Screen TypeIntermediateAnimatable

Flare Screen

A screen set away from the ball to free a shooter moving toward the perimeter or corner.

About This Action

The Flare Screen is a highly effective off-ball screening action designed to create immediate shooting opportunities for perimeter players. Unlike a down screen that sends a player towards the basket, or a back screen that sends them towards the basket from the perimeter, a flare screen is set 'away' from the ball to propel a shooter *out* towards the three-point line, typically the wing or corner. The ball handler is usually positioned on the opposite side of the court or at the top of the key, drawing defensive attention and creating a wider operating space for the screen. The execution is precise: a screener, often a post player or another perimeter player, establishes a solid, stationary base on the defender of the intended receiver. The receiver, usually starting closer to the paint (e.g., low block, elbow extended), then utilizes this screen to 'flare' out quickly, moving laterally or diagonally away from the basket and parallel to the baseline or sideline. The goal is to emerge from the screen with sufficient space and balance to catch the ball in their shooting pocket and release a shot before the defense can recover. This action stretches the defense horizontally, forcing complex communication and challenging individual defensive recovery speed. Its significance lies in its ability to generate high-percentage catch-and-shoot three-pointers, especially for sharpshooters. It forces opposing defenses to make tough decisions: fight through the screen, switch, or concede the shot. Furthermore, if the defense overplays the flare to deny the shot, it can open up back-door cuts or slips by the screener or receiver, adding another layer of offensive threat. The timing between the screener setting, the receiver's cut, and the ball handler's pass is paramount for the success of this dynamic offensive maneuver, making it a staple in many half-court sets and motion offenses.

Common Mistakes

One of the most frequent errors in executing a flare screen offensively is the screener failing to establish a legal and effective screen. This often manifests as a 'moving screen' foul, where the screener does not set their feet and maintain a stationary position, or setting a screen at a poor angle that allows the defender to easily 'jump over' or 'chase' the receiver without impediment. The correction involves discipline: the screener must stop, plant both feet firmly, present a wide target, and engage the defender's body to create maximum separation for the receiver's flare. From the receiver's perspective, a common mistake is not using the screen tightly enough or telegraphing the cut. If the receiver runs too wide around the screen, they create an easy path for their defender to recover. Similarly, if they make an obvious, slow move towards the screen, the defender has ample time to anticipate and react. The proper technique requires the receiver to sell a move in the opposite direction first, then explode off the screen, running shoulder-to-shoulder with the screener to maximize the rub, making hard contact and emerging balanced and ready to shoot. Additionally, the ball handler's mistimed pass, either too late allowing recovery or too early before the receiver is clear, can negate the entire action. Defensively, the primary error is the receiver's defender getting completely 'screened out,' allowing a wide-open catch-and-shoot opportunity. This occurs when they lack anticipation, fail to communicate with their teammate guarding the screener, or don't fight aggressively through or over the screen. A proper defensive response involves loud communication ('screen left/right!'), calling for a 'switch' if necessary, or aggressively fighting over the top of the screen to deny the shot. The screener's defender must also be active, either 'tagging' the flaring player to momentarily impede their path or executing a clean switch with their teammate to contain the shooter effectively without creating other defensive breakdowns.