1-2-2 Set vs Man Defense: Elite Screening Action for Your Shooting Guard
Quick Coach Guide
Setup
Formation: 1-2-2 set vs man-to-man defense.
PG ('1') is at the top, SG ('2') and SF ('3') on each wing.
PF ('4') and C ('5') start in the low blocks.
Your best shooter should be in the '2' spot (strong side).
Execution
Initial Handoff Sequence
PG dribbles toward the wing and hands the ball off to the SG.
SG immediately dribble hand-off to SF on the opposite side.
SF returns it to PG (or '1'), who’s now repositioned on top. This sets the action in motion.
Scoring Guard Cuts Across
The SG ('2') cuts across the court using back-to-back screens from '4' and '5'.
The goal: curl to the corner ready for a catch-and-shoot opportunity.
'3' spaces up to the weak-side corner to flatten the defense.
Read and React
If '2' is open in the corner, the pass is made immediately. Encourage them to shoot, drive, or kick.
If the defense switches or denies the pass, go to option two.
Secondary Action: Post-Up
After screening, '5' seals the post defender and flashes into position.
PG ('1') now skips the ball to '4' at the top who hits '5' in the post.
The high-low setup is clean if the help defense has shifted away with the shooter motion.
Key Coaching Points
Emphasize screen angles: '4' and '5' must remain stationary and wide, not narrow.
Teach your shooting guard how to read screens, tight curls vs flares based on how defenders trail or switch.
Encourage early positioning battles for '5'. As the ball is passed, they should already be working for space.
Time the second screen so the defense is on the move, not set.
Full Breakdown: Why This Play Works
This set operates on three core pillars of good basketball offense:
Spacing – With a shooter cutting to the corner and two players in the low post area, defenders must respect both the perimeter and the interior threat.
Screen Action – The double screen is hard to switch because it happens on the move, while defenders are still recovering from the handoff action.
Misdirection & Secondary Flow – Even if the primary shot doesn’t come, a strong post-up is available due to the screeners being naturally positioned on the low block.
Timing is Everything
If the screen is set too early or too late, the shooting guard won’t have time to get separation.
Run this in practice at half-speed first, then ramp up to game pace.
Add in dummy defenders to simulate help defense and cut reads.
When to Use This Play
Late shot clock when you need a clean look from your best shooter.
After a timeout or sideline inbound when you want controlled execution.
To break rhythm if your offense is stagnant, movement forces attention.
Variations & Counters
SG Fake & Slip – Instead of curling all the way through, SG can fake and backcut if defenders overplay the double screen.
PG Quick Drive – After handoff sequence, '1' can fake the pass and attack the seam if defense is overreacting.
Post-to-Post Seal – Let '4' set the first screen and then roll into the lane after the pass to '5', two bigs inside can crash the glass.
Practice Drills to Support This Play
3-Man Weave into Screen Drill: Rep the handoff sequence with guards reading curl vs pop actions.
Post Entry with Contact: Practice post-ups with pad resistance so your '5' can battle early.
Shooting Guard Curl Reads: Reps on reading hedge, switch, and overplay on double screens.
Final Takeaways
This 1-2-2 set is built to get your best shooter involved quickly, either for a direct shot, or by forcing the defense to rotate, giving your post a clean look.
It’s a simple but deadly action because it combines:
Continuous movement
Double screen pressure
Reliable second option in the post
If executed well, you’ll either get a great look for 3, a clean paint touch, or a mismatch opportunity, all within 8–10 seconds of action.
Drill it consistently. Emphasize reads. And empower your shooters and posts to make decisions.
