Offense
Down Screen Basics
Set a down screen for a cutter coming off the block, then teach the cutter to read curl, fade, or straight cut based on the defender's path.
Duration
10 min
Intensity
Moderate
Ages
Ages 10–12, Ages 13–15
Equipment
ball
Coaching focus: Team Offense
Team offense drills build spacing, timing, and decision-making between multiple players — the goal is a correct read repeated until it's automatic, not just running a set.
Frequently asked questions
What age group is the Down Screen Basics drill for?
Down Screen Basics works well for players in Ages 10–12, Ages 13–15, and can be scaled up or down in speed and complexity for other age groups.
How long should the Down Screen Basics run?
Run Down Screen Basics for about 10 minutes as part of a broader practice or individual workout — enough reps to build the habit without losing quality.
What equipment do I need for Down Screen Basics?
You'll need: ball.
Build this into a full practice plan
Drag Down Screen Basics into a timed practice plan, assign it to your roster, and track who's completed it — free to start.
Start freeRelated offense drills
Give-and-Go Read
A player passes to a teammate then cuts hard to the basket looking for the return pass if the defender ball-watches or overplays the passing lane. One of the most basic reads in team offense for creating an easy basket off a cut.
Backdoor Cut Read
When a defender overplays the passing lane and denies the pass, the cutter reads the pressure and immediately cuts backdoor to the rim for a lob or bounce pass. Teaches players to punish overaggressive denial defense.
Pick-and-Roll Ball-Handler Reads
Using a live or cone screen, the ball handler reads how the defense reacts to the pick, choosing between using the screen downhill, rejecting it, or pulling up, based on how the defender fights over or under it. Core decision-making drill for modern pick-and-roll offense.