Jacie Hoyt, Head Women’s Basketball Coach, Oklahoma State
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Using Ball Screens Effectively at All Levels
A transcript of the video is shown below.
USE THE SCREEN: SHOULDER-TO-HIP & “WIN THE RACE”
When using the screen, the ball handler must come off tight—“shoulder to hip”—leaving no room for the defender. If X1 goes over the top, the focus is on “winning the race,” meaning beating the defender downhill to the basket for a drive.
ATTACK THE NAIL (PULL-UP OPTION)
If the defense goes over and the help defender (X5) is in a drop, players are taught to get to the nail (middle of the floor/free throw line area) and take a controlled pull-up jumper instead of forcing a drive.
STOP & POP VS. UNDER COVERAGE
If X1 goes under the screen, the ball handler should immediately stop behind the screen and take the open three-point shot. Proper screening angles are critical here to create space and keep the shot within range.
EMPHASIS ON SPACING & TIMING
Players must fight to get to their spots on the floor before initiating the action. The drill reinforces “plant then go” timing, ensuring players are balanced and attacking with purpose. Multiple shots are built into each rep to develop all positions.
SCREENER DEVELOPMENT & MULTI-TASKING
Screeners are not passive—they screen, then immediately look to score (post seals, rolls, or shots). The system builds habits where every player is a scoring threat within the action.
BIGS’ READS: ROLL & SHORT ROLL SERIES
The screener’s decisions are based on help defense (X3 and X5):
- If there is no help or a late tag → Roll all the way to the rim (long roll)
- If help is present → Short roll into space
SHORT ROLL OPTIONS
From the short roll, players have three reads:
- Take the short jumper
- Jab at the defender and shoot
- Jab and attack to the rim if the defender commits
OVERALL TEACHING POINT
The system simplifies decision-making by giving players clear, repeatable reads based on defensive behavior. Guards and screeners are both trained to be aggressive, skilled decision-makers, allowing the offense to function efficiently against multiple coverages.
