HOW MOVING OFF-BALL WORKS

1. Move because the defence reacts

Off-ball movement starts when the defence is under pressure.

This usually happens when:

- a teammate beats their defender
- help comes to stop the ball
- defenders turn their head toward the paint

When defenders help, space opens somewhere else.

Your job is to move into that space.

2. Watch your defender

Your defender tells you when to move.

- If they turn their head → move
- If they step toward help → cut
- If they relax or lose contact → relocate

If your defender can see you and the ball, wait.

If they can't, go.

As you watch, notice that:

- movement happens after the defence reacts
- cuts are timed to the help defence, not the shot clock
- players don't stand and watch
- simple movements create easy baskets

Most off-ball scoring comes from defenders being late, not confused.

The advantage doesn't end with the pass

When a teammate draws help and passes the ball:

- the defence is rotating
- someone is closing out
- someone else is late

The advantage has moved, not ended.

When you don't have the ball, your job is to:

- stay spaced
- move if your defender helps
- cut into open space
- avoid crowding the ball

Your movement gives the next attacker room to work.

Sometimes your cut gets you the ball.

Sometimes it pulls a defender away.

Both help the offence.

This is the same advantage cycle you've already learned:

Drive → help → pass

Closeout → drive → help → pass

Off-ball movement is what keeps that cycle alive.

Without it, advantages die.

With it, advantages grow.