2 on 2 Ball Screens

Diagrams

Diagram 1 - Setup

Purpose

• When it comes to the on ball defender and the defender guarding the screener, this is one of the best ball screen drills that you can use. Why? The defenders don’t have any help defense! This makes it way more challenging than during the game. If they can adapt and have success in this situation, your team defense will be that much stronger.

Setup

• There are two offensive players and two defensive players. You are playing 2 on 2. If desired, you can also play 3 on 3.
• In this diagram, the player with the ball starts at the top of the key. However, you can start from the wing as well.

(Diagram 1)

Instructions

• The first action at the start of every possession is a ball screen. In this scenario, 2 sets a ball screen.
• Defender X2 is calling out the screen and jumping to the high side to “hedge” the ball handler east-west.
• Defender X1 is trying to fight over the top of the screen, and only going underneath if they are caught up in the screen.
• Next progression is “dribble handoff”. You “switch” on all dribble handoffs as they are normally a guard to guard play. 1 in black would simply dribble to 2 in black and handoff while using the body to shield the ball. Defenders switch on all handoffs.

Points of Emphasis

• Hedge the Screen – As the player guarding the screener comes up to “hedge the ball screen” (attempt to stop the ball handler from getting north – south), they want to make sure they don’t jump too high over the screen, as this will lead to them being “split” by the ball handler and beaten to the hoop. Stay tight on the screener, step through with your bottom foot over the screener’s top foot and try to force the ball handler up high, away from the hoop.
• No Straight Lines For Screener – The defender does not allow the screener to easily go where they want. If you can knock the screener off their path, they may not be able to go set the screen. Put a forearm up and stay balanced. Be ready for the screener to initiate contact if they try to continue in a straight line.
• Beat the Screen – The player guarding the ball needs to stay low. If you are quicker than the ball handler and can avoid the screen, you should try to push the ball handler out without help. If you get caught by the screen and have to go behind, you need to communicate with your helping teammate, let the player know you’re recovered and push your way through to get back on your player.
• Quickly Reposition On Handoffs – If you’re not aware of your position on the switches for dribble handoffs, you can provide an easy dribble drive opportunity for the ball handler. Make sure to quickly reposition yourself, so your butt is to the basket and you are directly between the ball handler and the basket.

Variations

• 3 on 3 and 4 on 4 – Like mentioned previously, you can play 3 on 3 or even 4 on 4 and start every possession with a ball screen. This is a great way to practice your help defense when it comes to ball screens as well.
• Offensive Advantage – You could even allow the offense to have an initial advantage on the ball screen to practice scrambling out of help in ball screen situations.

Made by Breakthrough Basketball