Using Hammer Actions to Create Open Corner Threes
Setup
Hammer action is a weak-side screening play designed to free up a shooter for an open corner three. Typically, it runs off a strong-side action such as a side pick-and-roll, dribble handoff, or post entry. The key is to occupy the defense on the strong side, forcing help defenders to rotate, while the weak-side screener sets a back screen (“hammer screen”) for the shooter cutting hard to the corner.
Execution
The ball-handler initiates the strong-side action (side pick-and-roll, dribble handoff, or post feed).
As the defense shifts to contain the ball, the weak-side screener sets a back screen on the shooter’s defender, allowing the shooter to sprint to the corner unchallenged.
The ball-handler or post then delivers a sharp skip pass across the court to the shooter, who catches and shoots with feet set.
Timing is critical: the screen, cut, and pass must sync perfectly to avoid defensive recovery.
Coaching Points
Timing and spacing: Drill synchronization between the strong-side action, hammer screen, and skip pass. Spacing must be precise to stretch the defense.
Sell the strong-side threat: The ball-handler must aggressively attack or threaten the basket to draw help defenders.
Screen quality: The hammer screen must be solid and set at the right angle to prevent the defender from following the shooter.
Read and react: If the corner shot is denied, the screener or ball-handler should be ready to exploit defensive rotations (e.g., screener slip to the rim).
Practice variations: Incorporate hammer actions out of pick-and-rolls, dribble handoffs, post entries, and “get” actions to keep defenses guessing.
Hammer action has become a staple in modern basketball offenses, particularly in the NBA, due to its ability to create high-efficiency corner three opportunities. The corner three is widely regarded as one of the most valuable shots in basketball because it’s closer than the above-the-break three-point line and easier to shoot with proper footwork and rhythm.
Why Hammer Action Works
The genius of hammer action lies in how it manipulates defensive rotations. The strong-side action—whether a side pick-and-roll or dribble handoff—demands defensive attention and often triggers help defense from the weak side. This creates a natural imbalance. The hammer screen exploits this by setting a back screen on the weak side, freeing a shooter to sprint to the corner for a clean look. The skip pass then forces defenders to cover a long distance quickly, increasing the chance of a defensive breakdown.
Moreover, hammer action maximizes floor spacing. When executed properly, it stretches the defense horizontally, opening driving lanes and post-up opportunities. The play also includes built-in counters: if the corner three is denied, the screener can slip to the basket for a layup, or the ball-handler can keep attacking or find other shooters.
Variations of Hammer Action
Side Pick-and-Roll Hammer: The classic setup involves a guard initiating a side pick-and-roll while a big sets the hammer screen on the weak side for the shooter. This is especially effective against aggressive help defenses that rotate hard.
Dribble Handoff Hammer: Instead of a screen, the strong-side action uses a dribble handoff. This suits teams with good ball movement and players comfortable with handoffs.
Get Action Hammer: Here, the ball-handler passes and immediately cuts to receive a handoff or screen, adding complexity and keeping defenses off balance.
Post Entry Hammer: The ball is entered to a post on the strong side while the shooter runs to the weak-side corner. A hammer screen is set, and a skip pass from the post leads to an open three.
Screener as Scorer: When defenses over-rotate to deny the corner three, the hammer screener can slip to the basket for a high-percentage finish.
Teaching Hammer Action to Your Team
Drill the timing relentlessly: Use shadow drills to rehearse the synchronization of the screen, cut, and pass. Timing errors kill the play’s effectiveness.
Focus on spacing discipline: Players must maintain proper spacing to force defenders into difficult decisions. The shooter must start wide and cut aggressively; the screener must avoid drifting into congested areas.
Develop decision-making: Teach players to read defensive reactions on the fly and adjust. If the skip pass isn’t available, the screener or ball-handler must exploit the defense’s overcommitment.
Use film study: Show NBA examples (Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets) that have perfected hammer actions to highlight how elite teams execute the play.
Player Development and Hammer Action
This action helps develop off-ball skills for shooters—specifically, reading screens and attacking open spaces quickly. It also encourages bigs and screeners to develop awareness and finishing skills for counter opportunities. For ball-handlers, it reinforces attacking with purpose and making quick, accurate cross-court passes.
When to Use Hammer Action
Against aggressive help defenses prone to rotating.
When you have a reliable corner three shooter who moves well off the ball.
Late clock situations requiring quick, high-percentage shots.
To exploit teams with weak communication on the weak side.
Final Thoughts
Hammer action is a powerful offensive tool that combines simple principles of spacing, timing, and pressure manipulation. When executed with precision, it consistently generates one of the highest-value shots in basketball: the open corner three. Incorporate hammer action variations into your system, drill it with discipline, and you’ll create an offense that is difficult to guard at any level.
