Attack Weak P&R Defense with Skip Pass Reads
Goal
Help your players recognize when a defense is using Weak (also known as Ice or Incline) coverage in a side pick-and-roll, and show them how a skip pass can flip the floor, break pressure, and create high-percentage looks.
Let’s Keep This Simple
Weak coverage sounds fancy, but it’s just this:
The defense is forcing your ball handler away from the screen, usually to their weak hand, trying to trap action on one side of the floor.
But here’s the good news:
If your team can recognize it early, a well-timed skip pass makes this coverage fall apart.
What It Looks Like
Ball starts on the wing.
Your guard goes into a side pick-and-roll.
Defender jumps to the high side, cutting off the middle.
Your big rolls… but the paint is clogged with help-side defenders.
Now what?
You don’t try to force it.
You read the help.
Then, boom, skip it to the opposite side.
There’s your shot. Or another drive. Or both.
Step-by-Step Execution for Youth Coaches
1. Set the Screen Weak
Teach your big to screen on the defender’s high side. This encourages the ball handler to drive downhill into the “ice” coverage.
2. Recognize the Help Rotation
As your guard drives, help defenders will sag into the paint, usually from the opposite wing or corner.
Make your players read that early. “If there are two bodies in the lane… skip it.”
3. Skip the Ball
This has to be drilled. Eyes up, ball out.
Skip to the opposite wing or corner. Teach your passers to hit the shooter in the pocket, not just float it.
4. Play Out of the Catch
What happens next depends on the defense:
Open? Shoot it.
Closeout too hard? Attack it.
No gap? Swing it again.
Optionally, you can re-screen back to the strong side to keep the pressure on.
Why This Works at Any Level
Here’s what happens when your skip pass hits:
| Defensive Reaction | Your Advantage |
|---|---|
| Help-side scrambles | Corner three, no contest |
| Big closes out late | Drive window opens up |
| Guard recovers too slow | Space for shot or drive-and-kick |
| Defense rotates again | Play 2-on-1 until someone scores |
This isn’t about trick plays. It’s about reading what’s in front of you and punishing teams that over-help on one side.
How to Teach It to Youth and High School Teams
For Youth Teams
Run 2-on-2 side P&R where help defender stunt, teach the drive + skip pass combo.
Add a third offensive player in the corner.
Use cones or floor markers to reinforce spacing.
Tip: Say “drive until you SEE help… then skip.”
For High School Teams
Run 4v4 live-action: weak-side defenders must rotate.
Work on skip → re-screen combos to force decision-making.
Add post or short-roll options to expand reads.
Coaching Fixes for Common Mistakes
| Mistake | Coaching Fix |
|---|---|
| Guard drives too deep into help | Teach: “Drive to show help, not into it” |
| Skip pass is late or lazy | Drill drive → skip in one motion |
| Spacing collapses | Remind corners: “Stay wide, stay ready” |
| Re-screen opportunity missed | Big should always be ready to pivot |
When to Use It
Opponent is icing screens every time.
Your guard struggles to finish left, skip resets the attack.
Your shooter is camped in the corner, waiting for daylight.
You need to unstick your offense with one sharp pass.
Final Thoughts: The Skip Is a Weapon
As a coach, this is what you want:
Your team reads coverages on the fly.
They know when not to force.
They keep the floor spaced.
They move the ball with purpose.
Teaching skip-pass reads versus Weak coverage isn’t about installing a complicated system. It’s about helping kids learn to see the game, make smart reads, and keep the defense on its heels.
It’s simple. It’s teachable. And it works.
