Ghost Screen / Fake PnR

What it is

• Mechanics: A Primary Ball Handler approaches the screener as if initiating a PnR, but the screener does not set a hard screen.

Why it matters

• The Stretch Big pops out for a shot or creates space for a drive.

How it works

• The ball-handler either drives into space or shoots, using the fake to create space.
• The screener's defender must decide whether to guard the screen (committing) or play the ball-handler (adjusting).
• Optimal Pairing: Primary Ball Handler + Stretch Big.
• The fake commits the opposing big's defender to the ball-handler.
• Defensive Target: A ghost screen targets a "switching" defense by forcing the big's defender to over-commit.

Reads and counters

• The ball handler reads the screener's defender: if that big steps up to switch or hedge the fake, the handler attacks the vacated lane off the slip.
• If the defense switches the ghost, the handler reads a smaller defender on the ball and the screener-popper drawing the slower big to the arc.
• The screener reads the coverage as he slips: if his man helps to the ball, he pops to the open three; if his man stays, he relocates for spacing.
• If the on-ball defender chases over a screen that never comes, the handler splits the gap created by two defenders bracketing empty air.
• Against drop, the screener's man stays back protecting the rim, so the read is the popper's open three, not a drive.

Teaching cues

• Ghost it, don't set it
• Slip early, pop to the line
• Make them switch, then attack
• Fake the pick, take the gap
• Punish the jump-out

Bilingual terms

Related concepts