Published in Sports Action Magazine February 1962 , pg. 34

NOTHING in basketball today is more basic in a team's maneuvering than the figure-8 continuity offense. As Adolph Rupp has devised it, this method of attack has enabled the great Kentucky teams to keep the pressure on opponents and hold possession of the ball for scoring or stalling purposes.

The figure 8 starts from the simple formation of three men in back and two forward. Its principle is to keep both the ball and the players moving, while all the time maintaining the basic three-back, two-in-front formation.

Nearly all the down court offensives of Rupp's teams stem from this simple maneuver, and it is a favorite with the great coach of Kentucky, because it provides stamina and endurance for his players, while setting up layup scores rapidly.

In one game against Bradley, Kentucky found its offensive stalled as the Bradley men began to play loosely in the back court to guard against a succession of layup scores. However, Rupp's men would not be stymied for long. The figure-8 continuity offense provides an alternative attack in situations like this, and the Kentucky players were quick to use it.

They held off on the layups, passing the ball and moving in formation. Then, with the opponents back, waiting, the Kentucky back court men moved in for medium-distance set shots. After a succession of field goals, the Bradley defense moved forward, and a superior Kentucky team was able to take charge again, using its original tactics.

The object of the figure-8 continuity offense is to keep the ball and the men moving. Ad Smith (50) provides deception by keeping the ball during dribble.

Return to Kentucky Basketball page, statistics, team schedules, team rosters, opponents, players, coaches, opposing coaches, games, assistance or search this site.