2 3 1 Motion Offense Pop

A classic half field set that can be run from youth through the pros. This look provides simple rules for the players to follow on and off the ball. It is often referred to as a “two triangles” offense as the midfielders and attack form respective 3 man triangles. The most important principle of this offense is dodge-pass-pass-dodge (or shoot), meaning we generally want two passes after a dodge before initiating a dodge or shot.

How It Works

• M2 throws across to M1 who should be moving into the ball for a hard drive down the alley, as the pass is being thrown to M2 the attack will slowly begin their triangle’s rotation

• As M1 begins the dodge M2 will “fade” and M3 will “pop”

• M1 has many options off the dodge- the primary options are passing back, passing forward, and shooting. Feeding the crease or skipping to the fade M2 are also options.

• If M1 passes back to M3, he must quickly exchange the ball to M2

• M2 can now take a time and room shot, attack a defenders approach to dodge and shoot, or feed the crease if there is a late recovery there

• If M1 passes to A2, he must quickly exchange to A3

• A3 can now dodge to shoot or feed the crease. He can also feed M2, or skip it to M3.

Skills

• back passing, forward throws, quick exchanges

• step downs, inside finishing, hitches, face dodges

Tips

• A great variation here is, to have A2 skip the ball up to M3 for a reverse fill

• Reading the 2 slide will help greatly in M1’s decision making

• A2 and M3 should help M1 determine where to throw the ball with “forward” and “back” calls

• A3 and M2 should call “one more” to A2 and M2 if they are wide open and want the ball quickly to dodge/shoot

• If M3 can find a soft spot to pop it can be a great shot right there- which breaks our dodge-pass-pass-dodge rule but it’s a good look

Player Roles

Midfield

1. Best dodger/alley shooter

2. Good time and room and dodging

3. Great passer who can get ball out quickly 

Attack

1. Good inside finisher

2. Good passer who can get ball out quickly and good vision to look for skips

3. Good scorer/dodger who can quickly get above GLE to score