Screen the Passer

Purpose:

To reinforce the off-ball movement techniques we want to use in our offense.

Setup:

One line at the top of the arc with a ball, one on the left wing. Coach on the right wing.

Execution:

1. Player 1 passes to the coach on the wing.
2. As soon as the ball leaves Player 1’s hands, Player 2 will sprint over to set a screen for the passer.
3. The coach will pass back to the screener as they pop out to receive the pass.
4. Player 2 swings the ball to Player 1, who attacks the basket and finishes.

Coaching Tips:

The goal of this drill is to ingrain the idea in our players’ minds that anytime someone makes a pass, we want to screen the passer. The key to a motion offense is off-ball movement, whether it’s the passer screening away or receiving the screen.

Tips for Younger Athletes:

• Emphasize the importance of setting a solid, stationary screen. Teach them to keep their feet shoulder-width apart and to avoid leaning or moving when setting the screen.
• Encourage vocal communication during the screen setting. The screener should call out the player’s name they are screening for, enhancing teamwork and coordination.
• Start teaching basic decision-making skills. Instruct the players to observe the defender’s position and choose whether to cut towards the basket or flare out for a pass.

Tips for Older Athletes:

• Focus on the angles of the screens. The screener should position their body in such a way that it creates the most advantageous path for the ball handler.
• Encourage players to read the defensive setup and react accordingly. If the defense switches on the screen, the players should know how to exploit the mismatch.
• Introduce more complex cutting techniques, like back cuts or curl cuts, based on how the defense reacts to the screen. This will help in developing a more nuanced offensive skill set.