4-on-0 Reversal Flow is a breakdown drill that introduces players to flow offense concepts, emphasizing ball reversal, cutting, and spacing. It allows the coach to evaluate how well players understand filling spots, cutting at the right time, and keeping proper spacing. The drill is run without defense, but it reveals quickly who has grasped the fundamentals of offensive movement and who needs additional teaching.

Setup & Organization

Four lines are formed at half-court. One line starts on the right side of the jump circle with the ball, one on the left side of the circle, one in the middle as the trailer, and one wide on the sideline. The drill is run 4-on-0 into a half-court offense. Players must sprint into their spots to simulate transition entry. The ball always begins with the guard attacking the right-side elbow, with the trailer filling the top of the key, the weak side wing moving into the slot, and the strong side wing filling deep corner.

Step-by-Step Progression

One attacks the right elbow, then swings the ball to the trailer at the top of the key. After passing, one cuts to the right baseline corner to fill. The trailer swings the ball to the left-side slot and then cuts into a give-and-go or sets up a dribble-at action. From here, the slot player can dribble at the wing, who either takes the handoff or cuts backdoor. The wing action continues into a “get” action, where the guard receives the ball back and initiates penetration. The drill continues with ball reversals, penetrations, and re-spacing, all within the 4-on-0 structure. Players should look to score within three passes or less, always reading spacing and cutting opportunities.

Scoring

Makes are scored with normal values: three points for a made three, two points for a made two. No shots may be taken inside the paint. Every missed shot deducts three points. The team goal is to reach 25 points within the drill segment.

Coaching Points

Stress timing of cuts and filling spots with urgency. Reinforce spacing—players should remain at least two steps beyond the three-point line to stretch the defense. Demand communication on every pass and cut. Emphasize the importance of players moving on air time, creating rhythm in ball reversal. Ensure every catch is made in triple-threat position, with jab steps, shot fakes, or pass fakes available to make actions more game-like.

Variations

Allow the trailer to rim run instead of filling the top, creating different options for weak-side flow. Call for specific finishes such as a catch-and-shoot three, a baseline drive, or a one-more pass. As players become more advanced, let them decide their actions freely, forcing them to read and react instead of following a script. You can also begin the drill with a player already in the post to mix perimeter and post entries into flow concepts.