How to Run the Michigan Set Play: Man-to-Man Quick Hitter With Screen Action

Quick Coach Guide

Setup (Overload Formation):

• 1 at the top of the key

• 4 and 3 stacked weak side

• 2 on the opposite wing

• 5 near the elbow

Execution

1. Down screen and wing entry:

   • 3 sets a down screen for 4.

   • 1 passes to 4 on the wing after they receive the screen.

2. Back screen for point guard:

   • 5 immediately sets a back screen for 1.

   • 1 cuts hard to the basket—if open, 4 hits them for a layup.

3. Reverse option:

   • If 1 isn’t open, 4 passes back to 5 at the top of the key.

   • 1 relocates to the right wing and receives a reversal pass from 5.

4. Triple stagger screen for shooter:

   • 3, 4, and 5 form a triple stagger screen on the left side.

   • 2 comes off this screen to the top of the key for a catch-and-shoot or drive option.

Full Breakdown for Coaches

Purpose and Philosophy

The Michigan play is part of a 3-play series that uses similar initial actions but ends in completely different scoring opportunities. That design keeps defenses guessing and allows teams to use one formation for multiple results.

This specific play provides an excellent mix of inside and perimeter threats—starting with a potential backdoor layup and ending with a clean look for your best shooter. It's the kind of play that offers both immediate punch and long-term flexibility in your offensive sets.

Teaching Points

Timing is Critical:
The back screen for 1 should happen as 4 receives the pass on the wing. That puts pressure on the help defense and often draws a moment of confusion that opens the lane.

Triple Stagger Action:
The triple stagger is the most dynamic part of the play. You can customize who sets each screen depending on your personnel—whether you want strength, mobility, or slipping threats involved.

Layered Reads:
If 1 is open on the back screen, that’s your primary look. If not, the triple stagger and the shooter curling to the top becomes the focal point. Each read flows smoothly into the next, keeping defenders in motion.

Player Roles

• 1 (Point Guard):
  Initiator and potential layup cutter. Must sell the cut hard and be ready for the quick hit or spacing read.

• 2 (Shooting Guard):
  Primary scoring option. Best shooter should be placed here. Needs to read screens and pace their curl for a clean shot.

• 3, 4, 5 (Screeners):
  Must be committed to setting solid, well-angled screens. Each has the opportunity to slip if their defender overplays.

• 4 (Wing Entry Passer):
  Should be confident handling pressure and making quick decisions.

Variations and Counters

• Slip Reads:
  If defenders switch or hedge aggressively on the stagger screens, screeners should be ready to slip and flash to the rim.

• Stagger Fade:
  If 2’s defender fights over the top, 2 can fake the curl and fade behind the screens for a catch-and-shoot three.

• 1v1 Isolation:
  If 1 receives the reversal and the floor is spaced out due to the triple action, they can attack in isolation if the defense is distracted.

Drill Ideas to Support This Play

• Screening Technique Circuit:
  Practice down screens, back screens, and stagger screens with a focus on foot placement, angle, and contact.

• Timing and Spacing Drill:
  Set up live 4v4 half-court reps to ensure players understand when to cut and pass. Use a whistle to cue decision-making moments.

• Shot Options From Movement:
  Have 2 practice shooting while curling off staggered screens from different angles. Include a read-and-react component.

Why Michigan Works for Youth and High School Coaches

This play is extremely teachable and doesn’t require high-level athleticism to execute effectively. Because it layers multiple simple actions—like down screens, back cuts, and staggers—it becomes a great learning tool for motion and spacing fundamentals.

The Michigan play:

• Introduces motion within structure

• Allows quick-hitter scoring chances

• Punishes teams that overhelp or overdeny

• Offers a scoring option for both inside and perimeter players

Coaching Tips

• Sell the decoy. All players not receiving the ball must stay active to keep defenders honest.

• Don’t rush the stagger. 2 should pace their cut to allow all three screens to be set.

• Watch the help side. If x3 or x4 step in on the back screen, use that opportunity to hit the wing or weak-side corner.

Final Thoughts

If you're looking for a versatile, high-IQ set that fits into most team structures—Michigan is your go-to. It builds off an initial misdirection and flows into a triple screen action that challenges any man-to-man defense.

Run this play out of timeouts, to open a half, or when you want to get your best shooter a clean look. With just a few practice reps, it’ll become a reliable weapon in your playbook.