When players first start learning screens in basketballthey usually start by learning how to run a close-and-roll and also how to “get away” for a teammate.
An effective screen that is usually overlooked until much later is the flash screen.
This makes some sense because the blitz screen requires enough strength to be able to throw the necessary pass to the cutter coming off the blitz screen…
But when players are strong enough and have enough skill, the flash screen is a great way to (1) give shooters an open look or (2) hit a screen that slides the hoop for an easy basket.
Below are the basics about the flame screen, including how you can use it offensively to score more points and how to protect it on the defensive end to avoid hurting your team.
What is a flash screen in basketball?
A flare screen occurs when a player sets a screen for a teammate who cuts off the ball to a point on the perimeter.
The cutter uses the screen to create space between himself and the defender on the perimeter.
A cutter on the handle can either shoot the ball if the defender goes under the flash screen or drive to the basket if he tries to go over it.
How to run the flash screen
There are 4 important steps for your team to properly execute the blitz screen in your offense:
1. Screen
The screen itself is the first step to a successful flash screen.
Most of the time this screen happens on the weak side of the floor, and many times at least at the free throw line or higher.
The screener needs to make sure he gets a good wide base and sets up early so the cutter knows where he is leaving the screen.
When the screen is set, its butt should point in the direction the cutter needs to exit the screen to create the most effective flash screen and create the most space.
2. The Cut
Even if the flare screen is set well, it won’t necessarily matter if the cutter doesn’t do a good job of setting it up.
The cutter must take several steps toward the ball and below the defender to get his defender down.
The cutter must then push out his inside leg and essentially back off the screen, rubbing his shoulders against the flash screen.
Ideally, the cutter should complete the cut directly behind the flare screen to create the biggest obstacle for his defender to get through.
3. Transition
A flashy screen pass usually covers a lot of ground. So it must be thrown with both power and some height.
That means it’s more likely that the passer will have to throw overhead passage so that it can reach the cutter over the screener head.
The passer must read the defender and make sure the cutter is open before throwing it.
As soon as the passer sees that the defender has fallen under the screen, they should throw the pass so that it is immediately caught behind him.
But if the quarterback is trying to chase the cutter over a screen, they have to be very careful whether they throw the pass or not.
4. The Read
Even if the screen, cut and pass are done correctly, it still won’t matter if the receiver doesn’t know how to read his defender after the blitz screen.
If the defender drops under the blitz screen, the cutter’s first thought should be to shoot the outside shot behind the screen. If a player isn’t much of a shooter, sometimes a quick pump fake will bring the defender closer and open up a driving opportunity.
If the defender is trying to chase the cutter over the top of the flash screen, there is plenty of room to move below the screen. So on the catch, the cutter can break away from where the pass came from and attack the basket.
The other reading is for the screener. If the screener’s defender tries to cheat and help the cut, the screener can slide to the basket for a possible layup.
How to protect the flash screen
If the offense gets all those steps right, defending a flash screen can be a very difficult challenge. However, the defense still has many options in how they can choose to defend it;
1. Go under the screen
If you’re facing a team that doesn’t shoot the ball well, going under a screen is a common defense to attack from the outside.
The defender would try to avoid the flash screen entirely and slide to the other side to prevent a drive to the basket.
2. Battle over the screen
If the team is full of good shooters or the defense wants to be particularly aggressive, they can fight for flash screens to try to connect with cutters.
This will make the pass much more difficult to make, but it can also open up the cutter by going around the flash screen and diving to the basket with a backdoor cut.
3. Turn on the display
A number of protective devices are connected to each screen, including flashes.
The difference between changing a flame screen and other screens is the direction the screen is facing. Since the screener is actually facing the ball, it makes it easier for them to slide to the basket and quickly position themselves on the switch.
Defenses looking to pass must communicate extremely well and also make sure the defender who passes the screen stays inside and under the screen.
Conclusion.
The breakout screen is an extremely effective offensive move that can create both open outside shots and lanes to the basket.
It is not usually taught to players until they are a little more experienced and physically developed so that they can better execute the overhead pass that the flash screen requires.
Defensively, a flashing screen can be very difficult to defend against. But if your defenders communicate well and stick to your defensive principles, it can at least make it difficult for the offense to create an advantage.
Flaming screens are a fantastic weapon to try to incorporate into your offense, as well as to make sure you defend so your players know what to do the next time they see one. So be sure to include them the next time your team gets together.
