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Exploring the Flex Offense in Basketball

Sep 12, 2024

Basketball Podcast with Coach Trevor Gleason

Introduction

  • Host: Chris Oliver
  • Guest: Trevor Gleason, Perth Wildcats Coach
  • Notable Achievements:
    • Joined Perth Wildcats in 2013
    • Most successful coach in club history
    • Made finals every season
    • Won five championships
    • Reached 400 NBL games in 2019

Discussion Topics

Background on Flex Offense

  • Inspired by frustration with defending shuffles
  • Started using Flex with Townsville Crocodiles in 2006
  • Evolved from secondary offense to primary with over 50 plays
  • Influence from international teams like Argentina (2004 Olympics) and Lithuania

Principles of the Flex Offense

  • Spacing and Freedom:
    • Players have the freedom to make plays
    • Focus on spacing, especially in modern 5-out systems
  • Offensive Actions:
    • Flex cut: starts by testing the defense
    • Second side action: breakdown opportunities through multiple cuts/screens
    • Use of post play, cutters, and screen actions

Spacing in the Flex

  • Wing threes over corner threes
  • Options for defense denial
  • Cutting and screening angles crucial

Keys to Running Flex

  • Speed and setup of cuts
  • Quality and timing of screens
  • Adapting based on defensive reactions

Modern Variations and Adjustments

  • Ghost screens in offense
  • Importance of footwork in cuts and shots
  • Driving lanes from Flex setups
  • Skip opportunities, especially to the weak side

Flex Offense in Practice

  • Emphasis on live, hard cuts
  • Setting up screens effectively
  • Variability in player decisions on cuts
  • Adapting to switching defenses

Youth Coaching Recommendations

  • Introduce counters early
  • Teach players to play what’s in front of them
  • Highlight important contributions like hard cuts

Handling Defense and Switching

  • Use mismatches to advantage
  • Create opportunities for best players
  • Blend individual strengths into team play

Special Situations

  • Use of ball screens
  • Short clock scenarios
  • Transition into Flex from various entries

Player Development

  • Train footwork for quick shot releases
  • Emphasize offensive rebounding positions
  • Adapting Flex for non-shooters

Conclusion

  • Importance of spacing, movement, and hard cuts
  • Flexibility and adaptability to maintain offensive flow
  • Continuous evolution based on team strengths and opponent defenses

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Full transcript