How to Run the Spread Continuity Offense

Every team needs a set it can go to when a possession has to be organized. The Spread is a continuity offense I keep on the list for those moments, when we need some structure and discipline to get a bucket.

It’s a continuity, which means the pattern resets itself. Once your players know the four steps, they can run it for as long as it takes to get the shot you want.

The starting alignment

The point guard (1) has the ball at the top. The 2 and 3 are on the wings, and the 4 and 5 start high and wide on each side. The lane is open.

Step 1: Wing entry and back-side screen

1 passes to 2 on the wing, then cuts to the back-side block and screens for 5. 3 cuts to the ball-side block. 5 makes an L-cut off the screen from 1 and comes to the top of the circle.

Step 2: Reverse the ball

2 reverses the ball to 5 at the top, and 5 passes on to 1 on the opposite wing. 3 follows the ball, rolling across the lane to the new ball-side block.

Step 3: Clear and screen again

3 holds at the block for one second, then clears to the corner. 5 cuts to the back-side block and sets a screen for 4. 2 cuts off 5 to the ball-side block, and 4 makes an L-cut off the screen to the top of the circle.

Step 4: Reverse again and repeat

After screening, 5 steps out to the wing. 1 reverses the ball to 4, who passes to 5. 2 rolls across the lane with the ball, and the cycle starts over.

When to call it

Call the Spread when you need structure: coming out of a timeout, protecting a lead, or settling your team down after a few rushed possessions. The post player following the ball gets a look on every reversal, and the L-cuts to the top give you a shooter coming off a screen.

Teaching points

Teach it 5-on-0 first until the cuts are automatic. Insist on the one-second hold at the block before the post clears. Without it, the cutter and the post end up in the same spot.

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About the author: Coach Chris Murray coached basketball for more than 17 years at every level and won over 220 games, including the 2026 state championship at Parkersburg. R&G Basketball is where he shares the practice plans, playbooks and drills he used. More about Coach Murray.

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