Series: Teaching Off-Ball Movement Through Continuous Offenses: Part 3.
Why the Flex Offense Still Works in Today’s Game
Few offenses have stood the test of time like the Flex Offense. It’s structured enough to build discipline, yet fluid enough to teach how to play, not just how to run plays.
From Gary Williams’ Maryland teams that won the 2002 National Championship, to Boston College under Al Skinner, to Utah State with Stew Morrill, the Flex has consistently produced smart, unselfish basketball.
Those programs proved that when taught with spacing and tempo, the Flex remains a powerful foundation for player development.
Today’s coaches often run it out of a 4-Out alignment, opening the floor for modern spacing while keeping its two timeless building blocks:
A baseline Flex screen that teaches players how to cut and read defenders.
A pin-down screen for the screener that teaches timing, rhythm, and reversal.
Both of these screens are featured in our article, Off-Ball Screens Essential for your Basketball Offense.
Formation and Setup
The Flex Offense typically starts in a 4-Out alignment, four perimeter players spaced around the arc and one interior screener along the lane line.
Alignment
1 – Ball handler up top (strong side).
2 – Opposite slot guard (sets the downscreen).
3 – Strong-side corner (spacing).
4 – Weak-side block (sets the Flex screen).
5 – Weak-side corner (makes the Flex cut).
The action unfolds on the weak side of the floor, away from the ball, allowing space for reversals or dribble penetration on the strong side.
Coaching Tip
The weak-side action and strong-side spacing should work together, never collide. When the Flex side moves, the ball stays patient on the top side until the reversal is ready
Primary Action: The Flex Cut and Downscreen
The Flex offense operates in a smooth, repeating rhythm: cross screen → downscreen → reversal → repeat.
1. Flex Screen (Baseline Cross Screen)
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4 (weak-side block) sets a horizontal screen across the lane for 5 (weak-side corner).
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5 makes a baseline Flex cut under the basket to the opposite block, looking for a quick layup if the defense trails or switches.
2. Pin-Down (Screen for the Screener)
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As soon as 4 sets the Flex screen, 2 (weak-side guard) sets a pin-down screen for 4.
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4 uses the screen to pop up to the slot or elbow area, ready for a pass or ball reversal.
3. Ball Reversal and Continuity
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The ball reverses through the top (1 → 2 → 4).
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Once the ball hits the new side, the same Flex-and-downscreen sequence repeats on the opposite side of the floor.
This continuous side-to-side motion teaches players how to time screens, cut with purpose, and stay connected through ball movement.
How the Flex Teaches Timing and Screening
Teaches Screen Timing
Every action in the Flex is chained together, the next screen only happens when the previous one completes. Players learn to move in sync, not on instinct.
Reinforces Proper Screening Angles
Flex screen: flat across the lane, chest-to-shoulder contact.
Downscreen: vertical, with inside foot aimed toward the cutter’s target area.
After contact: screeners open to the ball and look to flash or seal.
Builds Rhythm and Spacing
The repetition of pass → cut → replace → reverse creates offensive flow.
It forces teams to maintain 4-Out spacing and keeps the floor balanced for natural drive-and-kick opportunities when the defense overhelps.
How to Teach It in Practice
Step 1: Walkthrough (No Defense)
Start with the weak-side Flex cut and pin-down.
Emphasize the sequence: “Set the cross screen, then use the downscreen.”
Keep players 15-18 feet apart at all times.
Step 2: Add Guided Defense
Use defenders to trail, switch, or bump cutters.
Stop and explain the correct read:
If trailed, finish the cut.
If switched, seal and post.
If denied, back-cut.
Step 3: Live Continuity
Run the pattern through two or three reversals.
Focus on the tempo; not speed, but rhythm.
Why the Flex Fits Youth and High School Teams
✅ Simple enough to install quickly, but complex enough to teach team concepts.
✅ Builds screening and cutting habits that transfer to any offense.
✅ Creates natural shot opportunities without relying on isolation play.
✅ Teaches patience — every good look comes from timing and trust.
The Flex is one of the best developmental offenses for teaching team basketball.
Building the Flex Offense in Hoops Lab
In Hoops Lab, you can:
Diagram the Flex screen + downscreen sequence for both sides.
Adjust the spacing to your preferred 4-Out setup.
Add reads like slips, flares, and skip passes once players master the base pattern.
Share and animate plays so players see timing before they step on the court.
Seeing the pattern visually helps reinforce the flow and pace that make Flex work.
What’s Next in the Series
Next, we’ll introduce the Double Down-Screen motion, continuing to emphasize court balance, timing, and screen-the-screener concepts.
Revisit the Series
Go back to other articles in this series to build your offense with continuous motion concepts from the ground up:
Part 1: Teaching Off-ball Movement with Continuous Motion Offenses
Part 2: Developing Decision-Makers with the Read and React Offense
Part 3: The Flex Offense: Teaching Timing and Screening
Part 4: Teaching Off-Ball Movement with the Double Down-Screen Motion Offense
Part 5: 5 Offensive Habits Every Player Should Learn from Continuous Motion Systems
Frequently Asked Questions: Flex Offense
Why does the Flex run on the weak side?
It keeps the ball side clear for drives and reversals, while the weak-side action develops spacing and timing for the next pass.
Do I need post players to run Flex?
No, any player who can set solid screens and move with purpose can run the inside positions. With the continuous motion of the Flex offense, your players will often find themselves playing positionless basketball.
How do I stop it from getting repetitive?
Add layers: slips, flares, and skip reversals all flow naturally from the base Flex structure without changing spacing.
Can I start Flex from a 5-Out set?
Absolutely. The Flex can morph from 4-Out or 5-Out, the pattern and teaching concepts remain the same.
How can Hoops Lab help me teach this offense?
With Hoops Lab, you can animate, share, and edit your Flex sequences to show players how the actions connect, visually reinforcing timing and spacing before practice.H