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← Library of Schemes

offense

Spurs Motion Strong

In the documented Strong play, the ball handler passes to a teammate arriving behind the play and screens on the original ball side. A pass to the opposite side and a second screen help the corner player get open.

How it runs

Pass to the other side as 2 uses two screens

One Strong example: 2 uses two screens, then turns toward the basket. This drawing follows the actions in the sources; teams have used other versions. 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.

1. Pass back and become the first screenerHalf court diagram, frame 1 of 4: 1. Pass back and become the first screener. 5 players, showing pass, screen.12345

Diagram 1 of 4

1. Pass back and become the first screener

1 passes to following teammate 5, then moves down to set the first screen for corner player 2.

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.

This guide uses our selected historical Strong example. The full motion package changed over time; these original tasks teach the default inside cut and the separate outside-catch continuation.

In this guide · jump to a topic

Starting jobs and useful space

The first two passers create the screens

Our opening has 1 on the side with the ball, 5 following high, 2 in the near corner, 3 opposite and 4 inside away from the action. Identify 3 as the later passer before practicing 2’s route. A cutter cannot receive simply because two screens have been completed.

Keep the first screen distinct from the second. The receiver needs space to travel between them and see the next defender. The inside player should not occupy the cutter’s planned finish or the outside catch’s next driving lane.

CoachAssist suggestion—not the source’s exact practice.

Keep the possession going

Move the ball before demanding the cutter’s catch

Walk the pass back, pass across and screening jobs separately. Then connect them at a pace where the second screener is set before the cutter turns. The first screener leaves only after the cutter has cleared. Do not use continuous movement as an excuse for moving contact.

Let the cutter finish inside when that route is open. If the cutter continues outside, use the separately taught catch-to-screen continuation rather than forcing a late inside pass. After either catch, the team still needs distinct inside and outside receivers and a plan for the shot and rebound.

CoachAssist suggestion—not the source’s exact practice.

Decisions against the defense

The inside turn is occupied

When: A helper waits in the cutter’s route.

Do this: Keep the passer balanced and allow an outside receiving option when it is available.

Then: Do not make the cutter run through a helper merely to complete the default curve.

CoachAssist suggestion—not the source’s exact practice.

The outside receiver catches against close coverage

When: The catch is safe but the immediate shot is not.

Do this: Use the linked ball-screen continuation only after clearing the paint and setting the screen.

Then: If the screen cannot be organized, use a return rather than dribble into a teammate.

CoachAssist suggestion—not the source’s exact practice.

Basketball glossary

Open full glossary page

What to emphasize

  • CoachAssist starting progression: practice the pass to the opposite side and the timing of two screens along the cutter's route. Then add a defender who either follows the cutter or blocks the passing lane.

Problems, fixes and checks

The two screens become one crowd

Problem: The receiver cannot read between them.

Try this correction: Spread the screening jobs enough for a controlled route and a visible second decision.

Check: The cutter can pause between screens without standing inside either screener.

CoachAssist suggestion—not the source’s exact practice.

The ball reaches the passer after the cut

Problem: The receiver has already left the useful window.

Try this correction: Rehearse the passing connection before adding the cutter’s speed.

Check: Check ball arrival and screen arrival separately.

CoachAssist suggestion—not the source’s exact practice.

Versions and diagram coverage

Outside catch into a ball screen

Changes: read, continuation.

  • The initial Strong entry is shared. The cutter’s route and the next action change.

When to use it: Use after an outside catch when the shot is covered and the next screen can be set.

CoachAssist suggestion—not the source’s exact practice.

Strong is not Weak mirrored

Changes: entry, names only.

  • Compare the first pass and who changes sides, not just the final location of the shooter.

When to use it: Use the separate Weak guide to teach that entry; do not combine the calls.

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

Use one screen before adding two

Set it up: Cutter, screener and adult passer without live contact.

  1. Walk an outside and an inside receiving route.
  2. Change jobs after a controlled catch.

Add more when: The cutter waits for a set screen.

Check it in play
  • A catchable pass matters more than speed.

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
  • Historical filmed variants are not universal rules for every Spurs season.
Coaches and teams that use it
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.

Staggered Screen Shooting Drill
Court diagram · view the drill first

Basketball glossary

Open full glossary page

Builds a skill used in this scheme: Practices two connected screens and choosing to turn closely around a screen or move away for a pass after Strong’s pass to the opposite side; it does not contain the Strong entry or all five roles.

A shooter reads two separate off-ball screens in sequence.

4–12 players · 6–12 minutes · basketballs

Purpose

A shooter reads two separate off-ball screens in sequence.

Set it up

Four players: shooter, two screeners and passer, one ball. Start without a defender; a guided defender following the shooter needs a fifth player. Separate the screening positions and clear the landing area. Spare balls and waiting players stay outside the active routes.

Run the drill

  1. 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.
  2. Both screeners establish stationary positions with enough separation for two distinct reads.
  3. The shooter sets up the route, waits for each screen and uses the appropriate curl, straight or outward cut.
  4. The passer delivers only to an open, balanced receiving window.
  5. After the cutter clears, screeners open to separate possible outlets; reset before changing side or role.
  6. 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

  • One ball and one side are active; screeners never close space by leaning or moving into a defender.
  • Read the chosen defender cue rather than expecting contact or a guaranteed shot.
  • 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.
Pin Down Four Reads
Court diagram · view the drill first

Basketball glossary

Open full glossary page

Builds a skill used in this scheme: Develops the cutter’s response to a defender following, taking a route between cutter and screener, or denying the route above the screen. It teaches a narrow screening decision, not Motion Strong itself.

A screen for a low cutter offers a curved cut, a straight cut, an outward cut or a cut behind the defender, depending on the guided defense.

4–12 players · 8–15 minutes · basketballs

Purpose

A screen for a low cutter offers a curved cut, a straight cut, an outward cut or a cut behind the defender, depending on the guided defense.

Set it up

Four players: passer, screener, cutter and guided cutter defender; a coach indicates the coverage. Use one ball and rehearse one cut at a time. Spare balls and waiting players stay outside the active routes.

Run the drill

  1. 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.
  2. The defender shows the agreed cue; the screener becomes stationary before the cutter leaves.
  3. When the defender follows behind, consider curving around the screen; if the route opens, consider the straight cut.
  4. If the defender leaves space or stands above the cutter to block the route toward the screen, consider moving outward or cutting behind the defender only when that space is clear.
  5. Pass to an available target for a controlled shot or reset. Rotate all four roles.
  6. 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

  • These are possible reads, not guaranteed scoring outcomes.
  • The diagram’s four paths are alternatives. A sound read still counts as learning when a shot misses.
  • 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.

Spurs Motion Strong · Library of Schemes · CoachAssist