"Horns"
(Double Mid Screens)
By deploying a second high post screener, it allows the ballhandler the option of driving off a screen in either direction. Since screens are available on both sides, unlike a Mid Screen, the Horns offense cannot be disrupted by simply influencing the ball handler away from the screen. Having both screeners high, also, clears out any baseline defensive help against dribble penetration along with creating open shot opportunities for good spot up, outside shooters.
Basic Reads and Counters. What if . . .
1. Defender CHASES &TRAILS over the screen?
2. Defender goes UNDER the screen?
3. Defenders SWITCH against the screen?
4. Defenders SHOW &RECOVER on screen?
Read: Defenders CHASES OVER the screen.
Drive
When the defender CHASES OVER the screen, the ballhandler drives hard to the basket.
Kick
If the wing's defender SAGS OFF to help out on the drive, the ballhandler makes a kick out pass for a wide open, spot up shot. The wing also has the option of back cutting to the basket for a drop pass and lay-up.
Read: Defender CHEATS UNDER the screen.
Pull Up Jumper
When the defender goes UNDER the screen, the ballhandler pulls up for an open jump shot.
Read: Defenders SWITCH on the Screen.
Screen &Roll
When the defenders SWITCH on the screen, the screener "Seals" off the initial ballhandler's defender, and rolls to the basket for shot.
Post Isolation
When defenders SWITCH, the screener posts up strong to exploit smaller defender. The ballhandler 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 clears out to weakside, isolating the ballhandler one-on-one against bigger less agile defender. The ballhandler should string out and take the defender further away from the basket by taking a dribble backwards. This will also allow the screener time to clear. If the bigger defender does not react to the back dribble it creates and open shot for the ballhandler.
Read: Defenders SHOW & RECOVER against the screen.
Slip the Screen
When the screener's defender steps out and "SHOWS" on the screen, the screener can slip the screen and cut away to the basket.
Pop Out
If the screener is a good outside shooter, he/she has the option of "Popping Out" for open, spot up shot.
Read: Defender CHEATS OVER the screen.
Drive Opposite
When the On-Ball defender anticipates the side screen and CHEATS OVER early, the ballhandler should drive opposite to the basket. In changing direction to drive opposite, the ball handler can use a front crossover, a behind the back, or a reverse between the legs dribble.
Lob Pass
If either screener's defender overplays to deny or disrupt the screen, the screener back cuts to the basket looking for a lob pass.
Read: Defenders DOUBLE TEAM against the screen.
Post Roll
Post Pop
When the defenders trap, the ballhandler should immediately string out the defenders by backing out the dribble. The screener can either roll to the basket or pop out to create a 2-1-2 alignment. The ballhandler looks to feed the screener rolling to the basket. If the post feed is not available, the 2-1-2 alignment allows for quick ball movement against the double team.
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