Top Screen

They are in a 2-3 zone. Coach calls "Top Screen". 1 has the ball at the left slot and 4 is at the right slot.

• 1Pass to 4 at the right slot.Make the top defenders run over. Then the ball comes back to you.
• 2Stay deep in the left corner.You hold the low defender down. That leaves a gap above them.
• 3Stay wide on the right wing.You keep the far side of the zone stretched.
• 4Catch at the right slot, facing the basket.Make the top-right defender come out to you. Then swing it back.
• 5Hold the high post.Wait in the middle. Your screen comes when the ball swings back.

Next: Swing back and screen

4 has the ball at the right slot and the zone has shifted to them. The top-left defender has dropped into the middle.

• 1Catch the pass back at the left slot, ready to drive.The top defender has to run out to you. That is when the screen hits them.
• 2Stay deep in the left corner.The ball is coming back to your side. Be ready to shoot.
• 3Stay wide on the right wing.You keep the right low defender out of the lane.
• 4Pass back to 1 at the left slot.The top-left defender dropped off 1. Now they have to run back out, right into 5.
• 5Step up and screen the top-left defender as they run out.Get in their way as they close out. You open a gap for 1 to drive.

Next: Drive the gap

1 has the ball at the left slot. The top-left defender has run out to them, and 5 is screening that defender.

• 1Drive hard off the screen to the left elbow.The top defender is stuck on 5. Get into the gap and make the next defender choose.
• 2Stay deep in the left corner with your hands ready.If the low defender steps up to 1, you are open.
• 3Stay wide on the right wing.You are the way out if the drive is stopped.
• 4Stay at the right slot as the safety.Always one back. You are also the pass back.
• 5Hold the screen, then roll into the middle of the lane.Once 1 is past you, roll. The middle is open behind the top defenders.

Then the defence shows one of 3 looks: Read: nobody steps up (50%), Read: the middle defender steps up (25%), Read: the low defender steps up (25%).

1 is at the left elbow with the ball. The low-left defender stays down with 2 and the middle defender stays back with 5. Nobody is in front of 1.

• 1Pull up and shoot at the elbow.Nobody stepped up. That is an open shot, so take it.
• 2Crash from the corner on the shot.You held the low defender down. Now beat them to the rebound.
• 3Crash the weak side for the rebound.Shots from one side miss to the other. Be there.
• 4Get back as the safety.The shot is going up. Someone has to stop the fast break.
• 5Get inside position for the rebound.You are already in the middle. Box out the middle defender.

Elbow jumper for 1, with 5, 3 and 2 crashing.

1 is at the left elbow with the ball. The middle defender comes up to stop them. Nobody is behind that defender, and 5 is rolling.

• 1Pass to 5 rolling down the middle.The middle defender came up to stop you. 5 is behind them.
• 2Stay deep in the left corner.You keep the low-left defender out of the lane, away from 5.
• 3Stay wide on the right wing.You keep the right low defender out of the lane, away from 5.
• 4Stay at the right slot as the safety.Always one back.
• 5Roll to the rim with your hands up.The middle of the zone is empty. Catch and finish.

Layup for 5 on the roll.

1 is at the left elbow with the ball. The low-left defender comes up to stop them. Nobody is with 2 in the left corner.

• 1Kick it to 2 in the left corner.The low defender came up to stop you. They can't get back to 2 in time.
• 2Show your hands in the corner, catch and shoot.Your defender went to the ball. Shoot before they get back.
• 3Hold the right wing, then crash on the shot.Corner shots miss long, to your side. Go get it.
• 4Get back as the safety.The shot is going up. Someone has to stop the fast break.
• 5Hold your spot in the lane, then rebound.You keep the middle defender busy. Then go get the miss.

Corner three for 2. The low defender could not guard two players.