Learn The Gap Theory in 4 Minutes

The Gap Theory is a concept I have created , refined, and used to teach basketball since 2017. The principles of this theory are intended to create high-percentage shots offensively no matter what offense you run. I did NOT make up these four concepts, I only came up with how using all four concepts together can elevate your offense. The four foundations of this theory are;
1. Having Great Spacing
2. Creating Mismatches
3. Making 2 Defenders Guard 1
4. Winning Closeouts

In this video, I breakdown the first four minutes of the Duke vs Arizona game, and explain how The Gap Theory shows up in almost every possession.

For information on my coaching philosophy The Gap Theory check out my playlist dedicated to breaking it down, and my book that teaches it from a foundational level.
💻 • The Gap Theory

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[adamnelson]

Excellent video

Create Spacing
Create an advantage
Make a decision

That’s all offense is

[huckfin]

Great video. More general offense than Gap theory, but good video

Offense is spacing, spacing is offense

[kurtcampher]

This is nuts.
I've never understood offensive strategy but this really helps.
Reminds me of Pep's overloading in the midfield

[marcisikoff]

Even as a HS bb coach we teach chin screens, flare cuts, ghost, screen the screener etc and once the kids get this (all 5 have to) they can operate with decision making if they should come up and screen or not or reset.

[Podstavlala]

Great video! Editing, voiceover, short and simple, terminology but not too much!!!
Keep it going! Love to see that sharing of knowledge.

[tenchichrono]

Yo this is amazing!!! Thank you for the bball knowledge! Gonna buy the book to support you coach! Let's

[deandrepage]

Duke has plenty of off the ball screening actions that I like.

[coachsudds]

First let me say that nothing you said in this video in correct. It is very well put together. The only thing I may disagree with is the assessment at 0:48. I believe the lob was open. Just like at 7:19 if my teammate is even or ahead that guard should make that over the top pass. The only thing that actual confuses me about this video is the fact that it has a name lol. Growing up this was just called “good team basketball.” Good spacing, identifying mismatches, and driving with a purpose is just how you were supposed to play the game. So it’s just weird to me that there’s an actual name for this.

Nevertheless, great video! Looking forward to the next one.

[markh]

The common thread with all offence hurt to have the athletes to take advantage of video and explanation

[tylorbrand]

Ballo, not Diallo. But nice analysis!

[kleadguitarist]

3:25, can someone please explain how is it an offensive foul? I thought defender needs to stationary for an offensive foul

[emakolfiz]

Great video! This was, is and will always be offensive basketball. Difference modern vs old school is just that the amount of PnR vs ISO ratio is inverted. And since nowadays everyone is a better shooter, it is more convenient space and shoot instead of push back to the basket. I grew in 90s but hate hearing that todays basketball is weaker than 90, that factually false

[kokakuks]

thanks for the video.
Could you please make a video on how to effectively beat closeouts?

[Bigbigenergy]

It's sooo simple! This is all basketball is today

[evanawodipe]

At 7:36 when C love should have hit the big man, coming off screens like that what pass would be better a bounce pass or trying to throw it over

[davidhall]

This is pure gold teaching. How do you get teammates to buy into this type of spacing in pickup? Or do you even think this could work in pick up basketball? I ask because when players are trying to develop their skills and IQ, they're told to play more which I agree with. However, in pick up basketball all I see is the offense bunched on top of eachother and everyone trying to play hero ball or be a Steph Curry. Everyone can't be a great scorer. I see players struggle to get better in game because of this. In the team game most coaches at lower levels are so by the book with plays that the players have trouble improvizing because the coach is stuck on letting the play develop when the defense has already figured out where the offensive players want to go. Also they're always starting their plays at half court, rather than 3 point line in. Why is that?

[utar-kcdg]

I Have question like Bellamine university，they use little basllcreen，always motion, cut，no ballscreens means no make 2 on 1，so Bellamine offense aslo fit the gap theory？

[Bob-fjlr]

I wish that these resources were as wildly available when I was a teenager in 2009. It's sad the youngest generation truly shows so much apathy to the world because the whole world is at their finger tips.

[patrickeagens]

Such a great video thank you.

Wondering what you use to edit? Very clean animations

[frmn]

Love the video!!!! Very well done!!! I do think it would be very beneficial to include more highlights where the spacing actually created more made shots. All of the missed opportunities in this video could be discouraging for some. I personally see all of the positive opportunities and understand that spacing is one of the most important parts of the offensive end. I just hope kids and young coaches can see the positives as well.