Off-Ball screens are an effective way to create offense away from your primary ball handlers.
Basketball success often hinges on the effective use of screens (or picks). While on-ball screens, like the pick-and-roll, are frequently highlighted, off-ball screens are equally critical for creating scoring opportunities. Off-ball screens are essential for creating open offensive looks when your team lacks a dominate ball-handler.
This article explores off-ball pick concepts including curl cuts, flare cuts, backdoor cuts, straight cuts, and flex cuts. Additionally, we delve into advanced double pick strategies such as the normal double screen, gate screen, and stagger screen. These pick concepts can significantly enhance their team’s offensive prowess.
Off-Ball Pick Concepts
Curl Cut
Description: The curl cut involves the player receiving the screen tightly curling around the screener and heading towards the basket.
Usage: This cut is particularly effective when the defender is trailing closely behind. It capitalizes on the defender’s momentum, creating an opportunity for a quick shot or drive to the basket.
Coaching Tips:
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- Ensure the screener sets a solid pick.
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- The player cutting should maintain a tight path around the screener.
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- Use this cut when the defender is overcommitting to follow the player.
Flare Cut
Description: The flare cut sees the player receiving the screen moving away from the screener towards the perimeter, often positioning themselves for an open jump shot.
Usage: This cut is ideal when the defender goes under the screen, allowing the offensive player to find space on the outside.
Coaching Tips:
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- Teach players to read the defender’s position.
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- The screener should angle the screen to direct the defender under it.
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- The shooter should be prepared for a catch-and-shoot situation.
Backdoor Cut
Description: The backdoor cut involves the player faking a move towards the screen before quickly cutting backdoor towards the basket.
Usage: Use this cut when the defender is overplaying or anticipating the screen, leading to an easy layup or dunk.
Coaching Tips:
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- Emphasize the importance of the fake to sell the initial move.
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- Timing and eye contact with the passer are crucial.
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- This cut works well against aggressive defenses.
Straight Cut
Description: The straight cut is a direct cut towards the ball or a specific spot on the floor.
Usage: This versatile cut is useful for getting open for a pass or shot, depending on the offensive set.
Coaching Tips:
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- Ensure the player cuts with purpose and speed.
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- The screener should hold their position to create maximum separation.
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- Encourage players to use this cut when they have a clear path to the ball.
Flex Cut
Description: The flex cut is a variation of the backdoor screen and typically involves a player on the baseline receiving a screen to cut towards the ball side for a shot or layup.
Usage: Common in flex offenses, this cut takes advantage of baseline screens to create scoring opportunities.
Coaching Tips:
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- Coordinate timing between the cutter and the screener.
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- Use the flex cut to exploit mismatches or weak defensive rotations.
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- The cutter should be ready to receive the ball and finish quickly.
Double Pick Concepts
Normal Double Screen
Description: A normal double screen involves two players setting consecutive screens for a teammate, one after the other.
Usage: This concept is effective for freeing up a shooter or creating space for a ball handler.
Coaching Tips:
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- Ensure both screeners are stationary and set strong picks.
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- The player using the screens should read the defense to decide whether to curl, pop, or cut.
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- This is effective against man-to-man defenses.
Gate Screen
Description: In a gate screen, two players set up side-by-side screens to create a “gate” for a teammate to cut through.
Usage: This screen is effective for freeing up shooters or cutters, making it difficult for defenders to navigate through the gate.
Coaching Tips:
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- The screeners should be shoulder-to-shoulder, creating a wide gate.
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- The cutter should be decisive and quick through the screen.
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- Use this screen to create confusion and mismatches.
Stagger Screen
Description: A stagger screen involves two screens set at different times and locations, with the player receiving one screen followed by another.
Usage: This screen is great for freeing up a shooter by creating a long path for the defender to navigate.
Coaching Tips:
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- Ensure the timing between the screeners is precise.
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- The cutter should be patient and read the defense.
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- Stagger screens are effective against defenses that are good at switching.
Conclusion
By incorporating these off-ball pick concepts and double pick strategies into your team’s playbook, you can create a dynamic and unpredictable offense. Teaching players to read defenses and make smart decisions off screens will lead to more open shots and scoring opportunities. As always, communication, timing, and execution are key to maximizing the effectiveness of these techniques.