Double Drag (77) Action: Teaching Early Ball Screens and Advanced Reads
Goal
The Double Drag, or "77 Action," is a powerful transition ball screen set that creates multiple scoring options through early offense. With one big rolling, one popping, and strong-side tag reads, it forces constant defensive decisions. Perfect for youth and high school coaches ready to teach high-IQ screening and spacing principles.
Setup
Typically run in early offense or semi-transition.
Begins with two players (usually forwards or a big and a shooter) setting staggered ball screens for a ball handler (1).
First screener (4) pops to the perimeter.
Second screener (5) rolls hard to the basket.
Tag defenders must choose between helping on the roll or staying with corner shooters.
Step-by-Step Execution
Base Double Drag
1 brings the ball down in transition.
4 and 5 set consecutive high ball screens.
4 pops out for spacing; 5 rolls hard.
1 reads the help (tag) defenders:
If tags stay home: pass to the roller.
If tags help: kick to the corner shooter.
Help Read Example
The ball handler comes off the screens with eyes on the help defender.
Then scans the tag defenders:
If they don’t cover the roll, it’s an easy lob/dunk.
Use head and eye fakes to manipulate defenders.
Ball Handler Variation
Some guards attack differently: they keep the dribble and look to beat the big downhill.
Creates 4-on-2 situations for better spacing and collapse reactions.
Exit Screen Variation
While 1 comes off the screens, the weak-side shooter runs an exit screen along the baseline to the opposite corner.
This pulls the tag defender away, freeing the roller.
Back Screen Lob
Instead of an exit screen, a back screen is set for a lob pass.
Even under pressure, the ball handler can hit the cutter on the move.
77 Shallow
In this version, the second screener (typically a shooter) shallow cuts to the wing.
The first screener dives to the rim.
Creates spacing for a catch-and-shoot or quick dive read.
Iverson Entry
Start with an Iverson cut (guard runs over two screens).
Flow directly into Double Drag.
The early cut forces shifts in defensive matchups.
Ram Screen Entry
A player screens for the screener before they set the drag screen.
Confuses switching defenses and prevents hedges.
Ghost and Flare Options
One variation: the first screen is ghosted (fake), the second is a decoy.
The real action is a flare screen into a slip for a backdoor layup.
Coaching Tips
Focus on timing. The ball must arrive just as the screens are set.
Teach reads, not just movement. Ball handlers must learn how to read tag defenders.
Encourage varied pace. Some guards use hesitation and vision; others use speed and craft.
Spacing matters. The popper must drift wide, and corner shooters must hold.
Full Breakdown: Coaching the Double Drag at Youth & High School Levels
What Makes Double Drag So Hard to Guard?
Two screeners create multiple obstacles for the on-ball defender.
Spacing forces weak-side defenders to make choices.
A great ball handler turns it into a read-and-react weapon.
Progressions for Youth Teams
Start with one screen, teach the roll vs pop decision.
Add second screener once players master basic ball screen reads.
Use cones or tags to identify tag defenders in practice.
High School Level Teaching
Install base version first.
Layer in exit screen, back screen, and ghost options.
Film study: show players how different reads open scoring windows.
Drills to Reinforce Double Drag Concepts
2-on-2 Ball Screen Read Drill
Ball handler, roller, two defenders.
Coach signals "tag" or "stay" to simulate help.
3-on-3 with Exit Screen
Add corner shooter and defender.
Practice the exit to opposite corner while 5 rolls.
Flare + Slip Series
Ghost the first screen, flare the second.
Emphasize deception.
Iverson + Double Drag Flow
Use cones to simulate Iverson entry.
Flow directly into two screens.
Common Mistakes and Fixes
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Screens too close together | Create spacing between 4 and 5 |
| Ball handler doesn’t wait | Use cue: "Set first, read second" |
| Tag defender not recognized | Use jersey color or coach as tag cue in practice |
| Popper cuts too early | Remind: "Delay your pop until 1 clears" |
Final Coaching Cues
“Two screens, two reads, one attack.”
“Eyes on the tags. They tell the truth.”
“If they help, shoot. If they stay, roll.”
