Some teams get to a level of expertise where their FORMATION (or SET) changes each possession depending on how they mold themselves around the defense. On the other hand, some teams change their FORMATIONS by which offensive players are in the game. Simply stated, the players are not forcing themselves into a FORMATION; instead, the FORMATION is determined by the fact that 5 guards are in the game or 4 guards and 1 post player, etc.

However, there’s another way to look at the FORMATIONS. The coach might be calling out the FORMATION for the players ahead of time, the same way a coach might call a set play. A change of formation might be the way a coach changes what he wants the team to look for. In other words, the FORMATION might simply be a different way to “get into” the offense. Until a team gets to an expert level with the Read & React, the coach may have to change the formation for the players depending on who’s in the game. Also, this might be needed as a crutch for the players UNTIL they master the Read & React. In fact, this type of temporary control by the coach is needed in most cases; especially in the beginning. How long it’s needed varies from team to team.

Changing your FORMATION verbally, during a “live” possession, might be needed if the players are losing their spacing and can’t work themselves out of the knots that sometimes occur. I don’t see anything wrong with it. But the players need to understand that they can’t depend on the coach to always “bail them out” by shouting verbal instructions. The players must take ownership sooner or later. Stress to them that until they master the R&R, you may have to provide a crutch like a verbal command, or a quick-hitter type of entry for them to get the offense started. Understand it for what it is, though: a crutch until they can stand on their own.

Even when the players are approaching the mastery level, the coach will not quit this type FORMATION manipulation. But now you’ll be manipulating the SETS or FORMATIONS for different reasons: like what aspects of the offense will work best against the next opponent; or how to hide the team’s weakness and force the other team to play to your strengths; or what combination of players are the best at 5-out or 4-out or 3-out or whatever formation you like. A simple example would be if the tempo of the game is too fast and you want to slow it down, then you have a verbal command that signals the players to emphasize Layer 3 (Pass & Cut) from a particular formation. Of course they can score with a drive or a post up or a backscreen, etc., but at least their emphasis will be on passing and cutting and not taking a quick shot . Another example would be if your opponent’s post player is in foul trouble. It would be nice to have a verbal command that signals a 4-out set with the emphasis on feeding the post and drawing the foul. It would be nice if the players could spot these things, but I think it will always fall into the coach’s responsibility.