What does pass and screen away mean in basketball
Pass and screen away is a basketball tactic that occurs when an offensive player in possession of the ball, typically near the perimeter, passes it to one particular teammate, and then that same player sets a screen away from the ball for another teammate, in an effort to limit the effectiveness of the defense.
Why is pass and screen away action potentially beneficial
Pass and screen away action is potentially beneficial for the offensive team because it promotes ball movement, player motion, and it also generates possible offensive scoring opportunities, especially against a man to man defense.
More specifically, when a player passes the ball to a certain area of the court and then moves away from it (in this case, to set a screen), that same player’s defender has to react to this movement.
Essentially, the defender could stay close to the ball but this leaves their assignment (i.e. the player that initially passed the ball) open to receive the ball again.
If that were to occur, then the player that initially passed the ball would have an opportunity to score or make plays for other teammates, which would be detrimental for the defensive team in either case.
Therefore, the defender that was initially guarding the player who passed the ball will most likely react by pursuing after them away from the ball.
When that occurs, the player that received the ball would have one less defender to worry about and as a result, that same player would then be able to possibly score themselves or generate assists by creating scoring opportunities for other teammates.
Furthermore, when a player moves away from the ball, particularly to set a screen, that action could open up even more scoring possibilities.
Essentially, the player that receives the screen could cut to the basket or cut back to the same area that was recently vacated by the screener.
Afterwards, that same player could receive the ball and either score or make plays for other teammates. Also, the screen receiver could simply reject the screen, cut to the basket, receive the ball, and score near the rim.
Moreover, it should be noted that the player that initially moved away from the ball after passing it could slip the screening action, cut to the basket themselves, and score near the rim as well.
Also, as any of those potential options occur, the defenders of both the screener and the screen receiver would have to react to that offensive player motion.
If there is any sort of miscommunication between the two defenders involved in the screening action, then this could lead to defensive mistakes, which in turn, could lead to possible offensive scoring opportunities.
What is an example of pass and screen away options within the 3 out 2 in motion offense
Part 1
This is an example of pass and screen away options within the 3 out 2 in motion offense which also includes pick and roll action. To begin, 2 receives the ball from 1 and after that, 3 cuts to the top via the screen set by 1 away from the ball.
From there, 3 could take the jump shot if that is open. However, if 3 does not take the jump shot, then 4 could cut to the left side corner and 2 could cut away to the right side corner.
Part 2
Next, 3 could dribble towards the basket via the on-ball screen set by 5. Also, as that occurs, 1 could cut to the top and 4 could fill the vacated left side wing area.
Furthermore, 5 could roll to the basket, receive the ball from 3, and then score near the rim. Alternatively, 3 could pass to one of the other teammates near the perimeter for scoring or playmaking opportunities.
What is an example of pass and screen away options within the 4 out 1 in motion offense
This is an example of pass and screen away options within the 4 out 1 in motion offense. To start, 2 receives the ball from 1 and as that happens, 3 and 4 exchange spots on the court.
Next, 5 receives the post entry pass from 2 and then, 2 cuts to the basket. Furthermore, as that occurs, 3 cuts to the vacated right side wing via the screen away from the ball set by 1.
From that point, 2 could receive the ball near the basket or 3 could receive the ball on the perimeter. Also, 5 could simply score themselves with a low post move.
What is an example of pass and screen away options within the 5 out motion offense
Part 1
This is an example of pass and screen away options within the 5 out motion offense. To begin the demonstration, 2 receives the ball from 1 and after that occurs, 3 executes a curl cut to the basket via the screen away from the ball set by 1.
Next, 3 could receive the ball from 2 and score near the rim if that is open. If that is not open, then 3 could cut through to the left side corner while 4 fills the recently vacated left side wing and 1 executes a self replace cut to the top.
Part 2
After the players fill the correct spots, 5 receives the ball from 2. From there, 1 executes a curl cut to the basket via the screen away from the ball by 2. Following that cutting action, 1 could receive the ball from 5 and score at the rim.
If that is not there, then 1 would fill the left side corner while 3 fills the left side wing, 4 fills the top, and 2 executes a self replace cut at the right side wing.
Part 3
Next, 2 receives the ball from 5 and this time, 3 executes a curl cut to the basket via the screen away from the ball by 4. From there, 3 could receive the ball from 2 and score at the basket.
If that is not possible, then 3 fills the left side corner while 1 fills the left side wing and 4 executes a self replace cut at the top.
Part 4
Once the players fill the correct spots again, 4 receives the ball from 2. Following that passing action, 5 cuts to the basket via the screen away from the ball set by 2.
Next, 5 could receive the ball and score at the basket. If that is not open, then 5 could self replace at the right side corner and at the same time, 2 could self replace at the right side wing.
From that point, the players could execute the same sequence again as a continuity pattern, particularly if 1 receives the ball from 4.
What is an example of pass and screen away options within the flex offense
Part 1
This is an example of pass and screen away options within the flex offense. To demonstrate, 4 receives the ball from 1 and as that occurs, 2 cuts to the basket via the flex screen set by 5. From that point, 2 could receive the ball from 4 and score near the basket.
Additionally, while that occurs, 5 cuts to the vacant right slot via the down screen away from the ball set by 1. This screening action is also known as screen the screener because a player set a screen before receiving a screen themselves.
If 2 is not open to receive the ball, then 2 could cut through to the left side low post block while 1 fills the vacated right side corner.
Part 2
Next, 5 could receive the ball from 4 and as that happens, 3 could cut to the basket via the flex screen set by 2. Afterwards, 3 could receive the ball and score at the rim.
Also, as that action occurs, 2 could cut to the left slot via the screen away from the ball set by 4. Moreover, if 3 is not open, then 3 could cut through to the right side low post block while 4 fills the left side corner.
From there, the flex action could get executed again as a continuity pattern if 2 were to receive the ball from 5.
What is an example of pass and screen away options within the Horns offense
This is an example of pass and screen away options within the Horns offense. To start, 5 receives the ball from 1 and from there, 5 executes a dribble handoff with 2.
At the same time, 3 cuts to the top via the stagger screens away from the ball set by 1 and 4.
After that, 5 could roll to the basket, receive the ball from 2, and score near the basket. Alternatively, 3 could receive the ball from 2 and take the three-point shot if open.
What is an example of pass and screen away options within a high post set play
This is an example of pass and screen away options within a simple high post set play. To begin, 4 receives the ball from 1 and then, 5 receives the ball from 4.
Next, 2 cuts to the basket by way of rejecting a screen away from the ball set by 1. Also, at the same time, 3 cuts to the left side wing area via a screen away from the ball set by 4.
Following that, 2 could receive the ball and score near the basket or 3 could receive the ball and shoot the jump shot if open.
What is an example of pass and screen away options within the triangle offense
Part 1
This is an example of pass and screen away options within the triangle offense. To initiate the action, 3 receives the ball from 1 and following that, 1 executes a speed cut to the basket while 2 cuts to the top.
As that speed cut occurs, 1 could receive the ball from 3 and score near the basket if that is available. If it is not there, then 1 could cut through to the right side corner to form the sideline triangle.
Part 2
Next, 5 receives the post entry pass from 3 and from there, 2 cuts to the right side wing via a screen away from the ball set by 3. This also happens to be a split cut or post split action by 3.
Following that, 3 could cut to the basket via the back screen set by 4. This is also screen the screener action as well.
Afterwards, 3 could receive the ball from 5 and score near the basket. Additionally, 2 could receive the ball from 5 and take the jump shot as another option.
Lastly, if those scoring opportunities are not there, then 5 could attempt to score themselves with a low post move while 4 fills the top and 3 cuts through to the left side short corner.
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What are examples of pass and screen away basketball drills
Drill 1
This is an example of a pass and screen away basketball drill that seeks to develop basic screening and perimeter shooting abilities within motion offense.
It is derived from insights found within Developing Interchangeable Perimeter & Post Players by Matt Painter.
It should also be noted that, for this case, the diagram numbers are not indicative of standard basketball positions and are primarily utilized for demonstration purposes.
Therefore, 1 is not necessarily a point guard, 2 is not necessarily a shooting guard and so on.
The drill is set up with a line of players in possession of two or more basketballs at the top, a coach or team manager near the left side wing, and another line of players near the right side wing. There is also another coach or manager near the rim to gather rebounds as well.
To start, 1 throws a basic chest pass to the coach near the left side wing. Following that, 1 executes screen away action via the wide pin down screen near the right side wing.
4 sets up the defender by faking towards the right side corner before cutting to the top via the wide pin down screen set by 1. From there, 4 receives the ball from the coach and at the same time, 1 pops out towards the right side wing area after setting the screen.
From there, 1 could receive the ball from 4 and then take the open three-point shot.
However, it should also be mentioned that players can take mid-range shots as well if three-pointers are outside of their respective ranges. Players can also mix in a one dribble pull-up as well to add variety to the drill.
After 1 takes the shot, 4 could cut to the back of the line at the top while 1 cuts to the back of the line near the right side wing.
It should also be stated that for this drill, the players do not necessarily have to switch lines if the coaches prefer to work on specific development for specific players.
For example, it is possible to have only post players setting screens and taking jump shots while guards exclusively use screens.
Drill 2 – Part 1
This is a variation of the previous basketball drill. For this example, the players will start with the same initial pass and screen away action but also add in a dribble handoff prior to taking the jump shot.
To begin, the coach receives the ball from 1, followed by screen away from 1. Next, 4 sets up the defender towards the right side corner before cutting to the top via the wide pin down screen set by 1.
Following that, 4 receives the ball from the coach and as that happens, 1 pops out towards the right side wing after setting the screen. From that point, 1 receives the ball from 4 but does not initially shoot as before.
Drill 2 – Part 2
Instead, 1 executes an initial shot fake and then dribbles the ball back towards the top to complete a dribble handoff with 4. Next, 4 dribbles back to the right side wing while 1 pops to the top.
It should also be stated that alternatively, 1 could pop to the high post area near the free throw line as well, particularly if 1 is not a good three-point shooter.
Following the pop action, 1 receives the ball from 4 and takes the mid-range or three-point jump shot. Furthermore, 1 could mix in a one dribble pull-up to add variety to the drill.
Upon completing the drill, 1 and 4 could switch lines if necessary while other players start the drill over again.