Step-Up Ball Screen
A ball screen set as the ball-handler crosses half-court in early offense, angled to turn the dribble middle and get into a quick pick-and-roll before the defense is set.
Pick-and-Roll ActionsAges 13–15, Ages 16+
The breakdown
Reads & options
- 1.If the defense is scrambling and not matched up yet, this often produces an early advantage before either coverage is even called.
- 2.If the on-ball defender fights over quickly, the ball-handler should attack straight downhill through the middle of the floor.
- 3.The screener should slip to the rim instead of screening if his defender is already sprinting back to protect the paint.
Coaching points
- The screener has to time the step-up screen to meet the ball-handler right as they cross half-court, not too early or the defense adjusts.
- This is a great way to attack a defense that hasn't organized its half-court coverage yet — use it often in transition.
- The other three players should be sprinting to their early-offense spacing spots the instant the screen is set, not watching the ball.
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Keep going
More pick-and-roll actions
Empty Side Ball Screen
A ball-screen action run with the strong side cleared out, giving the ball handler a wide-open driving lane and the screener a clean roll to the rim.
Pistol Action
A modern side ball-screen entry that starts with a dribble-at toward a lifting guard before a big steps up to screen, forcing the defense to defend two actions in one possession.
Spain Pick-and-Roll
A modern ball-screen action where a shooter sets a back screen on the roller's own defender, springing a lob or open rim run as the screener rolls to the basket.