Playing Fastball: Teaching Tempo Through Drag Screens
Goal
Teach your team how to play with pace by using drag screen actions in transition. The "Playing Fastball" concept emphasizes early offense with a focus on scoring quickly, maintaining five-out spacing, and taking the first good shot available.
Setup
Offense flows from missed shots or made baskets into a 5-out transition alignment.
The 5 is your trailing big who arrives to set the drag screen.
Point guard (1) brings the ball up the middle.
Wings (2 & 3) space to corners, 4 lifts weak-side wing.
Step-by-Step Execution
1. Score in 7 Seconds or Less
Encourage early attacks before the defense is fully set.
Prioritize a drag screen from the 5 in the middle third of the floor.
PG uses the screen, 5 rolls hard.
First look: pocket pass to the 5 for a layup.
2. Read: Rotation Help → Lift for the Three
If the help defender (x4) tags the roll, the 4 lifts into open space.
1 hits 4 for an open catch-and-shoot three.
3. Read: Under the Screen → Pull-Up Jumper
If the on-ball defender goes under the drag, the PG takes a rhythm pull-up jumper.
4. Read: Shadowing the PG → Throwback to Roller
If x5 shadows to contain the PG:
1 draws attention
5 seals for a high-low throw-in pass near the block
Coaching Tips
Emphasize pace over perfection, decisions must be quick.
Drill drag screens from different depths (half court, 3/4 court).
Teach timing between screener and ball handler.
Use 3-on-3 drag build-up games: PG, 5, help defender.
Reward players for taking the first good look.
Full Breakdown
What Is "Playing Fastball"?
"Playing Fastball" is a simplified early offense philosophy that prioritizes:
Quick decisions: Look to score within 7 seconds.
Spacing the floor: Stay in a 5-out shape to keep the lane open.
Shot freedom: Take the first open shot that fits the player’s range.
This concept helps teams avoid stagnation and gives players clear structure for attacking in transition. It’s ideal for both youth and high school levels because it limits overthinking and rewards aggressiveness.
Why the Drag Screen?
The drag screen is perfect for transition because:
It involves only two players and happens organically.
It creates downhill pressure and puts defenders in recovery.
It opens up multiple layers: roller layup, lift shooter, pull-up jumper, or post seal.
Layered Reads
Pocket Pass to the 5
The first read is to hit the 5 rolling to the rim.
This pass should be on-time and low.
Encourage your PGs to throw it early, even outside the arc.
Lift to the 4 (Help Rotation)
Once the defense adjusts, the help will tag the roll.
The 4’s job is to lift from the wing or dunker spot.
Train your players to catch in rhythm for the three.
Pull-Up Jumper (Under Coverage)
Teach your guards to recognize soft coverage.
If x1 goes under the screen: 1-dribble pull-up.
Emphasize balance and quick elevation.
Throw-In to the Block
A smart 5 can seal x5 if they hedge or shadow.
After drawing two, the PG looks to drop it back in.
This is especially effective against drop bigs or switches.
Common Mistakes and Fixes
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| 5 screens too early | Teach patience, wait until PG reaches hash |
| PG goes too wide | Keep drag in the middle third of the floor |
| Roll doesn’t finish hard | Use rim-running drills and 2-man roll reps |
| Lift is late | Cue 4 to lift as soon as 5 rolls |
Progressions & Add-Ons
Double Drag: Trail 4 sets second screen for layered reads.
Ghost Screen: 5 fakes the screen and pops.
Early DHO: Instead of drag, 5 flows into a handoff with 2 or 3.
Pistol Action: PG hits wing, follows into quick ball screen.
Youth Coaching Adjustments
Emphasize spacing landmarks: corners, wings, top.
Use dribble rules: one bounce = score or pass.
Run 3v3 games to build drag + lift habits.
Focus on 2 reads only: roller or shooter.
High School Coaching Adjustments
Add film breakdown to teach timing and reads.
Incorporate advance pass to wing if no drag is available.
Mix in second-side drag if early one is covered.
Allow PG to reject drag and attack open space.
