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Common Offenses
Base Cross
Hawk
Horns
Mid Screen
Power

Side Screen
Triangle Post
UCLA
Zipper

Motion Offenses
Spread Offenses
Zone Offenses

Diagram Key

 

 

 

 

Most Commonly Used Offenses:

Mid Screen Offense

| Continunities | Basic Reads | Variations | Defense |

The "Mid Screen" set offense is used by every NBA team for a very good reason. Since the action takes place in the center of the floor, with shooters spotting up on the wings, it takes away the helpside support making it very difficult to defend. In addition, when executed, the on ball screen provides for an array of quick hitting options.

The basic option of the Mid Screen is for the point guard to drive hard off a high post screen. The high post player, usually a power forward or post, sets an "On Ball" screen to free up the point guard for dribble penetration. The point guard has the option of turning the corner for a drive to the basket or executing a pull up jumper if the defense goes below the screen. The point guard also has options of a drop pass to the post or kick out passes to the shooters spotting up on the wings.

[ Basic Mid Screen Action to Left Side ]

CONTINUNITY: Although teams prefer to flow into a motion or passing game continuity, Mid Screen action can flow into almost any type of continuity.

  1. Passing Game (Motion) Continuity
  2. Flex Continuity
  3. Triangle Continuity
  4. Side Screen Continuity

Mid Screen Fundamentals & Execution

Mid Screen Offense: Basic Reads & Counters

The keys to the success of the Mid Screen’s high post screen action is in execution and coordination. The ballhandler and screener have to think and function as one unit. This requires proper footwork, timing, non-verbal communication, and experience. Players should be prepared to recognize and attack the following situations:

Defensive Reads: What if the ....

  1. Defender FIGHTS OVER the screen

    Weakside defender SAGS OFF wing to help on drive.
    Weakside low post defender SAGS OFF to help on drive.

  2. Defensive player GOES UNDER the screen.

  3. Defenders SWITCH on the screen.

    Smaller defender is MISMATCHED INSIDE against screener.
    Bigger defender MISMATCHED OUTSIDE against quicker ball handler.
    Defensive players anticipate switch and ZONE on screen.

  4. Defense SHOWS and RECOVERS on screen.

  5. Defense TRAPS the dribbler on the screen.

Mid Screen Offense: Variations

Various NBA teams have adapted the mid screen action to take advantage of their specific player personnel. Most of these variations are actually secondary options off the high post screen action. Some of these more frequently used Mid Screen variations used include:

The Case for the Defense:

Defensive strategies and techniques that are used in combating the Mid Screen.

The Mid Screen Offense involves high post mid screen action. If the "on ball"" defender gets hung up on the high post screen it will most certainly result in an easy layup. When the screener is a strong post up player or good outside shooter it presents additional problems for the defense.

  1. Basic Show & Recover

  2. All Out SOS Disruption

  3. Fundamentals: Defending Against the High Mid Screen

"More Than Just Stats"
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