Pin-Down Screens: Timing and Separation
Quick Coach Guide – How to Teach Pin-Downs Fast
SETUP
Cutter starts low on the block or in the corner.
Screener (usually a forward) sets up near the lane line or elbow.
Ball starts on the opposite side or at the top of the key—not involved yet.
EXECUTION
Cutter sets up the defender with a fake, hesitation, or jab step.
Screener steps in and sets a strong, legal screen, wide base, no leaning.
Cutter comes tight off the screener’s shoulder.
Cutter reads the defender:
Defender goes under → Pop out for a catch-and-shoot.
Defender chases over the top → Curl to the rim for a layup.
Defender switches → Screener slips to the basket or seals for position.
Defender top locks (denies) → Cutter backdoors to the basket.
Passer delivers on-time pass to the cutter or flows into the next action.
KEY COACHING POINTS
Screener gets to spot early, stays balanced, sets stationary screen.
Cutter sells the setup, doesn’t just run to the screen.
Cutter and screener move together—timing makes or breaks the action.
Teach players to read, not memorize.
No ball watching—everyone stays live and ready to flow into next action.
What Is a Pin-Down Screen in Basketball?
A Pin-Down Screen is a simple off-ball action where a cutter moves from the block or corner up to the wing or top of the key, using a teammate’s screen to separate from their defender. Unlike a pick-and-roll, the ball isn’t directly involved in the action, which makes it more difficult for the defense to anticipate or cover.
Pin-downs are widely used across all levels of basketball—youth leagues, high schools, colleges, and the pros. Why? Because they force the defense to fight through screens, make live decisions, and cover more ground without over-committing to the ball.
Why Pin-Downs Work for Youth and High School Teams
Most young players struggle to guard off the ball. They tend to ball-watch, lose track of cutters, or overreact to movement. This is where pin-downs create an advantage without needing speed, size, or elite talent.
Teaching your players to set legal screens, read defenders, and move with timing gives you:
Better spacing
Cleaner shot opportunities
Flow into multiple scoring options
Teaching Players to Read, Not Memorize
The key to making pin-downs work isn’t just teaching the pattern—it’s teaching the reads.
The 4 Most Common Reads:
Defender Goes Under the Screen
The cutter pops back to the perimeter for a catch-and-shoot.
Train players to set their feet quickly and shoot in rhythm.
Defender Chases Over the Screen
The cutter curls tight to the basket looking for a layup or floater.
Screener should pivot and seal to open up the lane.
Defender Switches
Screener immediately slips to the rim or seals the smaller defender.
Cutter relocates or screens back for the screener if needed.
Defender Top Locks (Denying the Cut)
The cutter fakes high, then cuts backdoor for an easy basket.
How to Build Pin-Downs Into Your Offense
Pin-downs don’t need to stand alone. They work even better when chained with other actions. Here are four ways to make pin-downs part of your system:
Pin-Down to Dribble Hand-Off
Cutter receives the hand-off immediately after coming off the screen to attack downhill.
Staggered Pin-Downs
Two screens back-to-back to free up your shooter, forcing defenders to navigate extra traffic.
Elevator (Gate) Screens
After the cutter comes through, two screeners close the gap, creating catch-and-shoot opportunities with no closeout.
Reject and Re-Screen
Cutter fakes using the screen, changes direction, and comes off a second screen to catch the defense off guard.
How to Practice Pin-Downs Without Wasting Time
Walk Through the Movement First
No defense. Teach players where to stand, when to move, and how to time the cut.
Run 2-on-2 With Live Defense
Let the screener and cutter practice live reads—under, over, switch, or deny.
Add to 3-on-3 or 5-on-5
Run pin-downs within your live offensive flow to make them game-realistic.
Use in Baseline or Sideline Out-of-Bounds
Pin-downs work great as set plays when you need a clean look under pressure.
Why Pin-Downs Are Perfect for Youth Basketball
Simple to teach, but powerful when executed well.
Teaches timing, spacing, and reading the game—skills that translate at any level.
Helps less athletic teams create scoring chances without needing isolation plays.
Keeps all five players active, not just the ball handler.
Most importantly, pin-downs give your players confidence to make decisions on the move, helping them become smarter, more complete players.
Final Word for Coaches
You don’t need to reinvent your offense to teach great movement. You just need a solid, repeatable action that your players can execute under pressure.
The Pin-Down Screen is that action.
Start simple—screen, cut, read.
Rep it live—under pressure, with real defenders.
Build from there—add layers, combine with other actions, and keep your team moving with purpose.
