Side Screen
The Side Screen Offense is a two player screen and roll isolation. Although the Side Screen is a fairly simple looking play, it incorporates a magnitude of quick hitting options, which make it so lethal. However, to be success, these options must be recognized and executed properly.
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?
Caution: Players must learn to execute side screens using both the right and left sides of the court.
Read: Defenders CHASES OVER the screen.
Drive
When the defender CHASES OVER the side screen, the ballhandler drives hard to the basket.
Drop
When the weakside post's defender DROPS OFF to help out against the drive, the ballhandler simply makes a drop pass for an easier shot.
Kick
If either wing defenders SAG OFF to help out on the drive, the ballhandler makes a kick out pass for a wide open, spot up shot.
Read: Defender goes 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 side screen, the screener "Seals" the ballhandler's initial 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 perimeter players for the post feed.
Point 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.
If the ballhandler's shot is not available, the post can then dive to the basket to exploit smaller defender.
Read: Defenders SHOW &RECOVER against the screen.
Slip the Screen
When the screener's defender steps out and "SHOWS" on the side screen, the screener can slip the screen and cut away to the basket.
Pop Out
The screener also has the option of "Popping Out" to the corner for open shot eliminating any helpside defensive support.
Read: Defender anticipates and 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 the screener's defender anticipates the side screen and over plays 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.
String Out
When the defenders TRAP, the ballhandler should string out the defenders by backing out the dribble. The screener rolls to the basket as weakside post flashes into the middle. The ballhandler looks to feed the post flashing who in turn looks to feed the screener or weakside wing back cutting to the basket. If the back cuts are not available the 2-1-2 alignment allows for quick ball movement.
