Ball Screen Reads

Diagrams

Diagram 1 - Instructions

Diagram 2 - “Over The Top” v Drop

Diagram 3 - Drag V Hedge

Diagram 4 - Drag V Hedge

Philosophy

• This drill is a great drill to work on different ball screen reads. Players get reps attacking common ball screen coverages. They learn the ball handling and footwork combinations that work against each coverage, giving them comfort and confidence in games. You need 2 chairs (1 to be a defender, and 1 to be screen)

Instructions

(Diagram 1)

“Over The Top” v Drop

• Line players up at half court on the sideline. Each player has a ball.
• 1 dribbles below the screen to set their player up.
• 1 attacks off the screen and shoots a jumper or layup.
• 2 goes when 1 clears the screen.

(Diagram 2)

Reject The Screen

• Once again 1 will dribble below the screen to set up the ball screen.
• We now pretend the on ball defender cheats towards the screen.
• 1 fakes like they are using the screen but then attacks back towards the baseline.

Drag V Hedge

• In this scenario you will simulate a hedge (hence the 2nd chair).
• 1 dribbles below the screen to set up the defender.
• 1 then uses the screen and drags the hedger wide towards the center of the court. 1 should use a change of pace to get by the hedger (generally a big).
• 1 shoot a jumper or a layup.

(Diagram 3)

(Diagram 4)

Split V Hedge

• This is a 2nd hedge scenario.
• After setting up their defender, 1 comes off the screen.
• We assume there is a gap between the screen and the hedger.
• 1 fakes over the top before splitting the chairs.
• 1 should push the ball out to create space for a layup.

Coaching Tips

• Perform each scenario 4-6x on each side.
• Add in guided defense to force 1 to make a read based on how the screen is defended.
• Vary the types of shots & finishes players take in the drill.

Made by Breakthrough Basketball