Screen Away
- Screen Away.
- Player 1: chest pass to player 2 then set a down screen to free player 3.
- Player 2: bounce pass to player 3.
- Player 3: curl tight off the screen looking for the ball then catch and shoot — feet set, let it fly.
A Screen Away is an off-ball screening action where a player sets a screen for a teammate on the side of the court opposite to where the basketball is located. Unlike a ball screen that directly involves the ball handler, a Screen Away is designed to free a cutter, often a shooter or a player looking to get open in the paint, without immediately involving the player with the ball. The primary purpose of a Screen Away is to create separation and scoring opportunities by forcing the defense to react and make difficult decisions away from the primary action. Common variations include the Pin Down (screening down towards the baseline for a cutter coming up), the Back Screen (screening towards the baseline for a cutter moving towards the basket), the Flare Screen (screening away from the basket, allowing a shooter to step out), or the Cross Screen (screening across the lane). Effective execution relies on good communication, proper screening angles, and the cutter's ability to read their defender and utilize the screen.
P1 initiates the offense with a chest pass to P2. P1 then sets a down screen for P3 on the weak side. P3 uses the screen to curl cut towards the basket, receiving a bounce pass from P2, and immediately takes a catch-and-shoot shot.