Building a Read Based Offense Through Pace, Spacing & Respacing

with Phil Martelli, Jr.
VCU Head Coach;
2026 Atlantic 10 Tournament Champions;
Bryant University Head Coach from 2023 to 2025;
2025 America East Regular Season Champions;
2025 America East Coach of the Year;
First Bryant coach since 1969 to win 20 games in a debut season (2023-24);
Bryant University Associate Head Coach from 2018 to 2023;
2022 NEC Regular Season & Tournament Champions;
Delaware 87ers (NBA G League) Assistant Coach from 2016 to 2017;
University of Delaware Assistant Coach from 2011 to 2016;
Niagara Assistant Coach from 2006 to 2011;
Manhattan Assistant Coach from 2005 to 2006;
Central Connecticut Assistant Coach from 2003 to 2005;
Played college basketball for St. Joseph's

Modern offenses succeed when players can read the game, play with pace, and maintain spacing without relying on scripted plays. In this video, 2025 America East Coach of the Year Phil Martelli Jr. breaks down how to build a read-based offense by teaching players how to think the game, play off one another, and make confident decisions in real time.

Coach Martelli organizes offense around four major reads that exist in nearly every system: cutting reads, drive-and-kick reads, action reads, and ball screen reads. By simplifying offense into these core concepts, players learn how to react to defenders instead of memorizing set actions resulting in faster play, better ball movement, and consistently high-quality shots.

A major focus of the video is how to teach these reads effectively. Coach Martelli walks through a clear progression that begins with dry-run teaching, advances to semi-live situations, and finishes with live competitive play that reinforces instincts and confidence.

Spacing and respacing are emphasized throughout the video. Players learn how to relocate, clear space, and fill open areas as actions develop, maintaining offensive flow and constant pressure on the defense.

The video includes on-court drills covering cutting reads, drive-and-kick decision making, ball screen reads, and small-sided games that develop recognition, timing, and trust.

By teaching players how to read, react, and respace, this video provides a framework for building an offense that plays with pace, purpose, and connected decision making.

79 minutes. 2026.