When there is sufficient time and space, shooting percentage skyrockets. Use pin down screens to free shooters so they can take high percentage shots.
Ray Allen Series (Pin Down A)
- Learning Goal: Learn how to use pin down screens away from the ball.
- Points of Emphasis: Stay low & balanced when cutting, using the screen & catching the ball.
The cutter starts under the basket and prepares to use the screen. The cutter goes to the left side and curls around the cones in order and receives a pass. After shooting, the cutter goes to the other side and executes the same shot from the opposite side.
Execute two types of each shot (curl around screen and finish at the rim, shooting a floater in the middle of the lane, popping and catching and shooting). Keep moving for a minute or a set interval or shots (6, 12).
Rotation: cutter to rebounder, passer to cutter, rebounder to passer.
Progression: Attempt more advanced shots during the second sequence (one dribble pull-up jumper on the nail, two dribble rip-back pull-up jumper on the wing, fade to the corner catch and shoot).
Coach Positioning: Stand outside the arc at the foul line extended.
Time: 6 minutes. Allow each player to pass through the drill 3-4 times. Work:Pause Ratio: 1:2.
Heart Rate: 82-89% (this could also be a warm-up or cool-down drill by having players work at 75% MHR). Athletic Abilities: Aerobic Energy System, Agility, ATP-PC Energy System, Balance, Speed.
Thunder Drill (Pin Down B)
- Learning Goal: Improve all elements of using a screen (set up, footwork, cutting, communication & finish).
- Points of Emphasis: Use a long 1-2 step (inside pivot) to step into the shot.
Two players start on the blocks and lines are formed at the top of the key. The first player does not need a ball and begins the drill by setting a pin down for the player on their side. The cutter uses the screen and reads the coach, who is playing guided defense and gets a pass from the opposite site. The shooter rebounds the ball and takes it to the opposite line. The passer sets a pin down for their counterpart. The screener stays down on the block and becomes the cutter.
Rotation: passer to screener, screener to cutter, cutter to passer (on the other side).
Progression: Activate the other side by having the coach on the opposite side help and the player flash or duck in for a pass, Change the angle of the screen, Call a turnover if the pass or screen is not performed correctly.
Coach Positioning: Play guided defense on the player using the screen (trail, go over, etc.).
Time: 5 minutes. Work:Pause Ratio: 1:4.
Heart Rate: 82-89% (this could also be a warm-up or cool-down drill by having players work at 75% MHR). Athletic Abilities: Aerobic Energy System, Agility, ATP-PC Energy System, Balance.
2-on-2 Golden State Part Method (Pin Down C)
- Learning Goal: Read the defense in pin down situation and create a high percentage shot.
- Points of Emphasis: Communicate using words and actions.
The offense sets a pin down screen and the Coach passes to an open player (either the cutter or the screener). Afterwards, the play is live.
Set the defender up for the screen. Look over the shoulder to see the defense and change how the screen is used (i.e. if the defender trails: go under, if defender goes over: fade). The screener should go opposite the cutter. Both teams must communicate. Only use half the court to get open.
Rules: Defense cannot switch. If the offense cannot score quickly, they cannot set a ball screen.
Rotation: defense to offense, offense to off, new team starts on defense. Teams that are not playing should stand under the basket so they can quickly enter and play D.
Progression: Count total stops or scores. Add a third player per team who could be a shooter in the corner.
Coach Positioning: Stand on the line of 45 on the side opposite the players. A second coach could stand under the basket and correct the teams who are off the court.
Time: 6-8 minutes. Work:Pause Ratio: 1:2.
Heart Rate: 82-89% Athletic Abilities: Aerobic Energy System, Agility, Anaerobic Lactic Energy System, Balance, Strength.
4-on-4 Floppy Game Situations (Pin Down D)
- Learning Goal: Execute pin down screens as a team at game speeds.
- Points of Emphasis: Use the screen to create an advantage for the cutter & the screener.
The offense runs a basic floppy set with two players setting pin down screens for their teammates. The coach passes to one of the four offensive players. Afterwards, the play is live.
Read the first level of the defense while using the screen and the second level of defense on the catch. Everyone must communicate. Be creative and try new maneuvers as the drill progresses.
Rules: The offense has a twelve second shot clock and cannot use ball screens. The coach can decide whether the defense is allowed to switch the screen and whether to allow offensive rebounds. The team with the most points in five minutes is the winner.
Rotation: Whichever team scores or rebounds the ball clears the ball to the coach and stays on. The team that loses the ball or is scored upon moves off. The new teams enter on defense. Players should fill different spots and guard different opponents throughout the drill. Teams that are not playing should stand under the basket so they can quickly enter and play D.
Progression: Count total stops or scores. Wave up and down the court (4-on-4-on-4) to raise heart rate. Use an 8 second shot clock.
Coach Positioning: Stand at the top of the key in order to pass the ball. A second coach could stand under the basket and correct the teams as they come off the court.
Time: 5-10 minutes. Work:Pause Ratio: 1:2.
Heart Rate: 82-89% Athletic Abilities: Aerobic Energy System, Agility, Anaerobic Lactic Energy System, Balance, Speed, Strength.