Chin Series: Breakdown of a Classic Princeton Action
Goal
Teach players how to run and read the Chin Series, a core Princeton offense action built on spacing, timing, and cutting. Players will learn to move without the ball, screen properly, and read the defense for layups, shots, and drive opportunities.
Setup
Align in a 2-slot / 2-wing / 1-post setup.
Ball starts in either slot.
All players should begin above the free-throw line to preserve space for the basket cut.
Ensure players understand spacing landmarks before running the sequence live.
Step-by-Step Execution
1. Slot-to-Slot Pass + Basket Cut
Initiate the offense with a slot-to-slot pass.
Immediately after the pass, the passer receives a back screen from the 5 and makes a hard basket cut.
Read #1: If open, deliver the pass for a layup.
If not open, cutter clears to the ball-side corner.
2. Flare Screen Read
After the back screen, the 5 transitions into a flare screen for the opposite slot player.
The flare receiver can:
Catch and shoot if their defender goes under.
Curl into the lane if the defender cheats over the top.
Drive the closeout if the defense recovers late.
3. Drive and Kick/Dump Options
If the flare receiver drives:
The corner stays spaced or cuts backdoor if help commits.
The screener (5) can roll or pop based on their defender’s reaction.
The ball handler reads:
Kick-out for a corner three.
Dump-off to the roller.
Pull-up jumper if defenders are late.
4. Resetting for Continuity
If no scoring option appears:
Reverse the ball back to the opposite slot.
The cutter fills the near corner.
Wing or corner player initiates a dribble handoff to restart the Chin Series.
Coaching Tips
Emphasize timing, the basket cut must come right after the slot pass.
Teach screen angles and flare setup footwork.
Remind players: Chin is not a script, it’s about reading and reacting.
Use small-sided games (3v3, 4v4) to isolate reads.
Full Breakdown
Why the Chin Series Works
The Chin Series creates layered reads. Unlike set plays that have a single intended scorer, Chin builds scoring options through movement, screening, and spacing. It forces defenders into multiple decisions:
Help on the basket cut?
Chase or switch the flare?
Collapse on a drive or stick to shooters?
This makes it difficult to guard without exceptional communication.
Layered Options in Chin
Chin doesn’t stop after the first pass. Here’s how the reads stack:
Read 1: Basket Cut
Look for the layup off the back screen.
If denied, cutter clears quickly, this triggers the next action.
Read 2: Flare Screen
The flare screen offers both perimeter and curl options.
If the shooter gets a clean catch, shoot.
If run off the line, drive the gap.
Read 3: Drive Reads
When driving, read the help defender:
Help from the corner? Pass for a three.
Help from the post? Dump to roller.
Read 4: No Advantage → Reset
If all else fails, reverse and restart Chin.
This allows the offense to stay structured and active, even late in the shot clock.
Common Errors and Fixes
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Cutter leaves early | Emphasize waiting for screen contact |
| Screener misses angle | Walk through screen angles in breakdown drills |
| No spacing on drive | Use cones or lines to define corners/slots |
Variations and Progressions
Point Series: Add dribble entry into the elbow handoff instead of slot-to-slot pass.
Post Entry Chin: Enter the ball to the high post and run Chin off that.
Two-Guard Front Continuity: Flow into Chin out of 2-1-2 or 1-4 high sets.
Adjustments by Level
Youth
Emphasize 3 reads only: basket cut, catch-and-shoot, drive.
Use freeze frames or film to teach recognition.
Slow reps with cones to reinforce floor geography.
High School
Add drive-kick layers and skip passes.
Run 4v4 no dribble games to teach off-ball movement.
Use Chin late in shot clock or after a made free throw to settle your offense.
