart Choice for Youth and High School Basketball
Whether you're running a youth team or a high school varsity squad, one of the biggest challenges is getting your players to move with purpose. Continuity offenses solve that by giving your players:
A clear structure that repeats on both sides of the floor
A way to learn spacing, screening, cutting, and timing
A system that allows them to play without needing you to call every action
And when installed correctly, these systems scale from beginner basketball teams to advanced high school offenses.
Flex Offense – Teach Cutting, Screening, and Patience
The Flex Offense is one of the best starting points for youth basketball coaches.
It reinforces:
Legal screening technique
Hard cutting with a purpose
Reading help defenders at the block
For high school basketball teams, Flex can evolve into:
Secondary break actions
Post isolation after reversal
Backdoor counters when defenders cheat
This offense is excellent for basketball practice ideas that emphasize movement and accountability.
Swing Offense – Movement Through the Elbow
The Swing Offense teaches players how to move in sync with the ball.
This is perfect for:
Teams that need to learn spacing through motion
Groups that don’t have a dominant scorer but can play as a unit
Teaching decision-making from the high post
Swing also gives coaches a system that:
Doesn’t rely on isolation
Can be used vs man or zone
Naturally evolves into motion offense
It’s one of the best coaching tips for beginners: use swing to create rhythm before layering in reads.
Chin Offense – Add Pick-and-Roll With Purpose
The Chin Offense is a continuity offense built for today’s game. It gives you:
Structure: The backscreen/pick-and-roll sequence is clear.
Freedom: Players read how the defense reacts and adjust.
Modern spacing: Works perfectly in 4-out or 5-out alignments.
This system helps teams:
Blend motion offense with pick-and-roll reads
Create options for both ball handlers and screeners
Teach high-level decision making without complicated sets
It’s a go-to for high school basketball coaching when your players are ready to think on the fly inside a structured sequence.
Teaching Continuity Offenses in Practice
Here’s how to implement any of these offenses:
Start with spacing – Walk through where each player begins and ends.
Drill each action separately – Cross screen, downscreen, reversal, backscreen, ball screen.
Run 5-on-0 walk-throughs – Build repetition without pressure.
Add light defense – Guided D helps players see real reactions.
Go live – Keep the same pattern, challenge reads at speed.
Pro tip: Use practice film to show players how movement opens shots—and how standing kills spacing.
Final Thoughts for Coaches
Continuity offenses aren’t about being fancy. They’re about being effective, teachable, and repeatable.
Whether you're installing Flex, Swing, or Chin:
Keep the patterns clear
Emphasize pace and spacing
Focus on reads, not just routes
For:
Youth basketball coaches, these systems give structure and purpose.
High school basketball coaching, they create smart habits and unlock more advanced options.
Any coach building a playbook, they deliver offensive plays your players can own.
Commit to one. Rep it out.
Let the repetition create rhythm—and let rhythm win possessions.
