Rotating Motion Box offense with 2 men in the crease
Goal
Create consistent dodging lanes and off-ball threats using a rotating 1-4-1 motion offense with two active crease players. This principle-based system gives teams a flexible foundation to build high-level offense through movement, spacing, and read-based decisions—without relying on set plays.
Setup
Base Formation: Start in a 1-4-1 with:
1 player at X (behind the goal)
2 players on the wings
2 players in the crease
1 player at top center
The crease players are positioned as:
One high crease (just above GLE)
One low crease (near the crease line)
Perimeter players (X, wings, top) form a rotating square around the outside.
Step-by-Step Execution
1. Constant Perimeter Rotation
As the ball moves along the outside, the four perimeter players rotate as a unit (clockwise or counterclockwise).
This creates:
Consistent spacing
Changing dodging angles
Opportunities to shift into other sets like a 2-2-2 mid-possession
2. Crease Motion: High C and Low C
The two crease players are not static—they’re in constant off-ball motion:
High C: Arcing cut from one side of the crease to the other, slightly higher up
Low C: Lower sweep, often curling underneath the defense toward GLE
Both crease players present as constant threats and are ready to:
Catch and finish if the defense slides
Pop out as an outlet if the ball carrier is in trouble
3. Dodging and Reaction
Any perimeter player can initiate a dodge—usually from up top or the wings.
As the dodge happens:
Crease players watch their defenders. If one slides, the crease man pops out immediately into the soft space.
Adjacent perimeter players V-cut to show as outlets.
The remaining perimeter players continue rotating to maintain balance and spacing.
4. Outlet Reset and Rotation Continuity
If the ball carrier runs out of options:
Crease man pops to relieve pressure
Once the pass is made, the original ball carrier replaces the crease man’s spot
This seamless exchange keeps the rotation alive and avoids dead zones
Coaching Tips
Emphasize ball movement during rotation: The offense works best when the ball moves while players rotate, not after.
Teach players to read slides: If a crease defender slides, the crease player must recognize and pop out immediately.
Trust the second pass: The scoring opportunity is often two passes away from the dodge.
For youth teams: Walk through the rotation pattern slowly and teach players to recognize the High C and Low C cuts.
For high school teams: Add more layered reads like slips, re-dodges, or changes into 2-2-2 mid-possession.
Why It Works
Creates dodging lanes: Wide perimeter rotation gives dodgers space to attack without crowding.
Neutralizes strong defenders: Aggressive takeaway poles are often stationed up top—and when they’re forced into crease coverage, they become uncomfortable and prone to early, unnecessary slides.
Maintains structure while remaining fluid and hard to scout.
Keeps everyone active: Crease players are always moving, and perimeter players stay engaged with rotation and outlet responsibilities.
Easy set changes: Rotating from 1-4-1 into 2-2-2 is seamless and disorients defenders used to set-specific responsibilities.
Full Breakdown: Teaching the Rotating Box with Crease Motion
The Rotating Motion Box Offense is ideal for programs that want to build a principle-based system without overly scripting every movement. It’s simple to teach but difficult to defend.
Building the Offense Step-by-Step
Teach the rotation
Use cones and walk-throughs to establish spatial rules.
Players should rotate in sync to maintain 4-man spacing.
Install the High C and Low C cuts
Crease players must never stop moving.
Alternate roles during practice so all players learn both positions.
Dodge, Pop, Replace
Practice dodge scenarios:
If no slide → shoot or dump
If crease slide → pop and feed
If no outlet → rotate back through and replace
Drill ball movement during rotation
Dodge → pass → pass → shoot.
Emphasize quick decisions—“the ball moves faster than the defense.”
Common Mistakes
Standing still on the crease: You lose the motion advantage and become easy to defend.
Stopping rotation after a dodge: Kills the momentum. Ball and players must continue to move.
Over-relying on one dodger: This offense works best when everyone is a threat to dodge and pass.