Half-court offense is a basketball term to define organized offensive play wherein the offensive team will use set positions and predetermined plays to overpower the half-court defense.
Doing so, will in turn allow them to shoot a basket.
It is also a catch-all term for any kind of planned offense employed by an offensive team when they are facing a set play used by the defensive team. It consists of strategies that may include set and motion offenses.
Early offenses and fast breaks are considered half-court offensive plays.
This is a highly flexible offensive strategy that allows the offensive team to keep control of the tempo of the game. It can also be used to help run out the shot clock.
Example of Use:
- The Boston Celtics employed an impressive half-court offense as they let the clock run down during the second quarter.