Playing Fast: Transition Offense & Half Court Triggers

with Todd Simon;
Bowling Green Head Men's Basketball Coach;
Southern Utah University Head Coach (2016-2023);
2021 Big Sky Coach of the Year;
2021 Jim Phelan National Coach of the Year;
2021 Big Sky Regular Season Champions;
UNLV Interim Head Coach (2016);
UNLV Associate Head Coach (2013-2016);
Findlay Prep Head Coach (2012-2013);
Findlay Prep Associate Head Coach (2006-2012);
Finished the 2013 season with a 35-1 record;
2013 Bluestar Media National Co-#1 High School National Champions;
3x National High School Tournament Champions

The most difficult offenses to defend are those that play with pace, maintain proper spacing, and flow seamlessly from transition into purposeful half-court actions. When players understand how to attack early and transition naturally into organized offense, defenses are forced to react instead of dictate.

In this outstanding instructional presentation, Bowling Green head coach Todd Simon shares the offensive concepts and coaching principles that have fueled success throughout his career. Coach Simon provides a complete framework for building an up-tempo offense that creates structure within apparent chaos while making your team difficult to scout and defend.

Coach Simon begins by discussing his coaching philosophy and the importance of creating a positive team culture where players enjoy the daily process of improvement. He explains how strong relationships, enthusiasm, and player empowerment contribute to better development, greater accountability, and improved team performance. Coaches will also gain practical insights into organizing practices and maximizing daily skill development.

The on-court instruction focuses on teaching players to play fast in transition. Coach Simon demonstrates how to establish proper spacing, make quick reads, and attack with purpose during the initial fast break, helping players develop the mindset to consistently push the ball and dictate tempo.

A major emphasis of the presentation is the use of offensive triggers that seamlessly connect transition into half-court offense. These triggers organize player spacing and automatically initiate offensive actions based on common game situations, including baseline drives, post entries, jump stops, and other advantage opportunities.

Coach Simon also demonstrates a variety of highly effective quick hitters and offensive actions, including:

• Flip the Post on baseline penetration
• Post-Up Triggers to create inside-out scoring opportunities
• Pistol Action for quick perimeter attacks
• Thumb 55 and Thumb 77 offensive sets
• Spain Action to generate multiple scoring options

Throughout the presentation, players execute the offense in live 5-on-0 demonstrations, allowing coaches to see exactly how each action flows naturally into the next. Coach Simon emphasizes that when players understand the triggers and reads, they gain the confidence and freedom to play aggressively while maintaining offensive discipline.

Special situations are incorporated throughout practice, giving players repeated opportunities to rehearse challenging game scenarios and improve their decision-making under pressure. This approach creates countless teaching opportunities while preparing teams to execute with confidence during competition.

Whether you are looking to increase tempo, improve offensive spacing, or connect transition play with quick-hitting half-court actions, this presentation provides a complete blueprint for building a dynamic offense that dictates to the defense and consistently creates high-quality scoring opportunities.

75 minutes. 2026.