Author Archives: ericshap

Wedge (Ball Screen): A screen-the-screener action where a player screens for another player who immediately sets a ball screen.

Trap the Box: A technique where the low defender on the weak-side rotates to the strong-side to provide help on a non-middle drive.

Top-lock: A technique where, in anticipation of an off-ball screen, a defender positions himself between his man and the screen to try to force the offensive player away from the screen.

Stagger: When two consecutive off-ball screens are set in the same direction for an offensive player.

Split Action: An off-ball screening action that occurs after the ball is entered into the post between the post feeder and the next closest perimeter player.

Spain (or Stack) Pick & Roll: A variation of a regular ball screen where a player screens the ball handler’s man, while a shooter sets a back screen on the screener’s defender before popping to the three point line.

Short Roll: When a screener cuts off, or “shortens,” his roll to the basket to receive a pass from the ball handler, often after the defense puts two men on the ball.

Shake: A technique where a perimeter player lifts up along the three point line behind the ball handler during a pick & roll.

Roll/Replace: A pick & roll action where the ball screener rolls to the rim as another player moves from the paint to the three point arc where the screener just came from.