Open Practice: Offensive System

with Fred Hoiberg,
University of Nebraska Head Men's Basketball Coach;
2026 Big Ten Coach of the Year;
2025 College Basketball Crown Champions;
2024 Jim Phelan National Coach of the Year;
2024 Big Ten Coach of the Year;
Chicago Bulls (NBA) Head Coach from 2015 to 2018;
Iowa State University Head Coach from 2010 to 2015;
2x Big XII Tournament Champions (2014, 2015);
2012 Big XII Coach of the Year;
2012 National Federation of State High School Associations National High School Hall of Fame;
Minnesota Timberwolves VP Operations from 2005 through 2010;
Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA) - (shooting guard) - from 2003 to 2005;
Chicago Bull (NBA) - (shooting guard) - from 1999 to 2003;
Indiana Pacers (NBA) - (shooting guard) - from 1995 to 1999;
2nd round NBA pick (52nd overall) by the Indiana Pacers;
played college basketball for Iowa State University;
his number (32) was retired;
1995 All-Big Eight First team selection;
1994 All-Big Eight Second team selection;
played high school basketball for Ames HS (IA);
1991 Iowa "Mr. Basketball"

Fred Hoiberg provides an extensive look into his transition offense system. Using detailed markerboard diagrams, he takes you through mid-season practice sessions that focus on a simple primary break and secondary actions. Along with his extensive diagrams, he gives a special glimpse into his playbook of which some of these options have not even been put into their offense yet. Key points include an emphasis on spacing, opening lanes for playmakers and being in position to force the defense to make decisions. The primary break and secondary actions are drilled on court in 5-on-0 and 5-on-5 situations.

Coach Hoiberg begins by illustrating his primary break, showing the spots that floor wings and posts need to fill to create good spacing. He explains how big men create space by running the floor and how players should react to middle and baseline drives.

Next, Hoiberg shows three secondary actions involving drag screens, a double stagger screen and pin down screen. He includes two quick hitters that take advantage of aggressive defenses to get good looks at the rim.

Coach Hoiberg also covers a late-game situation inbounds play to get a three-point look for your best shooter or an easy lay-up for your post. He runs his players work through an on-court, game-like drill to help players get good looks at the basket even though they're leading.

Finally, Hoiberg shares two out-of-bounds plays and talks about his philosophy of sectioning his season practice into three distinct segments and how each segment is used. Tailoring his offense to the personnel he has is also discussed.

With Coach Hoiberg's transition offense, your teams will be able to run a well-spaced, disciplined fast break that will leave defenses out of position and always one step behind the offense.

77 minutes. 2014.