Strategy- Side Ball Screens

Everybody runs some form of side ball screen offense. If you don’t run a side ball screen action, you should be. While everyone runs a side ball action, very few teams execute a side ball screen action. The breakdown for the side ball screen action is to first go 2 on 0 so players see what the options are. Then go 2 on 2 on the side. Once players can score 2 on 2, they understand the offense. 

Basic Screen Action- Make the guard wait for the screen to arrive. It is always better too late than too early. The guard MUST be trying to attack and get a piece of the lane. 

Attacking the Elbow- Players must be drilled on turning corner and trying to attack. Too often teams run the side ball screen and they are robotic- just hoping the defense breaks down. They need to be attacking the elbow. 

Experiment Where You Run The Action- Move wings from below the ft line extended toward the baseline, from ft line extended and higher. If you move it around, you will find that there may be different actions available. 

Post Slip- Go hard to the screen, then slip to the basket. 

Refuse the Screen- The baseline drive is always a great option.

Backdoor- Work on backdoor cuts and making the pass. 

Pick and Pop- The posts can learn whether their best option is taking a three or a catch and drive baseline. 

Slow Down- Wait for the Screen- Too many teams run thru and do not threaten the defense coming off the screen. If you invest time going 2 on 2, players will begin to understand the importance of waiting for the screen, and of rolling quickly. 

Wait For 2nd or 3rd Side- As a coach, you hate to set up rules, but I know coaches who have insisted players cannot attack until they are on the 3rd side. If you are willing to execute, realize your chances of scoring increase on the second side and even more on the third side. Defenders will never be as good when they have had to move around first. 

Dribble Hand Off- There is a value in teaching posts to vary whether they enter with a pass or a dribble hand off. 

Teaching Progression- As you are teaching, start a given practice by drilling 2 on 0. You might choose on Day 1 to just work on regular pick and roll (shot and feed the roll), post slipping, and refuse screen. After you do that in 2 on 0. Then move to 2 on 2, and those are their options to use.