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Continuity Offense--On the Right Track

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Continuity Offense--On the Right Track

Many coaches call their "patterned" offense a "continuity" offense. In a continuity offense, players continue running the same pattern as the ball continuously reverses sides of the floor. The team is always "in offense" and should not have to "reset" to their original positions. Unlike a freelance motion offense, there is a structure requiring precise court-spacing and cutting. Every player must know each position on the floor. One of the problems with continuity offenses is that they can be a little predictable. This enables some defenses to deny certain passes and make the pattern difficult to stay in.

There are certain types of continuity offenses that I like to call "track offenses." Track offenses have a continuous pattern to them, but react to defensive strategies by changing the pattern mid-stream.

In a track offense, players must stay on one "track" until the need for a counter to the defense switches "tracks" (much like a train on a track) and sends the play into a different set.

I think that these are the best types of pattern offenses, as they enable the offense to "read and react" to how the defense is playing. The offense can then make a variety of cuts to "counter" the defensive overplays. Offensive teammates need to be aware of their teammates' moves and have an understanding of relative motion. This can best be described as realizing how one player fits into the space on the floor given the relative positioning of the other players, both offensive and defensive. A track offense may ensure that this proper spacing occurs. Then, you'll be on the right track!

   

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