ESPN Breaks Down the Illinois 5 Man Motion Offense

More motion offense, this time from Bruce Weber's Fighting Illini of Illinois. They use what Bruce Weber calls a 5-man motion offense. It is similar to the blocker-mover in that there is no set continuity or pattern, it's predicated on screening and cutting. Unlike the blocker-mover though, the screeners who cut to the basket or pop out, become the primary scoring options.

This is from ESPN, Steve Lavin breaks down a few sequences of the Illinois 5-man motion offense. They take advantage of the "soft" spots on the floor, the short corner and high post. They usually start in a 5-out or 1-2-2 set with a ball-screen then a roll to the basket. There is not traditional post-up. The ball is constantly reversed while the weak side executes screen and replace. With all the constant movement, precise cuts, and screening, the defense usually gets caught out of position.



I watched the game today between Illinois and Purdue and against a very intense defense from Purdue, the Illini executed their offense very well. The thing is, as long as your team has confident, solid ball handlers, pressure defense shouldn't preclude you from running your offense, especially a motion offense. Because of all the movement, the defense ends up scrambling instead of pressuring and you get good looks anyways.

For more info from the man himself, check out Bruce Weber's DVD on the 5 Man Motion Offense. Be sure to check out the X's and O's of Basketball Forum to discuss this and more of your favorite basketball topics.