The Swing Offense: Breakdown and Shooting Drills

Gary Close brings 29 years of college coaching experience to the court as he instructs you on the value of using the Swing Offense. Coach Close's relationship with Bo Ryan at the University of Wisconsin allowed him inside access to the system at its best, as their Wisconsin Badgers went to back-to-back Final Fours. This video breaks down each aspect of the offense and shows the viewer how simple it is to implement.

The Swing Offense is designed to help a team get great looks inside and wide open shots from the perimeter. This offense is based on movements without the basketball that include screens and cutting. Close uses on-court demonstrations to cover the advantages of the offense, positioning of the players, and the three cuts used in the offense before combining them into the continuity offense. You'll also learn different options and quick-hitters, as well as special situations to attack certain defenses and breakdown drills to build the offense.

Basics of the Swing Offense

Coach Close first talks about the positives related to the Swing Offense. Moving to the court, he breaks down the basic formation of the Swing Offense:

• Continuity of the offense - Each move is simple and easily achieved, however the results are tough to defend. Screen after screen attack the defense as sharp, purposeful cuts slice through the defense.
• Correct positioning and spacing - Pairs work together, wings are free throw line extended.

Running the Swing Offense Against Different Defenses

Close takes players through special situations that address many of the strategies other teams will use to combat the Swing Offense. He provides teaching tips and rules, as well as variations and how players can learn to make the right reads during the game. Close gives you the tools versus:

• Aggressive Man Defense - Use a screen away to get open to catch the first pass, dribble-ats and look for a backdoor cut or dribble attack open space
• Soft, Sagging Man Defense - Enter into the low post from the wing and curl off the weak side
• Switching Man Defense - Three Up Screen options to take advantage of the mismatch by feeding the post, using a back screen for a seal/screener step allowing the screener to get the defender on their back, and the fade screen where the screener slips the screen and cuts to the basket

Quick Hitters for the Swing Offense

This video includes some great quick hitters that can be used out of the Swing Offense. Close includes a variety of sets, both inside and out, that teams can use to get their best player a look by being the primary cutter. Each number or call includes an option for each position.

Breakdown Drills

These drills cover all the screening actions and also help players practice the same shots they will see in games. Close believes it's extremely important that his players work on areas where they're going to get shots in games and he includes six drills to work both screening action and shooting.

There are some great offensive strategies being used on the court today. The Swing Offense may be the best one out there for teams that are not as athletic; however, teams that are athletic and blessed with talent can benefit from this offense as well. If you want to get your players great looks on a consistent basis, then this video is for you.

50 minutes. 2016.