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While all basketball offenses need a primary style and philosophy, the coach who knows how to neglect having a secondary offensive strategy is often the one who’s hoisting a championship trophy at the end of the season.

But in order for a secondary offense to be effective, coaches must pour crucial practice time and energy into them. This is why we’re seeking the wisdom of Brandi Poole. 

Coach Poole is an assistant coach of the Atlanta Dream WNBA franchise. Prior to joining the Dream in 2025, Coach Poole spent time in the WNBA as an assistant coach with the Connecticut Sun and Dallas Wings, and as the Director of Basketball Operations with the Portland Fire. 

In her ‘Brandi Poole - Secondary Offense & Drills’ clinic, Coach Poole breaks down her team's drill work for executing secondary offense. We’ve pulled some of her most poignant insights for you below.

Wings to Corners

Wings to Corners

Regardless of whether the other team made or missed their shot, Coach Poole suggests that a team’s wings are running down to each corner with their heads on a swivel, looking behind them to see if a pass is coming. 

A great point guard will be able to see if they are open and execute a pass before the defense is set.

If this pass is made, the player in the corner will either have the option to shoot, dribble and penetrate, or pass up to the post. 

Double Drags 

Double Drags 

Coach Poole also believes that a simple double drag at the top of the key is a great staple for any secondary offense. 

She adds that the better shooter out of the two should pop to three-point range or remain along the elbow while the worse shooter out of the two post players should roll to the basket. 

From there, the guard who’s dragging can pass it back to the post player who popped out, because a passing angle typically opens up in this tunnel high/low scenario off of a double drag. 

Point Forward Plays

Point Forward Plays

If you are a post player who can dribble the basketball down the court, Coach Poole suggests a 5 out transition scheme where one of the players along the wing will pin down to the corner with a screen. 

From there, the screener will cut to the basket while the player who started in the corner will flash up to the wing. 

On the other side, the screens can switch so the player on the corner is coming up to set a screen for the wing player, who can cut to the rim. 

5 Across the Half Court Line Drill 

5 Across the Half Court Line Drill 

A drill that Coach Poole says is great for secondary offense is what she calls the 5 across the half-court line drill, which starts with all five players on the half-court line and 32 seconds on the clock.

With each trip down the line, one specific player (all of whom are listed from 1-5) must get a shot off. For example, player 1 will take the first shot. 

Then the five players will transition to the other end where player 2 will take a shot, and so on until all five players have gotten a shot they’d realistically take in a game within the 32 seconds. 

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