Attack Man-to-Man with This 1-2-2 Ball Screen Set for Your Point Guard
Setup
Formation:
Start in a traditional 1-2-2 alignment, three perimeter players (1, 2, 3) and two post players (4, 5). Your point guard begins at the top of the key with the ball.
Key Personnel Roles:
‘1’: Primary ball handler (point guard)
‘4’: Post player and primary ball screener
‘5’: Flasher for reversal and secondary action
‘2’ & ‘3’: Spacers and cutters
Execution
Entry Pass and Relocation
The play starts with 1 passing to the wing (2 or 3), away from the team’s best screen-setting post (let’s say 4).
After the pass, 1 cuts to the opposite corner (weak side).
Swing Action and Basket Cut
Meanwhile, 4 lifts to the top of the key to receive a reversal pass.
As the ball is swung, the opposite wing (e.g. 3) cuts hard through the lane toward the basket.
If the backdoor cut is open, hit it for a quick layup. If not, the cutter continues to the corner.
Ball Screen Setup
After relocating to the corner, 1 steps back up toward the wing to receive a pass from 4.
As soon as 1 catches the pass, 4 follows with a ball screen.
Primary Action
1 uses the ball screen to attack the defense. In most cases, the defender will force 1 toward the baseline.
As 1 drives, 5 flashes from the low block to the top as a safety valve.
Options now include:
Kick-out to 5
Dump-off pass to 4 rolling
Scoring at the rim
Skip to corner if defense collapses
Key Coaching Points
Emphasize the initial pass away from the screener. This creates natural timing for the screen later.
Cut hard off the weak side wing. It may not be open every time, but it will shift the defense and open up corner space.
Post player setting the ball screen must roll or pop with intent. Don’t let them just stand.
Point guard must read how the defense plays the screen:
Hard hedge or switch: Look to slip or reverse.
Drop coverage: Attack the lane or pull up.
Helpful Drills
Wing-to-top ball reversal
Backdoor cut timing
2-on-2 ball screen reads
Drive and kick drills
Weak side skip pass shooting
Full Breakdown for Coaches
This 1-2-2 ball screen set is ideal for programs that rely on a strong point guard and want a simple but layered offensive structure. It’s especially effective at the youth and high school levels where disciplined spacing can generate significant breakdowns in man-to-man defense.
The flow of the action does most of the work:
Initial Pass Away from the Screener
This small detail is huge. By initiating the pass away from your primary screener, you allow the screen to be delayed and disguised. This removes any anticipation from the defense and naturally shifts the help side.Corner Relocation & Backdoor Cut
The wing-to-corner cut isn’t always a scoring option, but it’s important. It occupies the help and weak side defenders and opens the corner for a potential kick-out.Wing Ball Screen Action
By the time 1 steps back up to the wing, the defense has shifted twice: first on the initial pass, then again on the swing and cut. They’re now out of ideal position to defend a dynamic pick-and-roll. If the on-ball defender goes under the screen, 1 can pull up. If the defender trails, the lane is wide open. If help comes, 5 is waiting.Decision Making on the Drive
The beauty of this set is the clarity it gives the ball handler:If the defense helps from the top, kick to 5
If the help comes from the corner, skip to the shooter
If nobody helps, finish the drive
If over-help occurs on the roller, dump down to 4 for a layup
Each of these reads happens organically, which makes this play scalable even for beginner players. They don’t need to memorize five options, they just need to recognize help and react accordingly.
Quick Reset Potential
If none of the actions lead to a clean shot, the team is already in a great 4-out-1-in shape, ready to swing the ball and play into another action or continuity offense. That means fewer dead possessions and more flow.
