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The "Side Screen" is the most used play in the NBA, and is found in every team's playbook.
Even the Lakers have added it to their patented Triangle Offense. However, it is John
Stockton and Karl Malone that have exploited the Side Screen to the maximum and have
made it a real trademark of the Utah Jazz.
The Side Screen Offense is a two player screen and roll isolation. Although the Side
Screen is a fairly simple looking play, it incorporates a magnitude of quick hitting
options, which make it so lethal. Since it can be quickly initiated by just having a
post step out and set an "ON" ball screen, Side Screen action can be used for
continuity when an offensive play breaks down or to create a good shot as time winds
down on the shot clock.
The basic option of the Side Screen is for the wing to drive over the top of the
"ON"
ball screen being set by the high post player, usually a power forward or post. The
penetrating wing has the options of turning the corner for a drive to the basket or
executing a pull up jumper if the defense goes below the screen or making a return pass
to the post cutting away to the basket after the screen if the defense switches or making
a kick out pass to a shooter when a weakside defender drop off to help out on the drive.
The Side Screen can be triggered either by the point guard dribble clearing the wing or
by passing to the wing and making a basket cut clearing out to the weakside of the court.
In the NBA, most teams prefer to run the Side Screen on the left side of the court for
right handed players, and on the right side for left handed players. This allows for
dribble penetration into the middle, where the defense is most vulnerable, with a player's
strongest hand.
Pass Entry
Right Side Entry
CONTINUNITY: When the side screen action breaks down or does not produce the desired
shot, most teams prefer to flow into a motion or passing game continuity; however, Side Screen
action can flow into other types of continuity, such as:
Triangle Post,
Flex, and
Single/Double Motion.
Side Screen: Basic Reads & Counters
The keys to the success of the Side 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 ....
- Defender CHASES OVER the screen.
Baseline Defender HELPS OUT on drive.
Weakside Defender SAGS OFF wing to help on drive.
- Defender GOES UNDER the screen.
- Defender CHEATS OVER the screen early.
- DefenDer FIGHTS THROUGH the screen.
- Defense SHOWS and RECOVERS on screen.
- Defense SWITCHES on the screen.
Smaller defender is MISMATCHED INSIDE against screener.
Bigger defender MISMATCHED OUTSIDE against quicker ball handler.
Defenders anticipate switching and ZONE on the screen.
- Defense DOUBLE TEAMS the shooter.
Side Screen: Variations
Some teams have adopted Side Screen action as the "final leg" or
continunity option to run as time is running out on the shot clock. However, other
teams have adapted the side screen action as a primary weapon to take advantage of their specific
player personnel. Some of these more frequently used variations used include:
The Case for the Defense
Defensive strategies and techniques that are used in
combating the Side Screen.
The Side Screen Offense involves a "Big" screening
against a "Little,". If the "On
Ball" defender gets hung up on the screen it will most certainly result
in successful dribble penetration. When the screener is a strong post up player or good outside shooter it
presents additional problems for the defense.
© 2002 Ernie Woods, HoopTactics
 "More Than Just Stats"
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