The Gap Theory is a concept I have created , refined, and used to teach basketball since 2017. The principles of this theory are intended to create high-percentage shots offensively no matter what offense you run. I did NOT make up these four concepts, I only came up with how using all four concepts together can elevate your offense. The four foundations of this theory are;
1. Having Great Spacing
2. Creating Mismatches
3. Making 2 Defenders Guard 1
4. Winning Closeouts
In this video, I breakdown the first four minutes of the Duke vs Arizona game, and explain how The Gap Theory shows up in almost every possession.
If you would like to learn more about this philosophy, here's the link to the book I wrote that has over 100 videos, diagrams, and player specific skill development suggestions.
hello.dubsado.com/public/form...
If you'd like to purchase a new customizable white board here's the link to Hoopsking.
www.hoopsking.com?aff=166
To get your customizable board, here’s the link 👉🏾 tr.ee/PWQMUIoSWd
Now we need the gap man defensive theory. Allow the pass and body in the gap. 2 steps away from your man and 1 step away from the direct pass line. Whether you listen or not, I appreciate your platform for allowing me to speak my mind. Thanks!!
It would be a great topic to cover. Happy you feel like you can voice your opinion on here. I appreciate you!
Houston has the type of defense you’re looking for! There’s a few good video essays talking about this concept.
@@SimulationStattionWho do you watch for these?
That’s the dynamic zone defence. Miami Heat is playing that on D
Excellent video Create Spacing Create an advantage Make a decision That’s all offense is
Preach 😄 thanks Adam!
The best coach in youtube right now
You’re too kind. Really appreciate the compliment! 🤝
No question 💯💯💯
Great video. More general offense than Gap theory, but good video Offense is spacing, spacing is offense
Great video! Editing, voiceover, short and simple, terminology but not too much!!! Keep it going! Love to see that sharing of knowledge.
I truly appreciate the compliment and thanks for your support!
Love the simplicity. Good stuff.
Thank you!
Another awesome video
This is nuts. I've never understood offensive strategy but this really helps. Reminds me of Pep's overloading in the midfield
Love to hear it! Happy to help Kurt
Great analysis
Terrific video!! Really enjoyed it
Thanks James! I appreciate it
Thank you for this video. This is gold
I appreciate the love 🤝
Explained so well
I appreciate it 🤝
Love the video!!!! Very well done!!! I do think it would be very beneficial to include more highlights where the spacing actually created more made shots. All of the missed opportunities in this video could be discouraging for some. I personally see all of the positive opportunities and understand that spacing is one of the most important parts of the offensive end. I just hope kids and young coaches can see the positives as well.
I agree with you, and thanks for commenting! It’s encouraging to hear stuff like this. The main purpose of this video was to show that throughout the course of a game, these concepts are taking place almost every possession. I have all 4 topics broken down into individual videos in my Gap Theory playlist where there’s a lot more made shots & successful offensive possessions (like you were pointing out). Really value your feedback. Thanks for the support!
@@TheFilmRoom1 New subscriber brother. I don’t have time right now to watch all of your videos so you may have this covered, but maybe have a video titled, great spacing but missed opportunities. Some young coaches and young players don’t understand what a bad shot is. I love how you pointed to the transition 3 as being a settlement shot. He definitely should’ve taken the lane. Now it’s a layup or a 3 from the inside/out concept. I do apologize that my brain always reverts to the criticism side. You are doing great work from what I can see, not that my opinion matters lol.
Great breakdown.
I appreciate it!
Such a great video thank you. Wondering what you use to edit? Very clean animations
Thanks Patrick. I use a program called Klipdraw.
thanks for the video. Could you please make a video on how to effectively beat closeouts?
You’re welcome! Watch this video and let me know if you have questions after that. The Gap Theory (Driving Bad Closeouts) kzhead.info/sun/hMiqYt19poZ7dK8/bejne.html
Always 🔥🔥
The common thread with all offence ............Spacing..........doesn't hurt to have the athletes to take advantage of it.....good video and explanation
Thank you Mark!
Awesome video!!
Thanks Sam! 🤝
First let me say that nothing you said in this video in correct. It is very well put together. The only thing I may disagree with is the assessment at 0:48. I believe the lob was open. Just like at 7:19 if my teammate is even or ahead that guard should make that over the top pass. The only thing that actual confuses me about this video is the fact that it has a name lol. Growing up this was just called “good team basketball.” Good spacing, identifying mismatches, and driving with a purpose is just how you were supposed to play the game. So it’s just weird to me that there’s an actual name for this. Nevertheless, great video! Looking forward to the next one.
Thanks so much, Coach. I probably would have thrown that lob too, but I think the on-ball pressure discouraged him from making the pass. You’re not wrong that all of these principles are good fundamental basketball. I came up with the idea to call it The Gap Theory because I think naming things & putting things in categories can make it easier to teach. Some people pick this stuff up really quick, so players have to be taught this in small digestible pieces. And the reason for the name specifically is because nothing in basketball works consistently without having good spacing (and good spacing creates gaps for players to attack the basket). So I didn’t invent anything that wasn’t already being taught/used. I just tried to compartmentalize it so anyone could understand it.
Ballo, not Diallo. But nice analysis!
Thanks for the correction. I appreciate it
Great video! This was, is and will always be offensive basketball. Difference modern vs old school is just that the amount of PnR vs ISO ratio is inverted. And since nowadays everyone is a better shooter, it is more convenient space and shoot instead of push back to the basket. I grew in 90s but hate hearing that todays basketball is weaker than 90, that factually false
Thanks for commenting. Definitely just a different focus in today’s game because of the extended range of more players.
@@TheFilmRoom1 I love the broader focus on this channel including women basketball and EuroLeague! I am recently obsessed with the difference between Fiba and NBA rules to understand why in NBA we see 30ft shooters but not in Fiba basketball, and why post up plays are still very used in Europe while in nba are extremely limited. I don’t trust the talent theory, since best nba players in olympics never performed as fancy as they do in the league (minutes restriction? Spacing? Hand check?). And finally, would some tweaks in nba rules bring back some more physical plays and limit current scoring inflation? Would be great a video about that! Like yours, with in game analysis!
Thank you! I have a plan to do a video covering some of those things you brought up. I think the limited post touches in the NBA is because 1, the centers aren’t as skilled as FIBA. Most of the centers either play on the perimeter or they pick & roll, but those Euro bigs can score so well with their back to the basketball. Other thing is the NBA doesn’t want a lot of post ups so they don’t hardly call any fouls down there - so anybody guarding a post player can push and shove and not get called (most of the time) which makes it harder to score. I would love to see the defensive 3 seconds go away in the NBA. I think it’d be a better brand of basketball, personally.
Great!!! great video. I am curious...I have a kids camp where they analyze sports games. Do you mind sharing the software you are using to create the graphics for this video. It looks like the students could benefit from using it - if it's available for purchase of course. Thanks and keep up the great work!!
Thank you very much! I use a program called Klipdraw.
Even as a HS bb coach we teach chin screens, flare cuts, ghost, screen the screener etc and once the kids get this (all 5 have to) they can operate with decision making if they should come up and screen or not or reset.
Good for you coach. That’s great your players are getting that type of instruction in HS. Keep up the good work.
This is pure gold teaching. How do you get teammates to buy into this type of spacing in pickup? Or do you even think this could work in pick up basketball? I ask because when players are trying to develop their skills and IQ, they're told to play more which I agree with. However, in pick up basketball all I see is the offense bunched on top of eachother and everyone trying to play hero ball or be a Steph Curry. Everyone can't be a great scorer. I see players struggle to get better in game because of this. In the team game most coaches at lower levels are so by the book with plays that the players have trouble improvizing because the coach is stuck on letting the play develop when the defense has already figured out where the offensive players want to go. Also they're always starting their plays at half court, rather than 3 point line in. Why is that?
A great question. Probably one of the hardest things to get accomplished, and I think the main culprit of pick up basketball being unproductive is, like you said, guys seeing too much iso basketball in the NBA and trying to make really hard plays rather than making the game easy. This is part of the reason I think European players are starting to excel, because the way they’re taught the game. I strongly believe you have to play live games (whether 3 on 3, 5 on 5, and even 1v1) to get better, but there needs to be parameters and guidance of HOW to play pick up in a way that’s encouraging good habits & getting better. I don’t have the cure-all solution, other than trying to advance the game thru the videos I put out in hopes coaches and players will watch them & believe in the principles I talk about. Great comment! I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts.
@@TheFilmRoom1 Ok great response. Thank you. I have been a player all my life and what I have learned is that being a shooter off the ball is more beneficial because it can open up other scoring opportunities. It's not always a great idea to have your shooters handling the ball or playing point guard because it gives defenses time to set up for them and also really pressure them even if they can create well for themselves. Using the off hand and off arm to create in those situations is great, but it can be too much work and hurt your offense if you have other guys who can already create and play make, but can't shoot off the catch well. The way to guard great shooters is to physically be in their jerseys early, which is why Steph Curry doesn't always handle the point guard duties because it brings more pressure defense towards him. He's one of the greatest ball handlers the game has ever seen and is a crafty finisher at the rim, but floor spacing, off ball play, and physicality when working to get open is what makes him.
@@TheFilmRoom1 3on3 is awesome because you get more reps. 5 on 5 is great for split second decisions and being able to get to your strengths with more men and help side defenders on the court. Also the full court aspect for stamina is great, even though basketball is not a race. You need to know when to go fast and when to go slow. Defenders will try to tire you out if you're a shooter and limit your touches so you need the stamina to run to get to your spots and strength too because defenders will always try to run you off your line. You have to be able to establish position. Change of speed and change of pace is essential whether you have the ball or not.
Nice
It's sooo simple! This is all basketball is today
You said it!
did you use AE to draw the animated arrow? looks so clean and cool
I appreciate it. I use a program called Klipdraw
Thanks for videos but bc i struggle with confidence can u make video about confidence on court in general u also can make like two videos on that so there is idea
Thanks for the comment. It would be difficult to make a video on confidence, in my opinion, because confidence comes mainly from 2 things. 1. The work you put in. Your belief in yourself grows as you do something consistently every day. Without the consistent time put in, there will always be doubt. 2. Fully understanding what’s going on when you’re on the court. That’s everything from knowing your plays, to knowing how you’re trying to score, to knowing what your teammates are thinking, and what your coach wants from you. That’s where film study comes into play. I hope this helpings - I’d be happy to talk more about this with you.
@@TheFilmRoom1Thank u soo much dude i also wanted to say that your videos help a lot keep it up💪🏼
@@TheFilmRoom1I will write u more sometimes
Love hearing it! I hope my content continues to help you grow
Gap Theory on zone defense please. I guess it's a high post low post play to attract 2 guards
If you haven’t watched my zone offense videos, I would encourage you to check those out. Thanks for commenting!
@@TheFilmRoom1 this is the first video ibe watched from your channel. will do!
I Have question like Bellamine university，they use little basllcreen，always motion ,cut，no ballscreens means no make 2 on 1，so Bellamine offense aslo fit the gap theory？
Love this question. I used to be a coach in the same conference as Bellarmine when they were D2, so I know Coach Davenports offense very well. Their offense is effective (specifically in regard to The Gap Theory) because of their spacing. Their constant movement & cutting creates a lot of gaps for players to drive through, it also forces defenses to help a lot, which forces longer closeouts, and they do, in fact, utilize making 2 guard 1 on dump offs when they drive. My plan is to do a video sometime soon called the 4 foundations of offense. The purpose is to show that almost every offense finds success because of 4 foundational principles. A cutting/motion offense is one of them, and I’m going to use Bellarmine as the example.
At 7:36 when C love should have hit the big man, coming off screens like that what pass would be better a bounce pass or trying to throw it over
In that particular clip - because there wasn’t great help you could go over the top, but there was space for a bounce pass & that’s typically a safer pass to avoid it getting stolen.
I wish that these resources were as wildly available when I was a teenager in 2009. It's sad the youngest generation truly shows so much apathy to the world because the whole world is at their finger tips.
I graduated in 2008 from high school. I feel the same way
Should I study the level im at or the level I want to be at? I ask this because by studying the level I am at, I may be able to find things that I can attack but those things might not be open at a higher level if that all makes sense.
Great question. Can you tell me a little bit about what level you’re at, and what level you’re hoping to play at?
Would this replace the book? I just finished buying it.😢
No, this supports the book, but the book has a lot more information & gives you foundational concepts that will make this video make a lot more sense. Hope you enjoy it!
I’ve never heard general offensive goals rolled into four tenets and given the name “gap theory”. It makes a lot of sense though.
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for commenting.
The best defense I’ve seen counter this is Houston
Their ability to scramble, apply ball pressure, and read the next move the offense will make is unmatched. Couldn’t agree more!
What type of defensive scheme do you feel is best for defending these concepts?
It’s a great question that everyone is always trying to figure out. This is a longer conversation than in the comment section, but I think it starts with your personnel. If you have guys who can guard the ball 1on1 with not a lot of help vs a team who struggles to keep the ball in front and finds themselves in rotations a lot - that makes the biggest impact on how your team should defend. I will probably do a video at some point on the defensive side & what certain defenses and coverages give up.
@@TheFilmRoom1 great stuff. I think Arizona did their defending really well at this point, they were confusing duke guards with different coverage everytime. Like you can notice how duke players don't make reads ending up in bad spacing cause arizona changing defense every possesion. Tommy is a top tier coach. While on other end you can tell how ball movement and pace are way better when arizona attacks.
Switching every ball screen on defense is the best way to defend this. If you have athletic players it completely kills ball screen offense.
1. great lateral movement 2. active hands 3. knowing the situation 4. a good help defense 5. (C) needs to be aware of the paint to prevent backdoor cuts
coach stuff
now i get why Lebron says he hates watching college basketball lol
How to understand this play better
Which play are you referring to?
@@TheFilmRoom1 The gap theory
Wanted to poke fun at this but in reality the high screen is the most effective play in the game. And it’s not even close. Execute it often and you will score points
What were you wanting to poke fun at, if you don’t mind me asking?
What does "Gap" stand for?
It stands for the space between each defender. I wasn’t focused on going back to the foundation of the theory in this video, because I didn’t a video on each individual concept, which better explains why gaps are so important. Here’s the link to the video that explains it. The Gap Theory (Spacing) kzhead.info/sun/adibY7tri1-pZqs/bejne.html
Allright, thank you, i will watch@@TheFilmRoom1
i swear u kept saying diallo instead of ballo
I did. That was my mistake.
Stephen Curry heavily applies this more than anyone. Bro just fucking runs around like it’s track.
Okay so we can just name something “BLANK Theory” and then just make it something that’s super simple that everyone already knows how to do. Cool I’m going to sound so much smarter when I tell people I made my own theory
The theory goes back to the foundation of all offensive systems working because of good spacing, which creates gaps in the defense. And then out of that good spacing, you can then take advantage of those 3 principles shown in the video. The name was very intentional, and wouldn’t have the same meaning, or effectiveness if you just threw any other word in there. If you’d like to watch the original video on spacing, I’d be happy to send you the link.
So what you're saying is the "gap theory" is just understanding how to play basketball?
It’s a way of looking at the game to understand why certain things, that most teams do, work consistently and how to replicate those successful concepts in whatever system you’re a part of.
@@TheFilmRoom1 I’ve never seen a name given to it. This type of stuff comes from good coaching but also from simply hooping a lot. You’re not gonna learn this stuff from a trainer.
I agree.
9 minutes later😂
4 minutes of game time 🤝
the name kills me, since gaps are what we based dribble drive motion off of. you should include gaps: single, double, triple gaps
I didn’t have time to go back to the foundation of the name. But if you want, I breakdown the full concept of what you’re talking about in my video that was only focused on spacing (which is the foundation of the whole theory). Good to hear your perspective!
The Gap Theory (Spacing) kzhead.info/sun/adibY7tri1-pZqs/bejne.html
Okay cool Ima have to look through them. This was my first of yours. But I like the simplicity @TheFilmRoom1 @@TheFilmRoom1
I appreciate it! Simplifying the game & giving names to as many things as possible, in my opinion, really helps the learning process & allows teams to be on the same page.
Attention to detail. Ballo, not Diallo.
Thanks. Someone already mentioned it
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