Recognizing When to Slip a Screen
Goal:
This article aims to teach players how to recognize when to slip a screen in various offensive situations. The key is understanding when to read the defense, execute the slip with perfect timing, and create open scoring opportunities.
Setup:
Formation: The action can begin in various offensive setups:
Top pick-and-roll
Wing pick-and-roll
Elbow actions
Horns or Spread Ball Screen sets
Spacing Considerations:
Make sure players are properly spaced: shooters in the corners, with the weak-side lifted. This spacing allows the slip to happen seamlessly and creates open lanes.
Step-by-Step Execution
1. Slip Against the Switch
When the defense switches early, before the screen even happens, the screener should cut hard to the rim. The switch creates a mismatch, and the slip takes advantage of this by opening up space for a quick rim run.
Key Read:
If the defender guarding the screener jumps out to the ball before contact, it's time for the screener to slip.
2. Slip Against the Trap or Blitz
When defenders trap the ball handler, they often forget about the screener. A quick slip to the basket punishes the over-aggressive defense and exploits the space left behind.
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 should slip behind before contact and become an outlet for an easy pass.
Key Read:
The 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 becomes an easy way to score.
Key Read:
If the screener’s defender is fronting or denying heavily, a quick slip can open up a layup.
Coaching Tips for Slipping Screens
“Don’t screen just to screen.” Every screen has a purpose, either to create space or confuse the defense.
“Read before you arrive.” Slips are pre-contact reads. If you wait until contact, it’s too late to slip effectively.
“Sell the screen.” Use body language to freeze the defense before slipping. Make them think the screen is coming, only to cut to the rim at the right moment.
“Cut hard and look early.” Timing is critical. The slip must be explosive and intentional, with the eyes on the ball the moment you start moving.
“Slips are timing-based.” Slips should be synchronized with the ball handler’s movements. If the ball handler isn’t looking, the slip is wasted.
Drills to Teach Slipping Screens
Slip Read Series (2-on-2)
Players execute live reads where the coach calls out “switch,” “trap,” or “hedge.” The players must then read the defense and slip accordingly. This drill builds decision-making in real-time.No-Contact Reads (Shadow Slip)
Pair up players and have them practice slipping every time the defender jumps early. Focus on timing and selling the slip—no contact, just rhythm and awareness.Shell Drill Slip Integration
In a 4v4 shell drill, designate a slip every 3rd possession. This helps players spot defensive patterns and practice slipping within the context of real game situations.
Full Breakdown: Why Slipping Screens Works
Understanding the Power of the Slip
Slipping a screen is a high-IQ move that relies more on reading the defense than on physicality. Unlike a hard pick, which requires strength to execute, a slip is about timing and deception. It catches defenders off-guard and exploits defensive overcommitments, creating open lanes to the basket.
Defenders today are faster and smarter. They anticipate screens and fight through them. A slip works because it happens before contact, just as the defense starts to overcommit, the screener disappears behind them, opening up space.
Where It’s Most Effective
Middle Ball Screens: With good spacing, a slip leads to an open rim run.
Wing Pick-and-Rolls: The sideline boundary limits the defense, offering more room for a slip.
Horns Sets: Both high posts can slip, creating confusion and forcing mismatches.
Empty Corner Actions: If there’s no help defender, a quick slip to the basket creates an immediate scoring chance.
Late-Clock Situations: Defenses often switch to contain, slipping creates an easy opportunity when the defense overcommits.
Who Should Use the Slip?
While the slip is often associated with bigs, guards and wings can also use it in various situations. For example, shooters can slip pin-downs or wings can fake dribble handoffs. Anyone who recognizes a defensive overplay or switch can take advantage of the slip.
This tactic also builds basketball IQ. By teaching players to think and read the defense, the slip becomes an adaptable and effective tool against fast, aggressive defenses.
When to Drill It
In every live screen drill: Ask players, “What did the defense do?” This encourages players to always read before they act.
On the third or fourth possession of a sequence: This helps players integrate the slip as a natural response to defensive shifts.
After a timeout: Use the slip to change the rhythm of the game.
Against switching defenses: Forces defenders to keep up with the action and slip into a scoring position.
As a counter to aggressive hedges: Forces the defender to react quicker than they’re prepared for.
Final Thoughts: Slipping Screens, An Effective and Simple Offensive Tool
Slipping a screen is an underutilized but highly effective weapon in modern basketball. It’s a low-risk, high-reward move that requires good timing and awareness, not just physicality. With consistent practice and understanding, the slip can become a go-to option in any team’s offensive arsenal. Whether against a hedge, switch, or trap, slipping a screen makes life difficult for the defense and opens up easy scoring opportunities for your team.
