Drag Screen: Improve Shooting and Ball Movement with This Team Drill
Goal
The Drag Screen Team Shooting Drill is designed to help players improve their offensive spacing, shooting on the move, and decision-making in transition. This drill specifically focuses on using a drag screen, a vital part of modern offensive systems, to create open driving lanes and facilitate quick passes for high-percentage shots.
Setup
Players Needed: 5 players (1 point guard, 1 strong-side wing, 1 big man in the 4 spot, 1 weak-side wing, and 1 passer).
Court Setup:
Point guard (Player 1) starts with the ball.
The strong-side wing (Player 2) is on the corner.
The big man (Player 5) is in the low post (4 spot).
The weak-side wing (Player 3).
Spacing: Use a four-out, one-in spacing to simulate the typical flow of your offense.
Step-by-Step Execution
Starting Position: Player 1 (point guard) has the ball, Player 2 (strong-side wing) starts at the corner, Player 5 (big man) is in the low post, and Player 3 (weak-side wing) is at the top.
Sprint to Corner: Player 2 (strong-side wing) sprints to the corner as Player 1 prepares to initiate the play.
Drag Screen Setup: Player 5 (big man) sets a drag screen for Player 1 as they move toward the basket. The drag screen is set by the player trailing the action in transition.
Driving Off the Screen: Player 1 (point guard) uses the screen and drives toward the basket, looking for an opportunity to score or make a pass.
Big Man Rim Run: Player 5 (big man) rim runs, heading to the basket after setting the screen.
Pass for a Layup: Player 1 passes to Player 5 for a layup. If Player 5's defender switches or gets caught on the screen, Player 5 will be open for an easy finish at the rim.
Weak-Side Pass: As Player 5 finishes, Player 2 (strong-side wing) drifts up and receives a pass from Player 3 (weak-side wing) for a quick jump shot or three-pointer from the lift spot.
Repeat the Drill: Repeat the sequence for several repetitions, emphasizing quick decision-making, passing, and shooting on the move.
Coaching Tips
Point Guard Decision: The point guard (Player 1) must read the defense and decide whether to drive off the drag screen or pass to the big man or the weak-side wing for the shot.
Big Man Screen and Roll: If Player 5’s defender switches on the drag screen, Player 5 should focus on finishing the play with a layup off the rim run. If Player 5 is open, the point guard must hit them with a precise pass.
Utilizing the "One More" Pass: If the wing's defender helps on the post player rolling to the basket, the point guard can use a hook pass to the weak-side wing for an open shot.
Rotations: Have every player rotate through different positions so they experience each role (point guard, wing, post player) for balanced development.
Live Shots: All shots during this drill should be taken on the move—no stationary shots. Encourage players to mimic real-game conditions, with a focus on footwork, timing, and decision-making.
Full Breakdown
The Drag Screen Team Shooting Drill is a versatile exercise that not only teaches players to use screens effectively but also emphasizes quick decision-making in transition. The drag screen is a crucial component in many offensive systems, and learning how to use it to open up driving lanes or create opportunities for shooters can be a game-changer for your team.
This drill also focuses on improving shooting while on the move, which is essential for players who frequently run off screens or transition to different spots on the court. By practicing this drill, players develop the ability to quickly transition from driving to passing and shooting, which is a valuable skill in any fast-paced offense.
The "one more" pass, which occurs when the defense collapses on the driving player, encourages teamwork and quick ball movement. By having players practice both the ball-handling and passing aspects of the game, the drill helps ensure that players are comfortable making quick decisions under pressure.
Furthermore, the rim-running big man (Player 5) is an essential part of this drill, as they create space on the floor and draw the defense away from the shooters. Having the big man involved in this drill simulates real-game situations where the post player must be an active participant in both the pick-and-roll and the offensive flow.
Conclusion
Incorporating the Drag Screen Team Shooting Drill into your practice regimen will improve your team’s ball movement, shooting, and decision-making in transition. It teaches players to read the defense, use screens effectively, and capitalize on open shooting opportunities. The drill also emphasizes quick passes, shooting on the move, and finishing plays at the rim, making it a crucial part of any team’s offensive development.
