How to Install a Simple Read-and-React Offense
SETUP
Players start in a 5-out or 4-out, 1-in formation.
15–18 feet spacing between every player on the perimeter.
Corners are filled to stretch the defense.
One player in the dunker spot or elbow if using a post player.
LAYER 1 – PASS AND CUT
Player passes the ball to a teammate on the perimeter.
Passer cuts hard to the basket looking for a return pass.
Next player on the perimeter fills the empty spot left by the cutter.
Repeat the sequence on every pass.
Coaching Cues:
“Pass and cut.”
“Fill the open spot.”
“Catch ready to shoot.”
LAYER 2 – DRIBBLE RULES
If the ball handler drives toward you,
Backdoor cut behind your defender to open space.
If the ball handler drives away from you,
Lift up into their vision for a catch-and-shoot or kick-out.
Coaching Cues:
“If he drives at you, backdoor.”
“If he drives away, lift and be ready.”
LAYER 3 – SPACING DISCIPLINE
Keep 15–18 feet between players.
Corners stay filled.
After every cut or drive, fill the open spot.
Balance the floor—never crowd the ball.
Coaching Cues:
“Stay wide.”
“Keep your spacing.”
“Fill the gaps.”
BUILD IT LAYER BY LAYER – NOT AS A FULL SET
Week 1: Only teach pass and cut.
Week 2: Add dribble rules.
Week 3: Add post touches or skip passes if needed.
Week 4: Introduce flare screens or re-spacing actions.
Tip:
Slow is smooth. Smooth becomes fast.
What Is the Read-and-React Offense?
The Read-and-React Offense isn’t a set play. It’s a movement framework designed to make players think and react without overcomplicating their roles.
Instead of memorizing plays, players follow one rule at a time, building layers of actions and reactions. These movements are triggered by what just happened with the ball—a pass, a drive, or a cut.
The result?
Better ball movement.
Consistent spacing.
Players learning to read live situations.
Starting Simple – Why Layer 1 Matters
The foundation of Read-and-React starts with just one rule:
When you pass, you cut.
The next player fills your spot.
That’s it.
It’s simple enough for youth teams, yet valuable for varsity and beyond.
By starting here, you teach:
Movement without the ball.
Spacing discipline.
How to stay active in the offense.
Start with no defense.
Move to guided defense.
Then run controlled 5-on-5 scrimmages.
Building Layer 2 – Dribble Reactions
Once players master passing and cutting, you move to the next layer—dribble reactions.
If your teammate drives toward you, you backdoor cut.
If they drive away, you lift into their vision.
This stops players from clogging driving lanes and opens up kick-out shots or backdoor layups.
Practice these reactions with live ball-handling drills:
Drive + backdoor cut.
Drive + lift and catch.
Keep it simple and focused—just one action and one reaction.
Spacing Over Complexity – Why Less Is More
You don’t need five layers to make Read-and-React work.
You need discipline in spacing.
Make sure players understand:
Stay 15–18 feet apart.
Keep the corners filled.
Fill empty spots after every cut.
Even if you never add more than passing, cutting, and driving, your team will:
Move the ball better.
Generate layups and open shots.
Reduce standing around.
Simplify Your Coaching Language
Don’t over-coach or over-explain. Use short, repeatable phrases:
“Pass and cut.”
“Fill the open spot.”
“Backdoor if they drive at you.”
“Lift if they drive away.”
Repetition is what makes these habits stick.
Teaching Progression – One Layer at a Time
Rushing to install every option leads to confusion.
Build it week by week:
Pass and Cut Only
Get this smooth before adding anything else.
Dribble Reactions
Teach backdoor and lift rules after the drive.
Post Options (Optional)
Add if you have a capable post player.
Skip Passes and Flare Actions (Optional)
Add variety once players master the basics.
This layered approach makes the game slower and easier to read for players.
Make It Your Identity
When players own the system, it becomes your team’s offensive identity:
We move.
We react.
We punish help defense.
You don’t need 20 set plays.
You need 5 players who trust the process and read the floor together.
Benefits at Every Level
Youth Teams – Teaches movement and spacing early.
Middle School Teams – Builds decision-making and teamwork.
High School Teams – Creates an offense that scales to any lineup or opponent.
Read-and-React keeps everyone involved, not just your best ball handler.
It builds basketball IQ without needing advanced athleticism.
Common Mistakes to Watch For
Players Standing After Passing
Teach continuous movement—fill, cut, or relocate.
Over-Complicating the Layers
Stick to one new rule at a time until players own it.
Poor Spacing
Constantly reinforce 15–18 feet gaps and corner spacing.
Over-Coaching During Live Play
Use short, clear cues, not full speeches.
Final Thoughts for Coaches
Installing a Read-and-React Offense isn’t about running a fancy system.
It’s about teaching your players how to move, how to react, and how to trust the game.
Start small.
Build layer by layer.
Practice with purpose.
Watch your team transform from pattern followers into basketball thinkers and movers.
Want a downloadable teaching plan or video series to help you install it?
Let me know—I can create that for you.
