Types of Off Ball Screens
What you will learn or recall:
The keys to the success of Off Ball screens is in their execution and coordination. The ballhandler, shooter and screener all have to think and function as one unit. This requires proper footwork, timing, non-verbal communication, and experience.
Although during a game, opponents will only deploy one or two methods of defending off ball screens, players need to possess a working knowledge of all the defensive various reads and counters.
During a game, coaches must stay active and alert to any defensive changes that the opponent may make.
Click on the specific screen below to view their basic reads & counters.
Down Screens or Pin Downs
Down Screens are the most commonly used Off-Ball screens. They are primarily used to free up good shooters. Simple, but when well executed, they are a very effective means for getting the ball to good shooters for open shots.
Basic Reads and Counters. What if . . .
Click on desired read below to view illustrated counter option.
Defender CHASES & TRAILS the receiver?
Defender goes CHEATS OVER the screen?
Defenders SWITCH against the screen?
Defenders SHOW & RECOVER on screen?
Read: Defender CHASES OUT and trails the receiver.
Counter: Curl
Curl
When the defender CHASES OUT, the shooter curls off the screen for a quick open jump shot.
Basket Curl
When the defender CHASES OUT late, the shooter curls off the screen for a quick open jump shot or can curl all the way to the basket.
Read: Defender CHEATS OVER the screen.
Counter: Fade or Back Cut
Fade
When the defender goes OVER the screen, the shooter should fade to baseline for open baseline.
Back Cut
When the defender anticipates and CHEATS OVER the screen early, the shooter can change direction and back cut to the basket for shot.
Read: Defenders SWITCH on the Down-Screen.
Counter: Screen and Roll
When the defenders SWITCH on the down screen, the receivers pops out to the wing, and the screener "Seals" the defender rolls to the basket for shot.
Post Isolation
When defenders Switch, the receiver pops out directly out to the wing allowing post to exploit smaller defender. The point O1 can either feed post directly or pass to any of the peripheral players for the post feed.
Wing Isolation
When the defensive players switch, the screener can clear out to weakside isolating the shooter one-on-one on the wing against bigger defender X4. If the wing's shot is not available, the post can then dive to the basket to exploit smaller defender X2.
Read: Defenders SHOW & RECOVER against the down screen.
Counter: Slip the Screen
When the screener's defender SHOWS to help out on the down-screen, the screener immediately breaks off the screen and cuts away to the basket for shot.
Base Screen
Base Screens are unique in that they usually entail a "Small" screening for a "Big." In addition, like a high post rub cut, the receiver has the options of either going over or under the screen depending on defensive deployment.
Basic Reads and Counters. What if the . . .
Click on desired read below to view illustrated counter option.
Defender plays LOW.
Defender plays HIGH.
Defender FRONTS the post.
Defenders SWITCH?
Defenders SHOW & RECOVER on screen.
Read: Defender FIGHTS THROUGH and trails the receiver.
Defender Plays Low - Go Over
When defender X5 plays low to the baseline side of O5, O5 takes X5 low to set up O3's screen, and then breaks over the screen for shot or strong post up.
Defender Plays High - Go Under
When defender X5 plays to the high side of O5, O5 takes X5 high to set up O3's screen, and then breaks under the screen for shot or strong post up.
Front
When the defense X5 assumes a full front denial position on the post, the post should force the defense out away from the basket, seal off the defender, and give the passer a target with the baseline hand. Passer should make a pass just over the top of the fronting defensive player.
High/Low Feed
Against the post front, the O1 also has the option of making a reversal pass to O3 breaking up to the free throw line for a better high/low passing angle into the post.
Note: It is important for the post to wait and not release the defensive seal until the pass is overhead.
Read: Defenders SWITCH on the base screen.
Go Over
When the defender plays low the post takes low and breaks over the base screen. Wing looks to feed post against smaller defender.
Go Under
When the defender anticipates and CHEATS OVER the screen early, the post can changes direction and back cut to the basket for shot.
Post Isolation
When the defense switches on the base screen, screener O3 should break up to the free throw line allowing post to exploit smaller defender. The point O1 can either feed post directly or pass to any of the peripheral players for the post feed.
Point Isolation
Against the defensive switch, when O3 has a definite advantage over bigger X5, O5 clears out allowing O3 to go one on one against X5 from the free throw line. If/when O3's shot is not available, post can then dive to the basket to exploit smaller X3.
Read: Defenders SHOW & RECOVER against the base screen.
Basket Slip
When defenders anticipate switching or "Show & Recover" to the high side, screener O3 should slip the screen and cut away to the basket for shot.
Pop Out
When defenders anticipate switching or "Show & Recover" to the low side, screener O3 should immediately pop out for an open jump shot.
Back Screens
Back Screens are misdirection tactics. They are primarily used on the upper levels to free up players for a weakside lob pass and dunks. However, they are also very effective in attacking zone defenses. They will definitely result in easy shots against any defense that is not prepared to defend them.
Basic Reads and Counters. What if . . .
Click on desired read below to view illustrated counter option.
Defender CHASES & TRAILS the receiver?
Defender goes CHEATS OVER the screen?
Defenders SWITCH against the screen?
Defenders SHOW & RECOVER on screen?
Defender CHASES UNDER and TRAILS the receiver?
Counter: Back Cut
Lob - Wing
When the defender CHASES UNDER the screen, the receiver cuts to the basket anticipating a lop or over the top pass.
Lob - High Post
When the defender CHASES UNDER the screen, the high post rolls to the basket anticipating a lop or over the top pass.
Read: Defender CHEATS OVER the screen.
Counter: Bump & Back Cut
Wing Bump
When the defender CHEATS OVER the screen, the receiver should pop back out for open jumper.
Post Bump
When the defender cheating over the screen tries to recover, the receiver can change simply changes direction again and back cut to the basket for shot.
Back Cut - Wing
When the defender goes OVER the screen, the shooter should fade to baseline for open baseline.
Back Cut - Post
When the defender cheating over the screen tries to recover, the post can change direction anew and back cut to the basket for shot.
Read: Defenders SWITCH on the back screen.
Counter: Screen & Roll
Seal & Roll - Wing
When defenders Switch, the receiver pops out to the wing allowing the screener to seal and roll to the basket for shot.
Seal & Roll - Post
When defenders Switch, the post clears out on the weakside and the screener seals and rolls to the basket for shot.
Read: Defenders SHOW & RECOVER against the down screen.
Counter: Slip the Screen
Wing Slip
When the defensive players " Show & Recover" or anticipate switching, the screener breaks off the screen and slips to the basket for shot.
Post Slip
When the defensive players " Show & Recover" or anticipate switching, the screener breaks off the screen and slips to the basket for shot.
Diagonal Screens
Diagonal screens are common place in motion style offenses. The pass and screen away action is similar to down screens. When the defender chases over the screen, the shooter can curl to the basket for lay up. If the defender goes under the screen, it will result in an open jump shot for the shooter.
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Basic Reads and Counters. What if . . .
Click on desired read below to view illustrated counter option.
Defenders ANTICIPATE the screen?
Defender goes CHASES OVER the screen?
Defender goes UNDER the screen?
Defenders SWITCH against the screen?
Defenders SHOW & RECOVER on screen?
Read: Defenders ANTICIPATE the screen.
Counter: Back Cut
Whenever the receiver's defender does not react to the receiver's initial step down, the screen can continue and back cut to the basket for an easy lay-up.
Screener Basket Cut
Whenever the screener's defender does not react to the screener's initial step, the screen continues to the basket for an easy lay-up.
Read: Defender CHASES OVER the screen.
Counter: Curl
When the defender is late chasing over the screen, the receiver can curl all the way to the basket for an easy lay-up.
Open Shot
When the defender tries to CHASE OVER the screen, it should result in an open jump shot.
Back Cut
When the defender FIGHTS OVER the screen and denies the passing lane, the receiver can back cut to the basket for shot.
Read: Defender CHEATS OVER the screen early.
Counter: Back Cut
When the defender cheats Over the screen early, the receiver can back cut to the basket for shot.
Read: Defender goes UNDER the screen.
Counter: Pop Out
When defenders goes UNDER the screen, the receiver pops out for open shot.
Read: Defenders SWITCH on the back screen.
Counter: Seal & Roll
When defenders Switch, the receiver pops out and the screener seals and rolls to the basket for shot.
Read: Defenders SHOW & RECOVER against the down screen.
Counter: Slip the Screen
When the defensive players " Show & Recover" or anticipate switching, the screener breaks off the screen and slips to the basket for shot.
Stack Alignment
The Stack alignment options are very similar to a down screen. Because of the stack's close proximity to the basket, if provides for a variety of quick hitting options. These quick hitting options present slower, less athletic players a viable way to get open against quicker and more athletic defenders.
Basic Reads and Counters. What if . . .
Click on desired read below to view illustrated counter option.
Defender CHASES & TRAILS the receiver?
Defender goes CHEATS OVER the stack?
Defenders SWITCH against the stack?
Defenders SHOW & RECOVER against stack?
Defenders INVERT against the stack?
Read: Defender CHASES OUT and TRAILS the receiver.
Counter: Curl
When the defender CHASES OUT, the shooter curls off the screen for a quick open jump shot.
When the defender CHASES OUT late, the shooter can curl all the way to the basket for shot.
Read: Defender CHEATS OVER the screen.
Counter: Fade
When the defender goes OVER the screen, the shooter should fade to baseline for open baseline.
When the defender CHEATS OVER the screen early, the shooter can change direction and back cut to the basket for shot.
Read: Defenders SWITCH against stack.
Counter: Isolation
Post Isolation
When defenders Switch, the receiver pops out directly out to the wing allowing post to exploit smaller defender. The post "Seals" the defender and rolls to the basket for shot. The point O1 can either feed post directly or pass to any of the peripheral players for the post feed.
Wing Isolation
When the defensive players switch, the screener can clear out to weakside isolating the shooter one-on-one on the wing against bigger defender X5. If the wing's shot is not available, the post can then dive to the basket to exploit smaller defender X2.
Read: Defenders SHOW & RECOVER against the stack.
Counter: Basket Slip
When the screener's defender SHOWS to help out on the down-screen, the screener immediately breaks off the screen and cuts away to the basket for shot.
Read: Defenders INVERT against the stack.
Counter: Clear Out & Post Up
When the defenders INVERT against the stack, the shooter clears out to weakside, and post posts up strong against the smaller defender.
NOTE: Stack alignments are also effective against zone defenses.
High Post Split
The High Post Split has stood the test of time and been in use since the very beginning of basketball. In splitting the guards off the high post, it creates a lot of motion and counters which can be hard to defend. It is also a good option to use when a team does not have a "Big" player that they can post up low.
Note: Player feeding post always cuts first.
Basic Reads and Counters. What if . . .
Click on desired read below to view illustrated counter option.
Defender CHASES & TRAILS the receiver?
Defender goes GOES UNDER or BEHIND the screen?
Defenders SWITCH against the split?
Defenders ANTICIPATE SWITCH on split?
Post defender SHOWS & RECOVERS on split?
Read: Defender CHASES OVER the split.
Counter: Hand-Off & Drive
When the defender chases the receiver OVER the screen, the receiver cuts hard to the basket anticipating a feed from the high post. By cutting off the tail of the first cutter along with the high post, it actually creates a double screen.
Note: If open, the post also has the option of feeding first cutter.
Read: Defender GOES UNDER or BEHIND the High Post's screen.
Counter: Pull Up Jumper
When the defender goes UNDER or BEHIND the high post, the receiver should "Pull Up" for a wide open jump shot.
Read: Defenders SWITCH against the High Post Split.
Counter: Screen & Roll (Two Same Side)
When defenders switch, the second cutter clears out to weakside and the first cutter reverses direction and rolls to the basket for hand off and drive.
Read: Defenders ANTICIPATE switching on the High Post split.
Counter: Direct Basket Cuts
When the defenders anticipate switching, the receivers fake the high post split and cut directly to basket for a feed from the post.
Back Door Cut
When defenders anticipate switching, the off guard has the option of back cutting to the basket for shot.
Second Guard Around
If the off guard does not receive the ball on the back door cut, they clear out to the opposite side, and the other guard makes a solo cut off the post. Since their defender is anticipating switching, the solo cut should be wide open.
Read: The Post defender SHOWS & RECOVER on the High Post split.
Counter: Post Drive Opposite
When post defender steps out and "SHOWS" to help out on the post split, the post can drive opposite to the basket.
High Post Rub Cuts
Rubbing a defender off a high post screen is actually a back screen. If not defended correctly, the high post rub cut will result in an easy lay-up basket. The high post rub, also, allows for a "Big" point guard to readily post up a smaller defender. High Post rub cuts can be initiated from either from the ballside ("UCLA") or the weakside ("Shuffle Cut").
| High Post (UCLA) Rub Cut | Weakside Shuffle Cut |
"UCLA" (Ballside) Rub Cut
The success of any offense is dependent on precise execution. "It's not what you run, but how you run it that counts." In executing a high post rub cut, it is not only important for the high post to set a solid screen, but it is equally important for the point guard to set up and use the screen properly. The basic high post screen option is for the ballside guard to make an entry pass to the wing and rub off high post's back screen. Wing looks to feed the cutter either for layup on basket cut or posting up against a weaker defender.
Basic Reads and Counters. What if . . .
Click on desired read below to view illustrated counter option.
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The defender CHASES OVER the high post rub?
The defender CHEATS OVER the screen early?
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The defender GOES UNDER or BEHIND the screener?
The defenders SWITCH on the high post rub?
The defenders SHOW & RECOVER against the high post rub?
Read: Defender CHASES OVER the High Post's screen.
Counter: Give & Go
When the defender chases the receiver OVER the screen, the receiver cuts hard to the basket anticipating a return pass from the wing.
Read: Defender CHEATS OVER the screen early.
Counter: Back Cut
When the defender CHEATS OVER the screen early, the receiver should back cut off the high post screen for shot.
Read: Defender GOES UNDER or BEHIND the High Post's screen.
Counter: Bump Back
Bump Back
When the defender goes UNDER or BEHIND the high post screen, the receiver should " Bump Back" out off the screen for a quick open jump shot.
Basket Cut
When the defender tries to recover, the receiver can change direction and cuts to the basket for shot.
Read: Defenders SWITCH on the High Post Rub cut.
Counter: Isolate One-on-One
Post Screen & Roll
When defenders Switch, the cutter fades out to the corner and the post exploits the smaller defender by rolling to the basket . The wing can either feed post directly or pass to any of the peripheral players for the post feed.
Baseline Isolation
When the defensive players switch, the screener can step out isolating the point one-on-one against bigger defender on the baseline. If a good shot is not available, the post can then dive to the basket to exploit smaller defender X1.
Read: Defenders SHOW & RECOVER on the High Post Rub.
Counter: Slip the Screen
When the screener's defender SHOWS to help out on the rub cut, the screener immediately breaks off the screen and slips to the basket for shot.
Shuffle (Weakside) Rub Cut
When the ball handler penetrates or passes to the wing, the off guard O2 walks the defender X2 into O4's high post back screen and cuts to basket. Point guard O1 looks to feed O2 making a basket cut off O4's high post screen or posting up against a smaller or weaker defender. Should the defender get hung up on O4's high post screen or trail O2 it will certainly result in an easy lay up. Players must be prepared to recognize and attack the following defensive situations:
Basic Reads and Counters. What if . . .
Click on desired read below to view illustrated counter option.
The defender CHASES OVER the screen?
The defender CHEATS OVER the screen early?
The defender GOES UNDER or BEHIND the screen?
The defenders SHOW & RECOVER against the screen?
The defenders SWITCH on the screen?
The defenders anticipate switching and ZONE on the screen?
The defenders DOUBLE TEAM or TRAP on the screen?
Read: Defensive player CHASES OVER the screen.
Counter: Hard Basket Cut
Top Cut: Off guard O2 walks the defender X2 into O4's high post screen. When the defender X2 assumes an inside position and chases O2 over the high post screen, O2 makes a direct cut to the basket looking for a pass from O1 for layup. O2 also has the option of posting up against X2.
Read: Defensive player CHASES OVER the screen.
Counter: Cut Under the Screen
When the defender X2 assumes an outside defensive position, O2 cuts under the screen looking for a pass from O1 for layup. O2 also has the option of posting up against X2.
Read: Defensive player GOES UNDER or BEHIND the screen.
Counter: Bump Back
Bump: When the defender X2 cheats and goes under O4's high post screen, O2 pops (bumps) back out for open jump shot.
Read: Defense SWITCHES on high post rub cut.
Counter: Post Roll Option
Post Roll
On defensive switch, O2 clears to corner as point looks to feed O4 rolling to basket against smaller defender X2.
Post Isolation
Read: Defense SWITCHES on high post rub cut.
Roll & Post Up. On defensive switch, when a smaller defender is "MISMATCHED INSIDE" against the screener O4, O2 clears immediately to the corner and screen O4 rolls to the basket and posts up. O1 or O3 looks to feed O4 posting up.
Corner Isolation Option
Read: Defense SWITCHES on high post rub cut.
Corner Isolation. On the defensive switch, when a bigger defender is "MISMATCHED OUTSIDE" against the cutter O2, screener O4 clears out to the weakside isolating O2 against X4.
Read: Defenders ANTICIPATE SWITCH (ZONE)
Counter: Slip Option
When defenders X2 and X4 anticipate and zone against O2's high post rub, O4 fakes the screen and slips the screen and cuts to the basket. O1 looks for O4 cutting away to basket.
Read: Defenders SHOW & RECOVER on high post rub cut.
Counter: Break Off Screen & Cut Away
When defender X4 steps out to show (block) on O2's high post rub cut, O2 takes X4 wide as screener O4 breaks off the screen and cuts to the basket. O1 looks for O4 cutting away to basket.
Read: Defense DOUBLE TEAMS off-guards post up.
Counter: Drop or Kick Out Pass
Drop Pass. When defender X5 doubles teams O2 in post area, O2 looks to make a drop pass to O5. O1 also has option of making a skip pass across to O3 who can feed O5.
Kick Out Pass. When defender X3 drops down and assumes a defensive position against O5, O2 has option of making a kick out pass to open O3 for spot up shot. If defender X3 should rotate back out to O3, O3 can feed O5 in low post.
Read: Defenders DOUBLE TEAM post up early
Counter: Ball Reversal
When defender X5 double teams cutter O2 early, O1 makes a reversal pass out to screener O4. O4 looks to feed open O5 directly or if defender X3 drops down to help out passes to O3 who in turn can feed O5. If defender X5 recovers back to O5, O5 can make a drop pass to O2.
Double Screens
Double-Screens are primarily used to free up great shooters, especially for the last shot or after a timeout. Double Screens can be deployed perpendicular or parallel to the baseline in a variety of ways. Since most teams are ill-prepared to defend double screens, when executed properly, they will create some excellent shot opportunities.
| Lane Line Perpendicular | Free Throw Line Parallel | Breaking Double Screens |
Perpendicular Lane line Double
Perpendicular or baseline double screens are the choice to free up a great shooter.
Basic Reads and Counters. What if . . .
Click on desired read below to view illustrated counter option.
Defender CHASES & TRAILS the receiver?
Defender CHEATS OVER the double screen?
Defenders SWITCH against double screen?
Defender SHOWS & RECOVERS on double screen?
Read: Defender CHASES UNDER the double screen.
Counter: Curl
Curl
When defender chases out UNDER the double screen, the shooter curls for a quick open shot.
Curl to Basket
When the defender is late chasing out, the receiver can curl all the way to the basket for an easy lay-up.
Read: Defender CHEATS OVER the double screen.
Counter: Fade or Back Cut
Fade
When the defender cheats OVER the top of the double screen, the shooter simply fades to the baseline for open shot.
Back Cut
When the defender goes OVER the double screen, the receiver also has the option of back cutting to the basket.
Read: Defenders SWITCH on the double screen.
Counter: Post or Wing Isolation
Post Isolation
When the defenders SWITCH on the double screen, both the topside screener and shooter clear out, and the baseline screener posts up strong against the smaller defender.
Wing Isolation
When the defensive players switch, both screeners can clear out isolating the shooter one-on-one against bigger less mobile defender. If a good shot is not available, the screener can then dive to the basket to exploit the much smaller defender.
Read: Defenders SHOW & RECOVER on double screen.
Counter: Slip the Screen
Slip
Any time the topside defender steps out and "SHOWS" to help out, the screener immediately cuts away to the basket for shot.
Lob
On a double screen, if the baseline screener's defender steps up and switches to help out against the slip, the baseline screener goes to the basket for a lob pass.
Parallel Double Screen - Free Throw Line
Double-Screens parallel to the baseline are normally set up along the free throw line to free up a great shooter especially for a last three point shot situation. The free throw double can also be ran to get the ball inside to one of the screeners.
Basic Reads and Counters. What if . . .
Click on desired read below to view illustrated counter option.
Defender CHASES & TRAILS the receiver?
Defender CHEATS OVER the double screen?
Defenders SWITCH against double screen?
Defender SHOWS & RECOVERS on double screen?
Read: Defender CHASES OVER the double screen.
Counter Options: Curl
Curl
When defender chases out OVER the double screen, the receiver curls for a quick open shot.
Curl to Basket
If the defender is late chasing out, the receiver can curl all the way to the basket.
Read: Defender CHEATS OVER the double screen.
Counter Option: Back Cut to Basket
When the defender cheats over the double screen, the receiver can simply back cut to the basket for an easy lay-up.
Lob
Low screener steps up and sets a back screen for top screener who rolls to basket for a lob or over the top pass.
Screen & Roll
When the defenders switch, the top screener clears out as the screener seals off the topside defender and rolls to the basket for shot. The screener can also slip the screen and cut away to basket.
Breaking Free Throw Line Parallel Double
1. Ballside screener screens for weakside screener.
Screen and Roll Option
Basket Cut
When defenders anticipate switching, the off guard has the option of back cutting to the basket for shot.
Screen & Roll
When the defenders switch, the screener seals off the weakside defender and rolls to the basket for shot. The screener can also slip the screen and cut away to basket.
2. Weakside screener screens for ballside screener.
Back Screen Option
Lob
Weakside screener set a back screen for strong side screener who in turn rolls out to weakside anticipating a lob pass.
Screen & Roll
If the defenders switch, the screener seals off the defender and rolls to the basket for shot. The screener also has the option of slipping the screen.
Read: Defenders SWITCH on the double screen.
Counter Options: Post or Point Isolation
Post Isolation
When the defenders SWITCH on the down screen, the weakside screener rolls to the basket for shot or a strong post up against the smaller defender.
Top Isolation
When the defensive players switch, the screeners can clear out to the short corners isolating the shooter one-on-one against bigger less mobile defender. If a good shot is not available, the screener can then dive to the basket to exploit the much smaller defender.
Read: Defenders SHOW & RECOVER on double screen.
Counter Options: Slip the Screen and Lob
Slip
Any time the ballside defender steps out and "SHOWS" to help out, the screener immediately cuts away to the basket for shot.
Lob
If the weakside screener's defender switches to help out against the slip, the weakside screener cuts away to the basket looking for a lob pass.
