Recognizing When to Slip a Screen

Setup: Where the Slip Starts

• 2-player action: Ball handler + screener

• Can be run from:

  • Top pick-and-roll

  • Wing pick-and-roll

  • Elbow actions

  • Horns or Spread Ball Screen sets

Emphasize spacing: shooters in the corners, and the weak-side lifted to occupy help defenders. This creates the opening the slip needs.

Execution: When and How to Slip

Slipping a screen means faking a screen, then cutting to the rim before contact. It’s a read—not a call. Here's when to do it:

1. Slip Against the Switch

If the defense switches early (before the screen even happens), your screener should cut hard to the rim. The switch creates a mismatch, but more importantly—it opens space for a rim run.

Key read: Defender guarding the screener jumps out to the ball before contact.

2. Slip Against the Trap or Blitz

When defenders trap the ball handler, they momentarily forget about the roller. A quick slip to the basket punishes over-aggression.

Key read: Both defenders go to the ball as the screener approaches—no contact needed.

3. Slip When the Hedge is Too High

If the hedge defender shows too far out, the screener slips behind before contact and becomes an outlet.

Key read: Hedge defender shows above the 3-point line or leaves a gap behind.

4. Slip Against Overhelp or Denial

In off-ball screens, if the screener’s defender is denying or face-guarding, slipping to the rim creates easy baskets.

Key read: Screener’s defender is fronting or denying heavily.

Key Coaching Points

• “Don’t screen just to screen.” – Every screen has a purpose: to create space or confuse coverage.

• “Read before you arrive.” – Slips are pre-contact reads. If you wait until contact, it’s too late.

• “Sell the screen.” – Use body language to freeze the defense before slipping.

• “Cut hard and look early.” – The slip must be explosive and intentional. Eyes on the ball the moment you go.

• “Slips are timing-based.” – Sync with your ball handler. If they’re not looking, the slip is wasted.

Drills to Teach Slipping Screens

1. Slip Read Series (2-on-2)

• Have the coach call out “switch,” “trap,” or “hedge.”

• Players execute the correct slip read live.

• Rotate defenders and force real-time decision-making.

2. No-Contact Reads (Shadow Slip)

• Pair up and have the screener fake a screen and slip every time the defender jumps early.

• Reps focus on timing and sell—no contact, just rhythm.

3. Shell Drill Slip Integration

• In 4v4 shell, designate a slip every 3rd possession.

• Helps players spot defensive patterns and spacing to time the cut.

Slipping a Screen in Basketball: High IQ, Low Risk, Big Reward

The slip screen might be the most under-coached and under-utilized action in modern basketball. Unlike the physicality of a hard pick, slipping relies on reading the defense, making an early decision, and cutting with purpose. It doesn’t require size or strength—just awareness and timing.

Most coaches teach the pick-and-roll as a standard sequence: set the screen, roll, and read. But defenses today are faster, more aggressive, and smarter. They switch early, trap hard, and communicate well. This is why players must learn to adjust in real-time—and the slip is the perfect counter.

Why It Works: Timing > Contact

Great defenders anticipate contact. They know when a screen is coming and beat it early. That’s what makes them vulnerable. A slip works before contact. The moment a defender overcommits or jumps the route, the screener disappears behind them.

For example, in a game against pressure defense, you’ll often see a hedge where the big jumps out high to stop the ball. Instead of finishing the screen and fighting for space, the screener should immediately dive behind the hedge. That slip creates a 2-on-1: screener vs the low help defender.

Where It’s Most Effective

• Middle Ball Screens: Great spacing = open rim.

• Wing PnRs: The sideline acts like a boundary—one fewer help defender.

• Horns Sets: Both high posts can slip, creating confusion.

• Empty Corner Actions: No help defender = open lane.

• Late Clock Situations: Teams switch to contain—slip to punish.

Who Should Use It?

The slip isn’t just for bigs. Guards can use it in off-ball actions too. Shooters can slip pin-downs. Wings can fake dribble handoffs. Any player who recognizes a switch or overplay can slip and get a layup.

This also builds basketball IQ. Slipping requires players to think, not just run a script. That’s exactly what today’s defenses struggle to guard—unscripted, smart movement.

When to Drill It

In every live screen drill, ask your players: “What did the defense do?”
Make them verbalize it. Make slipping part of the decision tree—not just something they’re told to do.

Practice slipping:

• On the third or fourth possession of a sequence

• After a timeout to change rhythm

• Against switching teams

• As a counter to aggressive hedges

Final Thoughts

Teach your players to see the floor, not just run plays. Slipping a screen punishes aggressive defenses and rewards smart movement. It’s quick, simple, and incredibly effective when timed right.

And the best part? It doesn’t take elite talent to execute—just good reads and great habits.