Double Shooter Action: Spacing & Screening Play for Youth & High School
Goal
This play creates open perimeter looks for your best shooters using a triangle-entry, multiple screen reads, and quick decision-making. It’s great for teaching players how to read a defense and react with purpose.
Setup
Start in a triangle formation on the strong side:
5 is on the block
3 is on the wing
2 is in the corner
1 (point guard) has the ball up top
4 is spaced on the weak side or short corner, ready to screen or reverse
This setup is designed to confuse defenders with simultaneous options and screening actions.
Step-by-Step Execution
Option 1: Dribble Entry to Initiate
1 dribbles toward the triangle side (either side can be strong side).
This initiates movement and signals screening action to begin.
Option 2: Shooter Read and Relocation
2 (corner shooter) sets a stationary cross-screen for 3.
3 reads the defense:
If defender overplays toward the top, 3 cuts to the corner.
If the defender trails low, 3 curls around the screen to the top.
2 must read 3’s path and adjust accordingly, preparing to shoot.
Option 3: Double Shooter Read
3 uses the screen and cuts hard.
Reads the help defense:
If defense rotates high, look to the corner.
If they stay home, shoot or drive.
Must be ready to shoot immediately.
Option 4: Safety Screen
4 sets a stationary screen at the top if the first options break down.
1 can reverse or use the screen to reset the offense.
Option 5: Roll Option
5 sets a stationary down screen then rolls hard to the basket.
This is a great counter if the defense focuses too much on shooters.
Coaching Tips
Teach reads, not just patterns. This play demands reaction, not just memorization.
Cut hard. The speed of the read and cut determines how open the shot will be.
Spacing is non-negotiable. If 2 and 3 end up in the same lane, the play dies.
Youth teams: Teach only the first 3 options and simplify reads.
High school: Layer in Option 4 and Option 5 as built-in counters.
Full Breakdown: Teaching the Double Shooter Read Play
The Concept
This play uses a triangle entry to create layered decision points for your best perimeter players. By giving two shooters the freedom to read and react, the play becomes harder to scout and easier to adjust mid-game.
It’s ideal for:
Teams with multiple shooters
Motion-based systems that require decision-making
Situations where you want to get a clean look without needing isolation
Teaching Option 1: Dribble Entry
Use the dribble as a trigger, not a playmaker tool. The dribble tells your team, “we’re starting.” Players must move when 1 dribbles to the side.
Drill it:
Walk-through with coach calling the direction.
No passes until every player moves correctly off the dribble signal.
Teaching Option 2: Shooter Read
This is the heart of the play. 2 sets the screen. 3 reacts.
Key Reads for 3:
If defender top-locks: backcut or curl to the block
If defender trails: curl tight to the top
If defender goes under: flare or pop to the corner
Key Reads for 2:
If 3 curls high, 2 must stay low (and vice versa)
Avoid stacking up, separation is success
Teaching Option 3: Shot Decision
The shooter (3) needs to catch on balance. Teach:
“Catch high, finish high”
“If it's not a shot, it’s a drive or swing, no hesitation”
Add constraints:
Live 2-on-2: only score off curl or kick
Timer: Must decide within 2 seconds
Teaching Option 4: Screen Reset
When nothing opens up, don’t force it, use 4 as a reset.
Teach:
4 must be vocal (“screen!”) and show hands
1 uses the screen to either reverse or re-drive
Teaching Option 5: Screen & Roll
5’s late screen into roll is an excellent counter.
Situational Use:
After 2-3 possessions when shooters are denied
If defense switches and leaves a mismatch inside
Drill:
Dummy into 2-on-2
Emphasize timing: screen THEN roll
Common Mistakes
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| 3 cuts into 2’s space | Teach communication and separation reads |
| No movement off dribble entry | Use verbal cue “Trigger” to start |
| Screen is too early | Drill pacing, screen when cutter is ready |
| Roll is too slow | Run it with countdown clock to speed up |
Progressions for Age Levels
Youth:
Focus on Options 1–3 only.
Use cones or dots to guide movement paths.
Reward proper reads in small-sided games.
High School:
Full 5-on-5 install with Options 4–5.
Allow freedom to reverse and flow into continuity.
Add defensive layer with traps or switches.
Final Coaching Cues
“Dribble starts the domino.”
“Screen, don’t slide, get contact.”
“If it’s not a shot, it’s a swing.”
