Horns

Horns set

Horns starts with both bigs at the elbows and the ball in the middle. It is a half-court entry into a pick and roll, a slip, or a flare.

Draw a tactic Tactical guides

Horns starts with both bigs at the elbows and the ball in the middle. It is a half-court entry into a pick and roll, a slip, or a flare.

Where the players start

The point guard holds the ball above the top of the key. The two bigs stand on the elbows, near the lane line. Wings stay wide so the first screen opens a driving lane. Place your five in one color and the defense in another before the first arrow.

The first action

One elbow big screens for the guard. Draw the screen as a short mark and the ball path as an arrow to the wing or the middle. If the screener rolls, continue the arrow to the rim. If the screener pops, the arrow returns toward the three-point line.

What to write down

Name the set and note the coverage you expect: drop, switch or hedge. A note such as “slip if the big hedges” is more useful than another line. Save it so the same horns set opens at the next practice.

Frequently asked questions

What is a horns set in basketball?

Horns starts with both bigs at the elbows and the ball in the middle. It is a half-court entry into a ball screen, a slip or a flare for either wing.

How do you draw a horns offense?

Put the point guard above the top, both bigs on the elbows and the wings wide. Draw one elbow screen, then the drive and either the roll to the rim or the pop behind the three-point line.

What should a coach write on a horns diagram?

Name the set and note the coverage you expect, such as drop, switch or hedge. A line like “slip if the big hedges” tells the team the read.

Horns set

Where the players start

The first action

What to write down

Frequently asked questions

Related guides

Pick and roll

2-3 zone

Motion offense