Double Screen (Off-Ball)

What it is

• An Off-Ball Double Screen involves two offensive players setting simultaneous screens for one cutter — not in sequence (that is a stagger), but at the same time, side by side.
• Two screeners position themselves side by side (not staggered — approximately equal distance from the cutter's destination).
• The cutter starts away from the ball, usually in the corner or on the weak side.

How it works

• - Over the Top: The defender goes above both screens, staying between the shooter and the ball.
• Over the Top: The defender goes above both screens, staying between the shooter and the ball. This is the most athletic response and works against fadeable shooters who are quick.
• Under Both Screens: The defender surrenders the outer arc and contests at the three-point line. Works only against non-shooters.
• Switch: If both screeners are the same type of defender, switching works well. If they are different sizes, the switch creates a mismatch.
• Help Principles: A helper temporarily sags toward the cutter's destination to create a moment of congestion, buying time for the defender to recover.

Reads and counters

• Read 1 — Curl: The cutter runs off the inside shoulder of the nearest screener, curling toward the ball and the basket.
• If the defender is trailing or sagging toward the paint, the curl creates a catch near the elbow or short corner for a mid-range shot or drive.
• Read 2 — Fade: The cutter reverses direction after approaching the screen, flaring to the corner or three-point line.
• If the defender is chasing hard, the fade leaves them tangled in the double screen while the cutter catches for an open three.
• Read 3 — Straight Cut: The cutter goes directly through the gap between the two screeners (if any gap exists) or in a straight line toward the ball.

Bilingual terms

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