Cross Screen

A Cross Screen is an off-ball screen set by an offensive player directly across the lane for a teammate, typically from one low block to the other, or from the high post to a low block. Its primary purpose is to free a cutter, often a post player, to gain position on the block for a post-up opportunity or a quick catch-and-finish close to the basket. It's a foundational element in many structured offenses, most notably the Flex offense, where it initiates offensive flow. This type of screen leverages the physical presence of larger players to create space. Unlike a Pin Down or Down Screen that runs parallel to the baseline, a Cross Screen targets a defender guarding a player on the opposite side of the lane, forcing the defender to navigate through traffic. When executed effectively, it can result in an uncontested post entry, an easy layup, or create a valuable mismatch if the defense chooses to Switch.

Player 3 sets a cross screen for Player 2. Player 2 uses this screen to perform a flex cut to the low block. Player 1 delivers a bounce pass to Player 2, who receives the ball and finishes with a hook shot.