November 20, 2009 Chalkboard

Ball Screen Trends:

Various ball screening tactics I’ve picked up from the NBA/NCAA in the last month

Used by the Cleveland Cavaliers, the purpose of this action (and

really all actions in the ball screening game is to eliminate, or
delay, the hedge). In this action 1 dribbles at the trailing 4 in what
looks like a traditional drag ball screen. However, 4 steps as if he
were to prepare to set the screen and then backcuts to the rim. 5
has circled up to the top of the key and 1 instantly changes
directions to come off a ball screen in the other direction.

Used by Siena of the MAAC, this is a ball screen set in transition

(for the diagram I isolated 1 and 5, but in reality this is taking place
during an early offense situation where the wings may or may not
be already filled). Siena’s 5 puts pressure on the defense by
running hard at the rim in transition, but if he doesn’t have an
opportunity for a pass over the top or a seal, he peels out of his
run and sets a ball screen for 1 with his back facing the baseline.

Zak Boisvert
11/20/09 Daily Chalkboard
Twitter: @ZakBoisvert
Used by Niagra also of the MAAC, this is a dribble weave-ball screen continuity offense that
consists of a ball screen, a roll and replace and a dribble weave action repeated throughout a
possession. 1 begins with the ball on the left wing and drives it into 4’s ball screen set at the top of
the key. 4 rolls as 5 circles to replace. 1 dribbles at 3’s defender to perform a dribble handoff with
3. 3 takes the ball and drives it at the ball screen 5 is now setting. 5 rolls, 4 replaces and 3 hands off
to 2.

Zak Boisvert
11/20/09 Daily Chalkboard
Twitter: @ZakBoisvert