Understanding & Creating Gaps in the Half Court

What is a Gap in basketball?

When implementing or coaching offense in the modern game, much of which is predicated on the drive & kick, it is important to understand the role of gaps within half court offense.

Like the name suggests, a “gap” is the space between two offensive players. Depending on how much space is between the two players determines if the gap is classified as a single, double or triple gap. The bigger the gap (single being the smallest, triple the biggest), the more space between the two players.

Understanding the distinction between these gaps is the key to making the right decision with the ball in your hands. For example, most coaches will try and install a rule within their offense to the effect of, “pass through a single gap, attack a double or triple gap.” We will dive more into this idea later on.

In addition to being able to identify the gaps available, knowing how to turn a single gap into a double or a double gap into a triple is equally important when trying to create as much space for the ball handler as possible.

Single Gap:

A “single gap” is generally identified by two offensive players being within one pass of each other, or by being in consecutive spots along the perimeter (corner next to a wing). Traditional 5-out spacing results in single gaps initially as you can see in the example below.

Typically, the general rule of thumb is pass through a single gap, attack a double or triple gap. The reason for this is simple - single gaps are smaller than double or triple gaps, and result in the help defender being closer to the ball on a potential drive (i.e. driving through traffic). Now you may watch NBA teams run 5-out offense (single gaps) and be able to drive through these single gaps without issue to attack the rim and kick to open teammates. However, it is important to keep in mind two things when watching NBA teams run 5-out offense - 1. The NBA court is longer and wider than a high school court, meaning the single gaps are naturally larger, and 2. NBA players are knockdown shooters, meaning defenders help off their check less than high school defenses, thus enlarging a single gap that much more.

Even with a smaller court and less skilled players, you’ll still see high school teams run 5-out offense and look to get downhill. The difference is these teams will utilize a lot more cuts to create double a triple gaps to attack space.

Double Gap:

A “double gap” is when two offensive players are two passes away from each other, or there is an open spot along the perimeter between the two players (slot, open wing, corner).

4-out spacing with players spaced in the slots and corners creates a double gap between the player in the slot and the player in the corner. You’ll see this in the example below - in addition to the single gap between 1 & 4 (one pass away).

Anytime the ball handler can attack a double gap to create an advantage, he should look to do so.

Triple Gap:

A “triple gap” is when two offensive players are three passes away from each other, or there are two open spots along the perimeter between the two players (slot, open slot, open wing, corner).

Typically triple gaps are created through off-ball cuts and movement, some of which we will cover later in this breakdown.

Anytime the ball handler can attack a triple gap to create an advantage, he should look to do so.

Creating Gaps by Cutting:

The easiest way to create space and attack larger gaps off the dribble is by cutting. In this breakdown, we will cover the below five cuts that teams most commonly use to turn a single gap into a double or double into a triple.

Corner Cut:

The corner cut is sometimes referred to as a blur screen or thru cut. By cutting to the strong side corner (in the direction of the pass), a single gap is turned into a triple gap for 4 to attack middle. The corner cut is a popular trigger within traditional dribble drive offenses.

Shallow Cut:

A shallow cut occurs when the passer cuts beneath the player receiving the pass and his defender, before looping back out towards the perimeter. As this is happening, the ball handler can attack the newly created triple gap as the initial passer (1) replaces the driver (4) along the perimeter.

Ghost Screen:

Another popular way teams are creating and attacking gaps in the modern game is through ghost screens. A ghost screen occurs when a player jogs towards the ball handler like he is preparing to set a ball screen, but at the last second sprints to open space. By faking the ball screen and sprinting to space, a triple gap is created in the example below.

Typically the fake ball screen will cause a miscommunication with the two defenders involved in the action. If the defenders try and take away the ghost screener sprinting to space, they risk giving up a triple gap drive. If the defenders try and take away the triple gap drive, they risk leaving the ghost screener open as he sprints to space.

For more on ghost screens, check out the Ghosting Ball Screens breakdown.

45 Cut:

A popular way teams try and create larger gaps with 5-out spacing is by utilizing 45 cuts. A 45 cut is when a player on the wing (5) cuts at a 45 degree angle towards the rim, before exiting to the opposite corner.

Not only does a 45 cut give the cutter the opportunity to score, it also turns a single gap into a double gap allowing 4 to attack into space.

For a more detailed breakdown on 45 cuts and when they are most effective, check out the Adding 45 Cuts to Your Offense breakdown.

Push Cut:

A push cut typically occurs when the ball is swung from one side of the floor to the other. After passing the ball, 1 pushes towards the corner which triggers a clear cut from 2 to the opposite corner. This combination of cuts create a triple gap for 4 to attack middle.

4 can also center the ball and pass the ball to 1 as he push cuts. This allows 1 to attack either direction into space.