Memphis Basketball Plays: 2006 Dribble Drive Motion Sets
Offense

Memphis Basketball Plays: 2006 Dribble Drive Motion Sets

Memphis basketball plays from the 2006 dribble drive motion: the loop cut, Drop, Quick, X, Swing and Pop sets drawn frame by frame.

By · Published October 29, 2026 · Updated October 17, 2026 · 31 min read

: A basketball coach sharing what he has learned with other coaches.

Memphis basketball plays in this collection are fourteen dribble drive motion actions from the 2006 Memphis material, and this guide draws every frame of every one.

Memphis basketball plays in this collection come from the dribble drive motion as the 2006 Memphis material lays it out. It splits the floor into zones and names the right side the 2 side and the left side the 3 side, because 2 and 3 always start there. 1 picks a side in the breakdown zone, about the top of the key. A drive that cannot get by its man stops in the drop zone, just outside the elbow, and a drive that gets past it is in rack it, where the driver goes to the rim. The sets are the calls built on those words: Drop, Quick, X, Swing and Pop. This page draws 14 actions across 43 frames. Every frame of the original is redrawn, and the text under it names where all five players go. For the system as a whole, start with the dribble drive motion offense.

Every action here starts with a drive that stops in the drop zone or a quick pass to a corner man stepping up, and almost every one ends with the passer loop cutting to the corner and the next drive going the other way.

Memphis Basketball Plays at a Glance

Two actions show the floor and the break, three are the base drive and loop chain, five are Drop calls and four are entries called by name. The material also uses a few words of its own. The T is the spot a foot below the nail in the lane, and a T cut is a cut to it. A gap cut is a flash into the lane by 5 that opens a passing window for the man who stops in the drop zone. A pitch back is a pass from a stopped driver to the man filling behind him. A back dribble at a defender is the signal for a T cut. A Quick is the entry pass to 2 or 3, who must come at least a step up out of the corner to catch it.

PlayFamilyFramesWhat it does
Loop CutThe Floor Zones and the Loop Cut2The core read in the 2006 Memphis material. The ball handler stops in the drop zone, the corner man comes straight up for the pass, and the passer loops behind him to the corner.
Early LanesThe Floor Zones and the Loop Cut1The lanes on the break before the motion starts. 2 always runs the right side and 3 the left, so the 2 side and the 3 side are set before the first drive.
Motion 3Motion 3 and the Drive and Loop Chain3The base drive and loop. Drive to the drop zone, pass to the man coming out of the corner, loop cut, and the next drive goes the other way.
HighMotion 3 and the Drive and Loop Chain3Motion 3 with 5 starting at the left elbow instead of the block. He moves from elbow to elbow as the ball changes sides.
Motion 3 QuickMotion 3 and the Drive and Loop Chain5A middle drive and a pitch back to 4 start it. The drive, pass and loop cut then move side to side and finish with a clear-out for 2.
Drop 2The Drop Series31 drops in the drop zone on the 2 side, 2 goes backdoor, and the ball is pitched back to 3 coming behind the drive.
Drop 2 Loop CutThe Drop Series3Drop 2 with a loop cut. 2 comes straight out of the corner for the pass, 1 loops behind him, and 5 gap cuts as the next drive stops.
Drop 3The Drop Series3The Drop 2 idea on the 3 side. 1 starts it with a back dribble, which sends 4 on a T cut, and drops on the left side.
Drop 3 Loop CutThe Drop Series3Drop 3 with the corner man coming straight out for the pass and the passer looping behind him to the corner.
Drop 5The Drop Series41 drops on the 2 side, 2 goes backdoor, and 5 flashes high to catch and go to work from the free-throw line.
XQuick, X, Swing and Pop Entries4A quick pass to 2, a T cut that frees 4 into the post, then a swing and a screen for 4 by 5.
Quick SwingQuick, X, Swing and Pop Entries3A quick pass to 2 and a basket cut by 1, a hard dribble at 4, a swing to 3 and a curl by 1 off 5, ending in a post feed to 5.
SwingQuick, X, Swing and Pop Entries21 swings the ball to 4, 4 finds 3 coming out of the corner, and 3 feeds 5 on his duck in. Then the floor rotates.
Pop 4Quick, X, Swing and Pop Entries41 dribbles 2 through to the far corner and hits 4 flashing high. 4 attacks as 3 and 5 set a staggered screen for 2, with a dribble hand-off option.

How to Read These Diagrams

Every play is drawn frame by frame, one diagram for each frame of the original, and the text under each diagram says where every player starts and where he goes. The basket is at the bottom of each diagram. Sides are named as a player sees them facing the basket, so the left wing is on the right side of the picture. A solid arrow is a cut, a dashed arrow is a pass, a wavy line is a dribble and a line ending in a short bar is a screen. The diagram guide covers the symbols in full. No offensive player starts a frame standing in the lane. Where a source frame had someone there, he is drawn on the nearest lane line or block.

The Floor Zones and the Loop Cut

Loop Cut

The core read in the 2006 Memphis material. The ball handler stops in the drop zone, the corner man comes straight up for the pass, and the passer loops behind him to the corner.

Memphis basketball plays diagram of Loop Cut, frame 1: the drop and the straight cut out of the corner
Loop Cut, frame 1: the drop and the straight cut out of the corner.

Frame 1. 1 has the ball in the right slot, 4 is in the left slot, 2 in the right corner, 3 in the left corner and 5 on the left block. 1 drives down the right side and stops in the drop zone, just outside the right elbow. 2 comes straight up out of the right corner to the right wing and 1 passes to him. 3 lifts from the left corner to the left wing, and 5 flashes up the left lane line to the left elbow.

Memphis basketball plays diagram of Loop Cut, frame 2: the loop cut
Loop Cut, frame 2: the loop cut.

Frame 2. 2 has the ball on the right wing, 1 is just outside the right elbow, 5 at the left elbow, 3 just inside the arc on the left side and 4 in the left slot. 1 makes the loop cut. He bends down toward the baseline and around to the right corner, the spot 2 just left. 2 drives back toward the right elbow. 3 drops back to the left corner, 5 drops to the left block and 4 slides across to the top of the key behind the ball.

Early Lanes

The lanes on the break before the motion starts. 2 always runs the right side and 3 the left, so the 2 side and the 3 side are set before the first drive.

Memphis basketball plays diagram of Early Lanes, frame 1: the early lanes
Early Lanes, frame 1: the early lanes.

Frame 1. 1 brings the ball up the floor in the right slot, 4 trails in the left slot, 5 runs up the middle, 2 runs wide on the right side and 3 wide on the left. 2 fills the right corner, 3 fills the left corner and 5 runs straight to the rim. 1 pushes the ball on the dribble and throws ahead only with numbers, a wide open shot for 2 or 3, or a clear lane for one of them to drive. 4 trails on the side away from 1, in the left slot.

Motion 3 and the Drive and Loop Chain

Motion 3

The base drive and loop. Drive to the drop zone, pass to the man coming out of the corner, loop cut, and the next drive goes the other way.

Memphis basketball plays diagram of Motion 3, frame 1: 1 drives to the drop zone and loop cuts
Motion 3, frame 1: 1 drives to the drop zone and loop cuts.

Frame 1. 1 has the ball in the right slot, 4 is in the left slot, 2 in the right corner, 3 in the left corner and 5 on the left block. 1 drives into the drop zone at the right elbow. 2 comes straight up out of the right corner to the right wing and 1 passes to him. 1 then loop cuts, down the lane line and around to the right corner.

Memphis basketball plays diagram of Motion 3, frame 2: 2 drives the middle, 3 catches and 2 loops
Motion 3, frame 2: 2 drives the middle, 3 catches and 2 loops.

Frame 2. 2 has the ball on the right wing, 1 is in the right corner, 4 in the left slot, 3 in the left corner and 5 on the left block. 2 drives to the middle and stops at the free-throw line. 3 comes two steps up out of the left corner to the left wing and 2 passes to him. 2 loop cuts to the left corner. 4 slides across to the right slot to replace 1, and 5 moves under the basket to the right block.

Memphis basketball plays diagram of Motion 3, frame 3: 3 drives, hits 1 and loops
Motion 3, frame 3: 3 drives, hits 1 and loops.

Frame 3. 3 has the ball on the left wing, 4 is in the right slot, 2 in the left corner, 1 in the right corner and 5 on the right block. 3 drives to the middle of the free-throw line. 1 comes straight up out of the right corner to the right wing and 3 passes to him, then 3 loop cuts to the right corner. 4 slides from the right slot to the left slot, and 5 moves under the basket to the left block.

High

Motion 3 with 5 starting at the left elbow instead of the block. He moves from elbow to elbow as the ball changes sides.

Memphis basketball plays diagram of High, frame 1: 5 starts high
High, frame 1: 5 starts high.

Frame 1. 1 has the ball in the right slot, 4 is in the left slot, 2 in the right corner, 3 in the left corner and 5 at the left elbow. 1 drives into the drop zone at the right elbow. 2 comes straight up out of the right corner to the right wing, and 1 passes to him and loop cuts to the right corner. 5 holds the left elbow.

Memphis basketball plays diagram of High, frame 2: 2 drives the middle and 5 switches elbows
High, frame 2: 2 drives the middle and 5 switches elbows.

Frame 2. 2 has the ball on the right wing, 1 is in the right corner, 4 in the left slot, 3 in the left corner and 5 at the left elbow. 2 drives to the middle of the free-throw line. 3 comes two steps up out of the left corner to the left wing, 2 passes to him, and 2 loop cuts to the left corner. 4 slides to the right slot to replace 1, and 5 moves across the lane to the right elbow.

Memphis basketball plays diagram of High, frame 3: 3 drives, hits 1 and loops
High, frame 3: 3 drives, hits 1 and loops.

Frame 3. 3 has the ball on the left wing, 4 is in the right slot, 2 in the left corner, 1 in the right corner and 5 at the right elbow. 3 drives to the middle of the free-throw line. 1 comes straight up out of the right corner to the right wing for 3's pass, and 3 loop cuts to the right corner. 4 slides from the right slot to the left slot, and 5 moves back across the lane toward the left elbow.

Motion 3 Quick

A middle drive and a pitch back to 4 start it. The drive, pass and loop cut then move side to side and finish with a clear-out for 2.

Memphis basketball plays diagram of Motion 3 Quick, frame 1: 1 drives the middle and pitches back to 4
Motion 3 Quick, frame 1: 1 drives the middle and pitches back to 4.

Frame 1. 1 has the ball in the right slot, 4 is in the left slot, 2 in the right corner, 3 in the left corner and 5 on the left block. 1 drives into the middle, to just above the free-throw line. 4 fills in behind him toward the top of the key, and 1 pitches the ball back to 4.

Memphis basketball plays diagram of Motion 3 Quick, frame 2: 4 drives to the drop zone and loop cuts
Motion 3 Quick, frame 2: 4 drives to the drop zone and loop cuts.

Frame 2. 4 has the ball at the top of the key, 1 is at the nail, 2 in the right corner, 3 in the left corner and 5 on the left block. 4 drives into the drop zone at the right elbow. 2 comes straight up out of the right corner to the right wing and 4 passes to him, then 4 loop cuts to the right corner. 3 comes up out of the left corner to the left wing. 1 stays at the free-throw line.

Memphis basketball plays diagram of Motion 3 Quick, frame 3: 2 drives the middle, hits 3 and loops
Motion 3 Quick, frame 3: 2 drives the middle, hits 3 and loops.

Frame 3. 2 has the ball on the right wing, 1 is just above the free-throw line, 4 in the right corner, 3 on the left wing and 5 on the left block. 2 drives into the lane and passes to 3 on the left wing, then loop cuts to the left corner. 1 steps out to the left slot and cuts back across to the top of the key, behind the ball.

Memphis basketball plays diagram of Motion 3 Quick, frame 4: 3 drives, pitches back to 1 and loops
Motion 3 Quick, frame 4: 3 drives, pitches back to 1 and loops.

Frame 4. 3 has the ball on the left wing, 1 is in the right slot, 2 in the left corner, 4 in the right corner and 5 on the left block. 3 drives across into the middle of the lane, and 1 fills behind him to the top of the key and catches the pitch back. 3 loop cuts to the right corner and 4 comes up out of the right corner to the right wing. 1 takes a dribble toward the left slot and makes a quick pass to 2, who steps up out of the left corner.

Memphis basketball plays diagram of Motion 3 Quick, frame 5: the clear-out for 2
Motion 3 Quick, frame 5: the clear-out for 2.

Frame 5. 2 has the ball in the left corner, 1 is in the left slot, 4 on the right wing, 3 in the right corner and 5 on the left block. 1 basket cuts down the left lane line and clears along the baseline to the right corner. 5 moves under the basket to the right block, 3 comes up to the right wing and 4 lifts to the right slot. That leaves 2 alone on the left side to go one on one.

The Drop Series

Drop 2

1 drops in the drop zone on the 2 side, 2 goes backdoor, and the ball is pitched back to 3 coming behind the drive.

Memphis basketball plays diagram of Drop 2, frame 1: 1 drops and 2 goes backdoor
Drop 2, frame 1: 1 drops and 2 goes backdoor.

Frame 1. 1 has the ball in the right slot, 4 is at the top of the key, 2 in the right corner, 3 in the left corner and 5 on the right block. 1 drives and stops in the drop zone, just outside the right elbow. 2 takes a step up, then cuts backdoor along the baseline all the way to the left corner. 5 goes the other way, under the basket to the left block. 4 moves over behind 1, to the right slot, and 3 comes two steps up out of the left corner to the left wing.

Memphis basketball plays diagram of Drop 2, frame 2: the gap cut and the pitch back
Drop 2, frame 2: the gap cut and the pitch back.

Frame 2. 1 has the ball just outside the right elbow, 2 is in the left corner, 3 on the left wing, 4 in the right slot and 5 on the left block. 5 makes a gap cut, flashing up into the lane toward the left elbow to open a passing window for 1. 3 cuts across the top of the key to the right slot, behind 1, and 1 pitches the ball back to him. 4 goes down to the right corner to replace 2.

Memphis basketball plays diagram of Drop 2, frame 3: 3 drives and the action repeats
Drop 2, frame 3: 3 drives and the action repeats.

Frame 3. 3 has the ball in the right slot, 1 is just outside the right elbow, 5 at the left elbow, 4 in the right corner and 2 in the left corner. 3 looks for his shot, then drives down the right side. 5 goes back under the left block. 1 steps out and fills in behind 3, near the top of the key. 4 comes one step up out of the right corner and 2 comes two steps up out of the left corner to the left wing. The same action can run again.

Drop 2 Loop Cut

Drop 2 with a loop cut. 2 comes straight out of the corner for the pass, 1 loops behind him, and 5 gap cuts as the next drive stops.

Memphis basketball plays diagram of Drop 2 Loop Cut, frame 1: 1 drops and 2 comes straight out
Drop 2 Loop Cut, frame 1: 1 drops and 2 comes straight out.

Frame 1. 1 has the ball in the right slot, 4 is at the top of the key, 2 in the right corner, 3 in the left corner and 5 on the right block. 1 drives into the drop zone at the right elbow. 2 comes straight up out of the right corner to the right wing and 1 passes to him. 5 goes under the basket to the left block, then gap cuts up the left lane line toward the left elbow. 3 comes two steps up out of the left corner to the left wing.

Memphis basketball plays diagram of Drop 2 Loop Cut, frame 2: 1 loops, 2 drives and pitches back to 4
Drop 2 Loop Cut, frame 2: 1 loops, 2 drives and pitches back to 4.

Frame 2. 2 has the ball on the right wing, 4 is at the top of the key, 1 just outside the right elbow, 5 at the left elbow, and 3 on the left wing. 1 loop cuts to the right corner. 2 looks for his shot, then drives to the right elbow. 5 dives back toward the left block and 3 returns to the left corner. 4 replaces behind the drive in the right slot, and 2 pitches the ball back to him.

Memphis basketball plays diagram of Drop 2 Loop Cut, frame 3: 4 drives and 2 replaces him
Drop 2 Loop Cut, frame 3: 4 drives and 2 replaces him.

Frame 3. 4 has the ball in the right slot, 2 is at the nail, 1 in the right corner, 3 in the left corner and 5 on the left block. 4 drives toward the right elbow, looking to score or kick the ball back to 2. 2 steps out of the lane and replaces 4 in the right slot. 1 comes one step up out of the right corner and 3 comes two steps up out of the left corner, both ready for a skip pass. 5 stays under the left block.

Drop 3

The Drop 2 idea on the 3 side. 1 starts it with a back dribble, which sends 4 on a T cut, and drops on the left side.

Memphis basketball plays diagram of Drop 3, frame 1: the back dribble, the T cut and the drop on the 3 side
Drop 3, frame 1: the back dribble, the T cut and the drop on the 3 side.

Frame 1. 1 has the ball in the right slot, 4 is in the left slot, 2 in the right corner, 3 in the left corner and 5 on the left block. 1 attacks, then back dribbles. That tells 4 to T cut: he cuts to the T, just below the nail in the lane, and back out to the top of the key to replace behind 1. 1 then dribbles across to the drop zone at the left elbow. 3 takes a step up, then cuts backdoor along the baseline to the right corner. 5 goes under the basket to the right block, and 2 comes two steps up out of the right corner to the right wing.

Memphis basketball plays diagram of Drop 3, frame 2: the gap cut and the pitch back to 2
Drop 3, frame 2: the gap cut and the pitch back to 2.

Frame 2. 1 has the ball in the drop zone at the left elbow, 4 is at the top of the key, 3 in the right corner, 5 on the right block, and 2 on the right wing. 5 gap cuts up the right side of the lane toward the right elbow. 2 runs around the top of the key to the left slot, behind 1, and 1 pitches the ball back to him. 4 goes down to the left corner to replace 3.

Memphis basketball plays diagram of Drop 3, frame 3: 2 drives and the action repeats
Drop 3, frame 3: 2 drives and the action repeats.

Frame 3. 2 has the ball in the left slot, 1 is at the left elbow, 5 at the right elbow, 4 in the left corner and 3 in the right corner. 2 looks for his shot, then drives down the left side. 5 goes back under the right block. 1 steps out and replaces 2 in the left slot. 4 comes one step up out of the left corner and 3 comes two steps up out of the right corner to the right wing. The action can run again.

Drop 3 Loop Cut

Drop 3 with the corner man coming straight out for the pass and the passer looping behind him to the corner.

Memphis basketball plays diagram of Drop 3 Loop Cut, frame 1: the back dribble, the drop and the pass to 3
Drop 3 Loop Cut, frame 1: the back dribble, the drop and the pass to 3.

Frame 1. 1 has the ball in the right slot, 4 is in the left slot, 2 in the right corner, 3 in the left corner and 5 on the left block. 1 back dribbles, and 4 T cuts to the T and back out to the top of the key. 1 dribbles across to the drop zone at the left elbow. 3 comes straight up out of the left corner to the left wing and 1 passes to him. 5 goes under the basket to the right block, then gap cuts up toward the right elbow. 2 comes two steps up out of the right corner to the right wing.

Memphis basketball plays diagram of Drop 3 Loop Cut, frame 2: 1 loops, 3 drives and pitches back to 4
Drop 3 Loop Cut, frame 2: 1 loops, 3 drives and pitches back to 4.

Frame 2. 3 has the ball on the left wing, 1 is at the left elbow, 5 at the right elbow, 2 on the right wing and 4 in the right slot. 1 loop cuts to the left corner. 3 looks for his shot, then drives toward the left elbow. 5 dives toward the right block and 2 goes down to the right corner. 4 replaces behind the drive in the left slot, and 3 pitches the ball back to him.

Memphis basketball plays diagram of Drop 3 Loop Cut, frame 3: 4 drives and 3 replaces him
Drop 3 Loop Cut, frame 3: 4 drives and 3 replaces him.

Frame 3. 4 has the ball in the left slot, 3 is at the left elbow, 1 in the left corner, 5 on the right block and 2 in the right corner. 4 drives toward the left elbow, looking to score or kick the ball back to 3. 3 steps out to the top of the key and slides back left to replace 4. 1 comes one step up out of the left corner and 2 comes two steps up out of the right corner to the right wing, both ready for a skip pass.

Drop 5

1 drops on the 2 side, 2 goes backdoor, and 5 flashes high to catch and go to work from the free-throw line.

Memphis basketball plays diagram of Drop 5, frame 1: the drop, the backdoor and the high post flash
Drop 5, frame 1: the drop, the backdoor and the high post flash.

Frame 1. 1 has the ball in the right slot, 4 is in the left slot, 2 in the right corner, 3 in the left corner and 5 on the left block. 1 dribbles into the drop zone at the right elbow. 2 steps up, then cuts backdoor along the baseline to the left corner. 4 moves over behind 1, to the top of the key, 3 comes up out of the left corner to the left wing, and 5 flashes high to the free-throw line, where 1 passes to him.

Memphis basketball plays diagram of Drop 5, frame 2: 1 cuts through and the floor refills
Drop 5, frame 2: 1 cuts through and the floor refills.

Frame 2. 5 has the ball at the free-throw line, just left of the nail. 1 is just outside the right elbow, 3 on the left wing, 2 in the left corner and 4 in the right slot. 1 cuts through under the basket to the left short corner. 4 spaces out to the right wing, 3 fills the top of the key and 2 comes up to the left wing. 5 looks to take his man off the dribble.

Memphis basketball plays diagram of Drop 5, frame 3: 5 kicks to 4 and dives
Drop 5, frame 3: 5 kicks to 4 and dives.

Frame 3. 5 has the ball at the free-throw line, 4 is on the right wing, 3 at the top of the key, 2 on the left wing and 1 in the left corner. 1 moved from the left short corner to the left corner, a move with no arrow drawn. If 5 cannot beat his man, he passes to 4 and dives to the right block.

Memphis basketball plays diagram of Drop 5, frame 4: 4 posts to 5 and spaces
Drop 5, frame 4: 4 posts to 5 and spaces.

Frame 4. 4 has the ball on the right wing, 5 is on the right block, 3 at the top of the key, 2 on the left wing and 1 in the left corner. 4 looks to post the ball to 5, then spaces to the right corner. 3 slides toward the ball, to the right slot above the right elbow. 2 spaces up from the left wing to the left slot for a skip pass, and 1 stays in the left corner.

Quick, X, Swing and Pop Entries

X

A quick pass to 2, a T cut that frees 4 into the post, then a swing and a screen for 4 by 5.

Memphis basketball plays diagram of X, frame 1: 1 quicks 2
X, frame 1: 1 quicks 2.

Frame 1. 1 has the ball in the right slot, 4 is in the left slot, 2 in the right corner, 3 in the left corner and 5 on the left block. 1 takes a few dribbles toward the right side, and 2 steps up out of the right corner to catch the quick pass. 3 comes two steps up out of the left corner to the left wing.

Memphis basketball plays diagram of X, frame 2: the T cut and 4 into the post
X, frame 2: the T cut and 4 into the post.

Frame 2. 2 has the ball in the right corner, 1 is in the right slot, 4 in the left slot, 3 on the left wing and 5 low on the left side by the baseline. 1 T cuts to the T, just below the nail, and back out to the top of the key. His cut is a brush screen for 4, who comes off 1's back and across the lane to the right block. 2 looks to post the ball to 4.

Memphis basketball plays diagram of X, frame 3: the swing to 1 and 4 ducks in
X, frame 3: the swing to 1 and 4 ducks in.

Frame 3. 2 has the ball in the right corner, 4 is on the right block, 1 at the top of the key, 3 on the left wing and 5 on the left block. If 2 cannot post the ball to 4, 1 slides to the right slot and 2 swings the ball to him. 3 moves up to the top of the key to replace 1. 4 ducks in, stepping up and into the lane for a pass from 1.

Memphis basketball plays diagram of X, frame 4: 4 comes off 5's screen
X, frame 4: 4 comes off 5's screen.

Frame 4. 1 has the ball in the right slot, 3 is in the left slot, 4 on the right block, 5 on the left block and 2 on the right wing. He came up from the right corner with no arrow drawn. If 4 is not open on the duck in, 1 swings the ball to 3. 5 screens for 4, and 4 runs along the baseline under 5's screen, then up to the left wing for 3's pass. 5 ducks in after the screen. If he is not open, 4 drives and the team goes back to its driving motion reads.

Quick Swing

A quick pass to 2 and a basket cut by 1, a hard dribble at 4, a swing to 3 and a curl by 1 off 5, ending in a post feed to 5.

Memphis basketball plays diagram of Quick Swing, frame 1: 1 quicks 2 and basket cuts
Quick Swing, frame 1: 1 quicks 2 and basket cuts.

Frame 1. 1 has the ball in the right slot, 4 is in the left slot, 2 in the right corner, 3 in the left corner and 5 on the left block. 1 drives into the drop zone, and 2 steps up out of the right corner for the quick pass. 1 then basket cuts down the right lane line and along the baseline to the left short corner. 4 moves over behind 1, to the right slot, and 3 comes up out of the left corner to the left wing.

Memphis basketball plays diagram of Quick Swing, frame 2: the dribble at 4, the swing to 3 and the curl
Quick Swing, frame 2: the dribble at 4, the swing to 3 and the curl.

Frame 2. 2 has the ball in the right corner, 4 is in the right slot, 3 on the left wing, 5 on the left block and 1 in the left short corner. 2 hard dribbles up at 4 and passes him the ball. 4 hard dribbles to the top of the key and swings the ball to 3 on the left wing. 1 curl cuts around 5, brushing 5's defender, and runs across the lane to the right corner. 5 ducks in hard, a move with no arrow in the diagram.

Memphis basketball plays diagram of Quick Swing, frame 3: 3 posts to 5 and the floor moves
Quick Swing, frame 3: 3 posts to 5 and the floor moves.

Frame 3. 3 has the ball on the left wing, 5 is on the left block, 4 at the top of the key, 1 in the right corner and 2 just above him, low on the right side. 3 posts the ball to 5, then cuts down to the left corner. 4 dives to the right block, the block opposite the ball. 1 comes out of the right corner to the right slot, and 2 runs along the arc to the left slot.

Swing

1 swings the ball to 4, 4 finds 3 coming out of the corner, and 3 feeds 5 on his duck in. Then the floor rotates.

Memphis basketball plays diagram of Swing, frame 1: the swing and the feed to 5
Swing, frame 1: the swing and the feed to 5.

Frame 1. 1 has the ball deep in the right slot, 4 is deep in the left slot, 2 in the right corner, 3 in the left corner and 5 under the basket on the left lane line. 1 takes a dribble, 4 steps up, and 1 swings the ball to 4. 3 comes up out of the left corner to the left wing and 4 passes to him. 5 follows the ball and ducks in on the left block, and 3 feeds him.

Memphis basketball plays diagram of Swing, frame 2: 3 cuts through and the floor rotates
Swing, frame 2: 3 cuts through and the floor rotates.

Frame 2. 5 has the ball on the left block, 3 is on the left wing, 4 in the left slot, 1 in the right slot and 2 in the right corner. 3 cuts through the left elbow and across the lane to the right corner. 4 dives to the right block, the block opposite the ball. 1 moves over to replace 4, at the top of the key, and 2 comes up to replace 1 in the right slot.

Pop 4

1 dribbles 2 through to the far corner and hits 4 flashing high. 4 attacks as 3 and 5 set a staggered screen for 2, with a dribble hand-off option.

Memphis basketball plays diagram of Pop 4, frame 1: the dribble at 2 and the high flash
Pop 4, frame 1: the dribble at 2 and the high flash.

Frame 1. 1 has the ball in the right slot, 5 is in the left slot, 2 in the right corner, 3 in the left corner and 4 on the left block. 1 dribbles at 2 toward the right wing, which sends 2 along the baseline to the left corner. 3 comes up high out of the left corner to the left wing. 4 flashes high to just outside the right elbow and 1 passes to him.

Memphis basketball plays diagram of Pop 4, frame 2: 1 goes backdoor and 4 drives
Pop 4, frame 2: 1 goes backdoor and 4 drives.

Frame 2. 4 has the ball just outside the right elbow, 1 is on the right wing, 3 on the left wing, 5 at the top of the key and 2 in the left corner. 1 cuts backdoor along the baseline to the left side. Once 1 clears, 4 drives his man down the right lane line to the basket. 3 and 5 set a staggered screen on the left side, and 2 comes up off both screens to the top of the key. If 4 is stopped, he looks for 2 for a shot.

Memphis basketball plays diagram of Pop 4, frame 3: if 2 has no shot, space for 4
Pop 4, frame 3: if 2 has no shot, space for 4.

Frame 3. 4 has the ball on the right block, 2 is at the top of the key, 3 and 5 on the left side where they screened, and 1 in the left corner. If 2 does not have a shot, everyone spaces so 4 can kick the ball back out. 2 moves out to the right wing, 3 to the left slot and 5 to the right slot. 1 comes a few steps up out of the left corner.

Memphis basketball plays diagram of Pop 4, frame 4: the dribble hand-off option
Pop 4, frame 4: the dribble hand-off option.

Frame 4. This is the other option after the backdoor cut. 4 has the ball just outside the right elbow, 5 is in the left slot, 3 on the left wing, 2 in the left corner and 1 low on the left side. 3 and 5 set a staggered screen for 2, and 2 runs up off them toward the top of the key. 4 dribbles at 2 for a dribble hand-off, and 2 takes it and dribbles toward the right wing. After 2 comes off, 5 dives to the right block, the ball side. 4 stays high, and 2 can post the ball to 5 or swing it back to 4 for a high-low pass.

Ideas That Repeat

  • The passer loop cuts to the corner of the man he passed to in six of the fourteen actions.
  • The corner men move off the drive. They come straight up, come two steps up or cut backdoor along the baseline.
  • The man behind the drive fills the spot the driver left, ready for the pitch back in five actions.
  • In Drop 2, Drop 3 and their loop cut versions, 5 goes opposite the drive, under the far block, and gap cuts into the lane when the drive stops.
  • Drop 2 and Drop 3 name the side of the drop. 1 stops in the drop zone on the 2 side or the 3 side, and the 3 side version starts with a back dribble and a T cut. Drop 5 is a 2 side drop with 5 flashing high for the ball.
  • Drop 2 and Drop 3 end with the note that the action can run again, so the set turns back into the motion.

The zone ideas are covered in dribble drive zones and the reads off each stop in dribble drive reads. Other named calls, and how teams number them, are on dribble drive named plays, and the thinking behind the system is on dribble drive system philosophy. To teach these actions, use drills to teach the dribble drive motion. The spacing they start from is the 4 out 1 in offense, the hand-off in Pop 4 is covered in dribble hand-off, and the lanes in Early Lanes tie into early offense. For the defensive side, see how to stop the dribble drive motion. Memphis is one of the programs on the college basketball plays page under the Offense hub. Install the loop cut and Motion 3 first, then add one Drop call at a time.

Questions Coaches Ask About Memphis Basketball Plays

How many Memphis actions are in this collection?

Fourteen: Loop Cut, Early Lanes, Motion 3, High, Motion 3 Quick, Drop 2, Drop 2 Loop Cut, Drop 3, Drop 3 Loop Cut, Drop 5, X, Quick Swing, Swing and Pop 4.

What is the loop cut?

The ball handler stops in the drop zone and passes to the corner man, who comes straight up out of the corner. The passer then bends down toward the baseline and around to the corner the receiver just left.

What is the 2 side and the 3 side?

The right side of the floor is the 2 side and the left side is the 3 side, named for the players who always start there.

What does Drop 2 mean?

1 drives on the 2 side and stops in the drop zone, and 2 cuts backdoor from the corner along the baseline. If the backdoor pass is not there, 5 gap cuts and 1 pitches the ball back to the man filling behind him.

What is a T cut?

A cut to the T, the spot a foot below the nail in the lane, and back out. In Drop 3 the ball handler's back dribble is the signal for it, and in X the T cut is a brush screen that frees 4 into the post.

School profile: Memphis Tigers on College Basketball Recruit.

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