One of the challenges in grade school basketball is for the players to move on offense toward getting makeable shots. Players are often unsure of what to do when their team has the basketball. Simple basketball plays which have been found to work over and over are good to teach and emphasize throughout the season. This article describes four such plays which often lead to scores.

The first of the simple basketball plays is the dribble handoff. One player dribbles toward a teammate and hands off the ball to that teammate. It is at the moment of the handoff that a chance for a score occurs. The recipient of the handoff is to dribble hard to the basket or, if within shooting range, take a quick dribble or two and then take a shot. The key is to take advantage of the defense being a little out of position during the handoff. 

The 2nd effective play is the give and go. As soon as a passer makes a pass, he/she cuts quickly toward the basket in a path in which he/she can receive a return pass. Often the defense loses track of the passer for a second or more, so that the initial passer is open. It is good to go over this frequently in practice, so that players are familiar with how and when to make the return pass to the initial passer.

The next of the simple basketball plays is the pick and roll. Player A goes near and behind an opponent who is guarding Player B. Player A has a wide, erect stance and is not moving on the point of contact with the opponent defender. Player B dribbles quickly by the pick by almost brushing shoulders with Player A. The dribble should be toward the basket and to a place where Player B can get a makeable shot. After setting the pick, Player A "rolls" quickly toward the basket and while facing the basketball. Player A should make an eager hand target and be ready for a pass from Player B. The pick and roll often works because the defense tends to guard Player A or Player B, but not both.

The 4th of the simple basketball plays is the fast break off a turnover made by the defense. Whenever their team makes an interception or steal, the players quickly move to fill the left lane and the right lane. The ball possessor dribbles quickly down the middle of the court. He/she dribbles to just inside the foul line and stops to take a shot or pass to an open teammate closer to the basket.

These simple basketball plays are ones that grade school players can remember and do during the games. These plays often lead to makeable shots. This builds the confidence of grade school players as they see that they can get open for scores.