Pin Down to Ball Screen
- Pin Down to Ball Screen — a pin-down action.
- Player 1: perform a stationary dribble, drive to the basket off the ball screen from player 2 then lob pass to player 2.
- Player 2: perform a pin down, set a ball screen for player 1, roll hard to the rim after setting the screen.
- present a target for the ball handler then perform a dunk.
- Player 3: curl tight off the screen looking for the ball, relocate to a new spot — keep the defense moving then perform a lift.
- Against vs_deny.
The "Pin Down to Ball Screen" is a sequential offensive action designed to create multiple scoring opportunities by flowing from an off-ball screen directly into an on-ball screen. It typically starts with an offensive player setting a Pin Down screen for a teammate cutting towards the perimeter. As the cutter receives or looks for the ball, the screener then quickly transitions to set a Ball Screen for the player who currently has the ball. This continuous action puts significant pressure on the defense to communicate and adapt quickly. This play is effective because it forces the defense to react to two different types of screens in rapid succession. The initial pin-down can draw help or create an open catch-and-shoot opportunity for the cutter. If the defense successfully defends the pin-down, the screener immediately flows into a ball screen, which can generate a Dribble Drive for the ball handler or a Roll/Pick and Pop opportunity for the screener, creating a significant mismatch or defensive breakdown. The dynamic nature of the action exploits defensive indecision and miscommunication, often leading to open shots or advantageous attacking angles.
This play begins with Player 2 setting a pin-down screen for Player 3, who curls off it as Player 1 stationary dribbles. Player 2 then flows directly into a ball screen for Player 1, who drives to the basket. Player 2 rolls hard to the rim, receiving a lob pass from Player 1 for a dunk.