Horns Action for Man Defense: 45/54 Play with Hi-Lo and Double Ball Screens
Quick Coach Guide: Man Play 6 – 45/54
This horns-based play offers a layered progression ideal for teams with strong bigs and a smart lead guard. It begins with a standard horns alignment and flows seamlessly between two ball screens, offering both hi-lo and drive opportunities.
Setup
Formation: Horns (4 and 5 on elbows, 1 at the top, 2 and 3 in corners)
4 sets the initial ball screen for 1
5 pops out to the perimeter after 4 begins rolling
3 stays in the corner as a floor spacer
2 spaces on the weak side
1 starts the offense and uses both screens through the progression
Execution
Initial Ball Screen
4 comes up to set a ball screen for 1 at the top of the key
1 uses the screen, probing the lane
4 rolls toward the rim
5 lifts to the top of the key just beyond the arc
Hi-Lo Opportunity
If 1 doesn’t have a driving lane and the roll by 4 is covered, they reverse the ball to 5
5’s first read: pass inside to 4 who is sealing at the front of the rim
Second Action
If the hi-lo isn’t open, 5 swings the ball to 3 on the wing
After passing, 5 follows and sets a ball screen for 3
1 and 2 interchange on the weak side to occupy defenders
Drive or Kick Option
3 comes off the screen with scoring intent
4 shapes up opposite 3’s drive and is available for a dump-off or short jumper
1 and 2 are ready for kick-outs if help collapses
Coaching Cues
“Roll with purpose”: 4 must roll hard after the first screen
“Pivot and seal”: 4 needs to reverse pivot and post strong if looking for the hi-lo
“Pass then screen”: 5 must flow smoothly into the second screen without hesitation
“Space weak side”: 1 and 2 cannot float, they must stay active and prepared for shots
“Read the help”: 3 should attack with eyes up, reading where help comes from
Full Breakdown for Coaches
Why Horns?
Horns sets are excellent for creating spacing, especially when using bigs who can both roll and pop. The high elbow positioning pulls help defenders out of the paint, setting up clean drive and post-up chances.
Phase One: Ball Screen to Hi-Lo
The initial phase puts immediate pressure on the defense. As 4 rolls and 5 pops, 1 has multiple reads. If 4 is quick and physical, the roll should be the first look. If the defense switches or hedges, reversing to 5 creates the perfect angle for a hi-lo.
In this scenario, timing is key. 5 must not pop too early, if they leave the elbow before 4 is fully rolling, the defense can recover easily. Once 5 receives the pass, they should square up, assess the post, and fire inside if 4 has position.
Phase Two: Second Ball Screen
If the hi-lo is denied, the offense flows naturally into the second phase: a ball screen on the wing. This ensures that the defense stays under constant pressure.
What makes this second ball screen so effective is its surprise nature. Defenders may think the action is over and relax, just as 3 comes off a screen from 5. Meanwhile, the weak side (1 and 2) are interchanging, pulling help defenders further away from the lane.
On the Drive:
Once 3 gets downhill, the reads are layered:
If the lane is open, finish strong
If help comes from the corner, kick to 2
If help rotates from the paint, hit 4 reshaping in the dunk spot
If nothing develops, reset to 1, who has just rotated and is ready to re-initiate
Drill Recommendations
Screen-and-Roll Timing Drill: Focus on syncing the pop by 5 with the roll by 4
Hi-Lo Sealing Drill: Have 4 practice reverse pivots, target hands, and catching with contact
Drive and Kick Reads: Use a coach or second player to simulate help defense and teach 3 to read and react in real time
Weak Side Movement Reps: Practice 1 and 2 rotating with urgency and spacing properly for catch-and-shoots
When to Use
This play is ideal:
As a primary half-court action against man defenses
After a timeout for a structured, layered look
If your team struggles with spacing or ball movement
When you have two capable bigs and at least one skilled decision-maker on the wing
Final Thoughts
Man Play 6 – 45/54 is a multi-layered horns set that teaches patience, spacing, and intelligent reads. It doesn’t rely on isolation or quick shots, it builds pressure gradually and punishes defensive mistakes.
Whether your first read is the roll, the hi-lo, or the drive after the second ball screen, every option is designed to force the defense to make decisions under stress. For youth and high school coaches looking to blend structure with flexibility, 45/54 is a great addition to your playbook.
Let this set be more than a quick hitter. Teach it as a teaching tool for spacing, reading help, and flowing from one action to the next.
