The average fan believes that they must have tall players to make a good basketball team. This long-held belief has become less and less true over the years. Many of today’s teams favor athleticism, quickness and shooting ability at height. If your team is small in stature, this offense is perfect for you.
This three-guard attack relies on good spacing, filling open spaces, and penetration. The tip and both wings are the positions assumed by the guards. The wings should be wide on the floor and above the top of the key. Just outside each block are the two post players, who are very important to the offense.
Keys to the Three Guards Attack
1. Space is needed for this set to succeed. The goal is to keep the center of the court open for one-on-one penetration from one of the guards. The goal of penetration is to get into the paint with your dribble. Once in the paint, good things usually happen. Perimeter players can shoot, finish off a post player or an open teammate on the perimeter looking for a shot.
2. Create defensive help. In penetration, the goal is to get a defender other than your man to help you. When this happens, an open teammate is available for a pass and a shot.
3. Attack Mentality. All five players need an aggressive, scoring mentality in this offense. Penetration can lead to good shots, driving and shooting opportunities, or fouls on the opponent. an attacking guard can create 6 to 10 free throw attempts per game.
4. Scoring opportunities. By pressing the defense in this way, many scoring options are possible. Penetration causes the defense to foul more than usual, increasing the number of free throw attempts. On the second and third penetrations, the defense is more likely to collapse. Perimeter skills such as fake shots and space creation are possible in all perimeter positions.
Many high school teams face a shortage of great post players. This three guard offense can be your primary offense or a change of pace offense. When the defense is foul prone or has foul trouble, this attack can really put pressure on the opponent. Take a look at this unique offense and make it part of your offensive arsenal.
