What this version covers
Flex has denial counters; its baseline cut is not a guaranteed scoring route.
Source-backed summary; versions may differ.
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offense
Flex offense
Flex is a repeating sequence: one player cuts along the baseline using a screen near the basket, then another teammate screens downward for the first screener to move up toward the ball. Passing the ball to the opposite side repeats the sequence.
How it runs
Screen near the basket, then screen for 5
One basic Flex example: 5 screens for 3 near the basket, then 1 screens for 5. Change the next action if defenders block the pass or switch players. Defenders are not shown. Each step explains what to do if the defense reacts as described. Player spots are examples.
1–5 are players on offense. X1–X5 are defenders. Each number stays with the same player in every step; it does not lock that player into a position.
Diagram 1 of 7
1. Pass across and cut along the baseline
1 passes to 2. 5 holds a screen near the basket. 3 cuts around 5 to the other side of the basket.
Diagram key
- Offense
- Defense
- Coach
- Neutral
- Ball
- Cone
- Cut
- Dribble
- Pass
- Screen
- Hand-off
- Shot
- Def. slide
Use Previous and Next beside the court, or choose a numbered step. Arrows on the court show where players or the ball move. CoachAssist drew this example; it does not show every way to run the scheme.
Our Flex drawing completes both sides of a basic cycle. The recommendations below teach its two linked screens and a way to keep possession when the usual catch is unavailable.
In this guide · jump to a topic
Starting jobs and useful space
Separate the first cutter from the next receiver
In our start, 1 and 2 are high, 3 and 4 wait low outside, and 5 holds the inside screen. First identify the receiver of the cross-court pass. Then identify the baseline cutter and the player who will receive the down screen. They are different jobs at different moments.
Before adding contact, walk the route around each screener. The ball handler needs an angle to see both the inside cut and the next outside catch. A player should not have to throw over a teammate who has stopped in that window.
CoachAssist suggestion—not the source’s exact practice.
Keep the possession going
The first screener becomes the next cutter
Teach one side until players can name the job exchange: the baseline screener later comes outside, while the down screener leaves to a corner. Then continue across the other side without returning everyone to their original number. Our last frame is a familiar arrangement with different people in the jobs.
Keep the inside pass optional. Holding the ball while a cutter runs past is acceptable when a defender covers the lane. The next down screen should create another choice, not excuse an unsafe pass to complete the pattern. A live possession can end before the full cycle if a good shot appears.
CoachAssist suggestion—not the source’s exact practice.
Decisions against the defense
The outside reversal is covered
When: The expected high receiver cannot catch cleanly.
Do this: Use the taught corner pressure-release example or retain the ball while a new receiving route develops.
Then: Re-establish two high jobs before restarting; do not run the next baseline cut into the repair.
CoachAssist suggestion—not the source’s exact practice.
The defense exchanges players
When: Both cutters remain covered after the screen.
Do this: Locate the new matchups before choosing a post pass. Size alone does not make the lane open.
Then: If no clear inside target exists, keep the ball outside and organize the next screen.
CoachAssist suggestion—not the source’s exact practice.
What to emphasize
- CoachAssist practice idea: walk through both screens. Then add defenders who block the passing lane or switch the players they guard.
Problems, fixes and checks
The second screen arrives too early
Problem: It blocks the baseline cutter’s path.
Try this correction: Have the second screener watch the cutter clear before moving into position.
Check: Can both routes be walked without either player stepping aside?
CoachAssist suggestion—not the source’s exact practice.
The passer throws before the receiver is ready
Problem: The outside cutter is still navigating the screen.
Try this correction: Require the receiver to show hands and see the ball before the pass.
Check: Do not blame the pass alone if the screen’s timing caused the late catch.
CoachAssist suggestion—not the source’s exact practice.
Versions and diagram coverage
Corner pressure release
Changes: entry, continuation.
- The linked example repairs a denied top pass and returns to Flex. It is not a separate mandatory cycle.
When to use it: Use when the outside reversal is genuinely unavailable.
CoachAssist suggestion—not the source’s exact practice.
Other repairs remain written-only
Changes: entry, names only.
- A dribble exchange needs its own clear crossing routes. Mirroring the baseline action or renumbering cutters does not create a new version.
When to use it: Walk a chosen repair separately before adding it to live possessions.
Written variant · this option does not have its own walkthrough here.
CoachAssist suggestion—not the source’s exact practice.
How to teach it
Choose the level that matches what your players can do now. These steps work for boys and girls. Start simpler if players need more practice.
Practice it step by step
Learn two jobs without contact
Set it up: Three attackers and an adult passer near the basket.
- Walk the low screen and cutter route.
- Change jobs so the first screener practices receiving next.
Add more when: Players distinguish screening from cutting.
Check it in play
- Leave space around a stationary screener.
CoachAssist suggestion—not the source’s exact practice.
CoachAssist wrote these teaching steps. They are not an exact copy of any coach’s practice plan.
What can go wrong and how to adjust
- Primarily a man-defense attack in this reference. Switching can blunt predictable screening.
- The source does not establish a separate named flex drill.
Coaches and teams that use it
Gary Williams · Maryland
The source describes Flex as used by Maryland’s 2002 team. It does not cover every play that team ran.
Drills for this scheme · steps and diagrams
The level selector changes the teaching steps above. It does not change these drills. Check the number of players, equipment and difficulty before using a drill.
Down Screen Curl Drill
Court diagram · view the drill first
Builds a skill used in this scheme: Develops the next screen toward the baseline and the receiver turning closely around it after a Flex cut. This isolated decision does not include the baseline Flex screen or the full repeating pattern.
A screen for a low cutter creates a curved route around the screen when the defender follows behind.
4–12 players · 6–10 minutes · basketballs
Purpose
A screen for a low cutter creates a curved route around the screen when the defender follows behind.
Set it up
Four players: passer at the top, wing screener, cutter near the basket and a guided cutter defender. No additional help defender; one ball and a clear landing area. Spare balls and waiting players stay outside the active routes.
Run the drill
- Agree on a short timed interval and begin at walkthrough pace. Use one active ball and one group in the playing area; add controlled opposition only when players understand the routes and can stop safely.
- The screener moves into a legal, stationary downscreen position before the cutter leaves.
- The cutter sets up the defender, then curves around the screen toward the elbow—the end of the free-throw line—when the defender follows behind.
- The passer leads an available catch for a balanced shot or controlled finish; decline a covered pass.
- After the cutter clears, the screener opens as a second option. Rotate all four roles.
- End the repetition on a controlled finish, dead ball or coach stop. Clear the ball and landing area before restarting; rotate roles and rest within the planned interval, without extending it to reach a target.
Scoring
Optional: within a short coach-chosen timed interval, count sound decisions, controlled catches or completed defensive possessions. Stop at the planned time or sooner; no required makes, winning streak or exercise penalty. Rotate roles and allow rest regardless of the score.
Coach the details
- A curl is one response, not a mandatory cut against every coverage.
- Timing and clear routes matter more than contact or speed.
- Use comfortable passing and shooting distances and an appropriate ball. Progress by demonstrated control, not speed: keep eyes on the play, leave stopping/landing space, and stop if a route or loose ball creates a collision risk.
- Screens begin without contact. Establish a balanced, stationary position with the time and space required by the competition rules; keep arms in and do not lean, hold, shove or step into an approaching defender. Decline the action when legal clearance is unavailable.
Ways to adapt the drill
- Original CoachAssist display adaptation: these edited steps, workload limits and optional scoring are coaching adaptations, not a claim that the cited author prescribed this exact version.
- The teaching-level selector does not automatically adapt these drills for age or ability. A coach must choose suitable roles, equipment, contact, space and progressions; simplify or defer anything the group is not ready to perform.
Screen Setting Fundamentals (P.A.S.S.)
Court diagram · view the drill first
Builds a skill used in this scheme: Builds stationary-screen timing and cutter setup before connecting flex and downscreen actions; this is not a flex pattern.
A controlled progression teaches setting and using a stationary screen.
3–12 players · 5–10 minutes · basketballs
Purpose
A controlled progression teaches setting and using a stationary screen.
Set it up
Three players: screener, cutter and cooperative defender, plus a coach passer. Begin without contact on one side of a half court. Spare balls and waiting players stay outside the active routes.
Run the drill
- Agree on a short timed interval and begin at walkthrough pace. Use one active ball and one group in the playing area; add controlled opposition only when players understand the routes and can stop safely.
- The screener approaches at walkthrough pace and establishes a balanced position with legal clearance.
- The cutter waits until the screen is set, then moves close enough to use its angle without colliding with the screener.
- The coach passes only through an open window; the cutter catches balanced and may shoot from a comfortable range.
- The screener holds position until the cutter clears, then opens toward the ball. Rotate all player roles.
- End the repetition on a controlled finish, dead ball or coach stop. Clear the ball and landing area before restarting; rotate roles and rest within the planned interval, without extending it to reach a target.
Scoring
Optional: within a short coach-chosen timed interval, count sound decisions, controlled catches or completed defensive possessions. Stop at the planned time or sooner; no required makes, winning streak or exercise penalty. Rotate roles and allow rest regardless of the score.
Coach the details
- Do not require contact for a screen to count. Add guided defense only after the group understands positioning and timing.
- Use comfortable passing and shooting distances and an appropriate ball. Progress by demonstrated control, not speed: keep eyes on the play, leave stopping/landing space, and stop if a route or loose ball creates a collision risk.
- Screens begin without contact. Establish a balanced, stationary position with the time and space required by the competition rules; keep arms in and do not lean, hold, shove or step into an approaching defender. Decline the action when legal clearance is unavailable.
Ways to adapt the drill
- Original CoachAssist display adaptation: these edited steps, workload limits and optional scoring are coaching adaptations, not a claim that the cited author prescribed this exact version.
- The teaching-level selector does not automatically adapt these drills for age or ability. A coach must choose suitable roles, equipment, contact, space and progressions; simplify or defer anything the group is not ready to perform.
Sources and what we could confirm
The sources support the system guide. CoachAssist created the practice steps and checks; they are suggestions, not tested programs or a coach’s full playbook. The linked drills practice parts of the system.
The main ideas are supported by the sources below. These sources do not cover every possible version.
- Flex Offense
James A. Gels · Coach's Clipboard · publication date not listed
Public written coaching reference; undated unless specified. No linked paid video reviewed.
- Flex Offense
Basketball For Coaches · Basketball For Coaches · publication date not listed
Public written corner-pressure options reviewed. Organization credited; no individual byline or publication date established. Numbered teaching geometry is original.