Last Updated on: 7th July 2023, 10:39 pm
In basketball, “clear out” is a term used to describe a play where one or more offensive players move away from a specific area of the court, usually near the basket, to create space for another offensive player to drive to the basket or take a shot. The purpose of a clear out is to isolate a defender and create a one-on-one matchup for the offensive player with the ball.
Clear outs are often used in situations where the offensive player with the ball has a size or speed advantage over their defender, or when the offensive team wants to create a scoring opportunity in a crucial moment of the game. Clear outs can be executed in a variety of ways, including through screens, cuts, or simply by having other offensive players move away from the area.
It’s important to note that clear outs can be risky, as they can leave the offensive team vulnerable to turnovers or defensive rebounds if the play is not executed properly. As with any basketball play, clear outs require good communication, timing, and execution to be successful.
Basketball Clear Out Plays
Clear out plays in basketball are designed to create space for an offensive player to drive to the basket or take a shot. Here are a few common types of clear out plays:
- Iso Clear Out: This is the most basic type of clear out play, where the offensive player with the ball is isolated on one side of the court, with all other players on the opposite side. The other offensive players move away from the area, creating space for the ball handler to take on their defender one-on-one.
- Screen Clear Out: In this play, the offensive player with the ball is screened by a teammate, who then moves away from the area to create space for the ball handler. This play is effective when the screener’s defender switches onto the ball handler, leaving them with a mismatch.
- Cut Clear Out: In this play, an offensive player without the ball cuts towards the basket, drawing their defender away from the area. This creates space for the ball handler to drive to the basket or take a shot.
- Post Clear Out: This play is designed for a post player, who sets up in the low post area. The other offensive players move away from the area, creating space for the post player to take on their defender one-on-one.
Clear out plays require good communication, timing, and execution to be successful. It’s important for the offensive players to move quickly and decisively, and for the ball handler to read the defense and make the right decision.
