Multiple options off the ball screen From Alan Peel, Turner High School, Kansas City, Kansas

4 starts on the low block on the same side as 2, and 5 starts on the low block on the same side as 3. 4 will be the one setting the ball screen and 5 will post-up low.

DIAGRAM 1: When 1 brings the ball across half court, he or she must stay between the lane lines extended. 4 comes up through the lane and sets a rear ball screen for 1 at the top of the 3-point line. If the screen is set too high, the defense will go under the screen and the play will not work.

1 must be able to run the defender into the screen. From there, 1 can either go left or right, depending on how the defense is playing. 1 can only go to the side of his or her dominant hand if the defense does not take it away. If the defense does, 1 must go the other way.

Should 1 go to 5’s side off the ball screen, 5 must relocate to the opposite block and look to catch and score. This must be done quickly so that we can get a possible penetration layup for 1 and possible dump off to 5.


DIAGRAM 2: If 1’s defender chases over the top of the screen and nobody steps into help, 1 can drive and score the layup. If 1’s defender goes under the screen, 1 shoots a jumper.

If 1 is able to penetrate and 5’s man steps in to help, 1 dumps off to 5 for the score. If the defense on the wing (2 or 3, depending on which side 1 goes to) drops off to help on 1, the ball can be kicked out for the 3-pointer. If 1 can’t effectively penetrate or the defense switches the ball screen, 1 can kick the ball back to 4 for the shot.