Screen the Screener / Exit Action

What it is

• Screen the Screener (also called Exit Action) is a rule-based counter that activates automatically after any primary screen.
• Player A's defender has just been focused on defending the screen Player A set — they are physically and mentally committed to the primary action.
• Player A sets a screen for Player B (a downscreen, cross screen, or back screen).

Why it matters

• Player A's defender has just been focused on defending the screen Player A set — they are physically and mentally committed to the primary action.
• Player A is now using a screen themselves, and their defender is often flat-footed, out of position, or caught watching the ball.
• If the defense switches the exit screen, Player A (often a big or forward) is being guarded by a smaller player — a post mismatch.

How it works

• Player A sets a screen for Player B (a downscreen, cross screen, or back screen).
• Player B uses the screen and creates an action (catches, drives, or shoots).
• While this happens, Player C sets a screen on Player A — the original screener.
• Player A uses Player C's screen to: pop to the perimeter, cut to the basket, or flash to the elbow.
• The exit screen must happen as Player A is finishing their original screen, not after Player A has stood and watched.

Reads and counters

• Pop: If the defense tries to sag and avoid the screen, Player A pops to the three-point line for a shot.
• Cut / Dive: If the defense goes under the exit screen, Player A cuts hard to the basket for a catch or offensive rebound position.
• Slip / Back-Cut: If the defense anticipates the exit screen and tries to switch early, the screener (Player C) slips the screen to the basket before contact, while Player A back-cuts or relocates into the opening.

Bilingual terms

Learn before and after

These graph neighbors help place Screen the Screener / Exit Action in the larger basketball map.

Related concepts