First off, let me start by saying that I’m not trying to rip coaches or tell them how to do their jobs, I’m trying to address this weakness and give my ideas on why it is so common.
A lot of players, especially younger ones, struggle to set up and read screens properly. I believe that these struggles are caused mainly by a lack of knowledge. This summer I worked out a high school freshman who had never been taught a single way to come off a screen. Unfortunately this is very common. As a result of this lack of knowledge, players are impatient with their cuts. They simply make cuts to move instead of cutting with a purpose. Understanding how and why to make specific cuts is crucial to reading screens correctly.
Set up your screen
Before you can read the screen you need to set it up. Take your defender away from the screen before coming off of it. Change speeds when you make your movements and keep the defender guessing. Create contact with the defense: Initiate to separate. Remember to be patient. It is better to be late than early off a screen. The screener must be set before you can their screen. When you get to the screen make sure your inside shoulder is tight to the screeners hip. Don’t leave any room for the defense to sneak through without being hit by the screen.
Reading the screen
Your three most basic reads off screens are the curl, pop, and flare. The following section will break down these three reads and give an example of a situation where the read should be used. For the purpose of this blog, we will assume all these reads are being made off a down screen.
- Curl – Use a curl cut when you are coming off a screen and your defender is “on your numbers”, meaning they are trailing right behind you as you come to the screen. Rather than pop out to receive a pass, wrap (curl) around the screen. This will allow you to create space between you and your defender, giving you the opportunity to score or get into the defense and create for a teammate.
- Pop – Use the pop cut if your defender runs directly into the screen. Execute a pop cut by coming straight off the screen to the point of attack. If you curl or flare in this situation the defender has a much easier recovery.
- Flare – Use a flare cut when your defender tries to get over the top of the down screen. When you see the defender going over the top, cut “flare” away from the defense. Make sure to get at least one foot above the screen before you flare out. If you flare to early, the defender will be able to slide under the screen and make a recovery.
Keep drilling these situations until the reads become second nature and you make them without thinking. If you have trouble visualizing these situations, watch NBA and College players who are known for moving without the basketball. Richard Hamilton and Ray Allen are two that immediately come to mind. If you have any questions feel free to contact me and I will do my best to help.