Beat the Switch with “Hit Back”: Simple Man Play to Exploit Mismatches

Setup

Formation:

• 1 starts offset on the right side with the ball

• 2 on the left wing

• 3 in the left corner

• 5 at the top of the key

Execution

1. Initial Ball Screen

   • 5 comes up and sets a ball screen for 1

   • 1 uses the screen, looking to initiate a switch (defender of 5 now guarding 1)

   • 5 rolls to the paint after the screen

2. Pass and Reset

   • As 1 dribbles at 2, 2 lifts slightly to receive the pass

   • 1 quickly passes to 2 and retreats toward half court, pulling the big defender with them

3. Hit Back Action

   • 2 reverses the ball back to 1

   • 1 now catches the pass in space with a running start, attacking the slower big on the switch

4. Spacing and Reads

   • 5 circles middle, looking for a seal or dump-off

   • 2 spaces to the corner

   • 3 circles behind to provide a safety outlet

Key Coaching Points

• 1 must create real separation from the big defender after the first pass

• 2’s timing on the pass-back is critical—deliver it right as 1 turns upfield

• If the big defender plays too high, 1 should look to blow by; if they sag, pull up for the shot

• 5 should be alert to seal a guard who switches onto them

• Ensure 3 and 2 maintain spacing to keep help defenders out of the paint

Helpful Drills

• Ball screen decision-making

• Spacing reads and skip passes

• Mismatch 1v1 attack drills

• Reverse pivot seal for bigs

Full Breakdown for Coaches

"Hit Back" is a fantastic counter to modern switching defenses that often aim to flatten ball screen actions. Instead of trying to beat the switch with traditional mismatches in the post, this play flips the concept: your primary ball handler (usually the quickest player on the floor) is given a mismatch against a slower, bigger defender—with a head of steam.

The brilliance of "Hit Back" lies in its simplicity and flow. There's no need for complex sets. The ball screen up top is just a bait to create the switch. Once that happens, you reset the action and force the mismatched big to defend in space.

The initial pass from 1 to 2 is designed to pull help away and allow 1 to build momentum. Most defenders aren’t ready to re-guard off the dribble after a pass—especially not post players trying to cover a shifty guard in space. The return pass is timed just as 1 is turning the corner, giving them the green light to attack downhill.

The spacing from 3 and 2, combined with 5 circling to the middle or sealing on the roll, makes this action deadly if the first defender gets beat. There’s minimal help available due to how spread the offense is.

It’s critical that players understand the “feel” of the switch and don’t force the pass back if it’s not there. If the big drops, take the shot. If the switch is denied, 1 can back cut or 5 can dive to the rim.

Another underrated layer: 5 can often pin or seal the smaller defender that switched onto them, creating an easy post-up after the drive or as a safety valve if the defense collapses.

From a teaching standpoint, "Hit Back" requires:

• Good timing

• Decision-making in real time

• Clear communication

• Crisp passes

Once installed, this action can be a staple versus switching defenses at any level.