What is general information about the brush screen in basketball
Basic definition of brush screen
The brush screen, sometimes referred to as the brush cut, consists of action that occurs when one offensive player moves toward the direction of a second offensive player and immediately afterwards, the second offensive player moves underneath the first.
Once that action happens, the defender of the first offensive player could inadvertently brush against the defender of the second offensive player or the defender of the second offensive player could inadvertently brush against the first offensive player.
In either case, the movement of one or both defenders could become delayed, particularly as it relates to defensive sliding, which could lead to an offensive advantage in reference to creating separation, especially from the defender of the second offensive player.
Brush screen in relation to other types of basketball screens
Similar to other types of basketball screens, the brush screen can hinder a defender’s ability to adequately guard the offensive recipient of that screen.
However, unlike other forms of typical basketball screens, which would include on-ball screens and off-ball screens, the offensive player who would perform the brush screen does not position their feet about shoulder-width apart with their back straightened and knees slightly bent to form a good base.
In addition, the offensive player who would execute the brush screen does not attempt to come into full legal contact with any particular defenders.
Moreover, it is probably better for the player who is performing the brush screen to show their hands, which could also signal to referees that purposeful contact is not being made and/or a traditional screen is not being set.
However, if contact does occur, it should be generally coincidental on the part of the offensive player executing the brush screen or intentionally initiated by the defender.
Brush screen could be implemented as a counter against ball screen defense
It is possible for the brush screen to be implemented as an offensive counter to certain types of ball screen defense tactics.
For example, let’s say Team A executes ball screen offense against the man to man defense strategy of Team B.
When that occurs, the on-ball defender and the screener’s defender of Team B could utilize ball screen defense tactics in an attempt to mitigate the effectiveness of the on-ball screen.
Essentially, the on-ball defender could go over the top of the screen while the screener’s defender hedges above the screen or stays below the screen in the drop coverage.
Moreover, the on-ball defender could simply go under the screen to avoid it altogether or if it is a side screen, the on-ball defender could attempt to shrink the court with ice defense.
However, the brush screen could render those particular tactics ineffective at best, especially if it is executed properly and swiftly before the on-ball defender and/or the potential screener’s defender are able to react.
Brush screen could be countered with switch defense
One potential drawback to consider when implementing the brush screen is that it could be countered with defensive switching.
Basically, when an offensive player attempts to initiate the brush screen, the two defenders who would be involved in the screening action could simply switch assignments.
What are diagram examples of the brush screen
Example 1
This is a very basic example of the brush screen that displays 2-man game alongside pass and follow action. Within this simple example, 2 receives the ball from 1 and afterwards, 1 immediately cuts toward the left side wing.
However, as that happens, 2 begins to dribble towards the basket as 1 cuts in front of them.
From there, if the timing is good, then X2 would be delayed by the brush screen action of 1.
In other words, as X2 begins to slide their feet laterally to stay in front of 2, that defensive movement could be delayed by the cut of 1.
Following that, 2 could score near the basket via a field goal attempt such as a layup or floater.
Alternatively, if it is not feasible to attack the rim, then 2 could take the open jump shot instead.
Example 2
This is an example of a basketball play that could potentially be utilized as an end of quarter or last second set. It is derived from action executed by the Australian men’s national basketball team.
This particular play could lead to a scoring opportunity near the basket but the timing of the offensive players involved in it has to be very good.
For the setup, 1 and 2 are spread apart near the opposite sidelines while 3 and 4 begin in opposite corners. Also, 5 starts near the right side low post area.
Next, 1 begins the action by quickly dribbling towards the middle of the court near the top and at the same time, 2 sprints underneath 1.
If the timing is correct, then 2 should be able to receive a pitch back pass from 1 and simultaneously, 1 should be able to trigger the brush screen action against X2, who would be defending against 2.
Furthermore, as 1 and 2 execute their respective actions, 5 should lift up to set an on-ball screen for 2.
Once again, assuming the timing is correct, as soon as 2 receives the ball from 1, that is when 2 immediately attacks the rim.
From there, if X2 was initially delayed because of the brush screen, then X2 would also have to try to fight through the screen or avoid it altogether, which would give 2 a major advantage in terms of creating separation.
On the other hand, if X2 was able to avoid the brush screen so that no delay occurs, then the on-ball screen set by 5 would simply be another impediment that X2 would have to circumvent.
In either case, after the ball screen action, 5 rolls to the basket, receives the ball from 2, and could score near the basket via a layup or dunk.
What is also interesting about this particular play is that if the two defenders who would be guarding 1 and 2 decide to switch prior to the moment of the brush screen, then the defender that switches to cover against 2 would still have to avoid the on-ball screen.
Alternatively, if the switch occurs after the ball screen action, then 5 would most likely have a mismatch assuming that X2 is a much smaller defender.
If that is indeed the case, then 5 could roll to the basket, quickly post seal to get the smaller defender on their back, receive the ball from 2, and score in the paint.
Related: X Brush Screen – YouTube
Example 3 – Part 1
This is a basketball play initialized from a 1-4 low formation that features brush screen.
It is based on action used by the Virginia Tech men’s basketball team.
To start, 1 dribbles toward the left extended slot area via an on-ball screen set by 5. After that, 5 pops out to the top and receives the ball from 1.
As that action happens, 2 lifts up to the left side wing, 4 cuts to vacant left side corner, and 1 cuts to the left side low post block.
Example 3 – Part 2
Next, 3 lifts up to the right side wing and receives the ball from 5. From there, 5 follows that pass to trigger the brush screen action on X3 while 3 drives into the lane via dribble penetration.
Assuming the timing is correct, X3 would be slightly delayed by the brush screen, which also gives 3 an advantage in terms of separation.
Furthermore, as 3 attacks the basket, 1 sprints across the lane to receive a pin down screen from 5, mainly to occupy the defender who would be guarding against 1.
Afterwards, 3 could score via a layup or dunk. In addition, if a switch occurs during the pin down screen action, then 5 could slip the screen, receive the ball from 3, and score.
Related: Brush Cut (Screen) – YouTube