Screen TypeIntermediateAnimatable

Flex Screen

A screen set on the baseline for a cutter crossing from one side of the lane to the other.

About This Action

The Flex Screen is a fundamental off-ball screening action characterized by a screen set on the baseline for a player cutting from one side of the lane to the opposite. Typically, a player positioned on the low block or short corner establishes a stationary screen, aligned parallel to the baseline. The cutter, often originating from the wing or the high post on the weak side, sprints towards the screen, aiming to 'rub' tightly off the screener's hip or shoulder. The objective is to create a direct path to the basket for a layup, short jumper, or post-up opportunity against a trailing or caught-up defender. This action is a cornerstone of offenses designed to exploit defensive overplay or create movement and confusion. When executed with precision, the Flex Screen forces defenders to make immediate decisions: fight over the screen, go under, or switch. Its primary value lies in generating high-percentage shots close to the rim or creating initial defensive breakdowns that can be capitalized on by secondary actions. For instance, in the classic Flex Offense, the player setting the baseline screen will often immediately turn to set a 'down screen' for another teammate, creating a powerful 'screen-the-screener' sequence that generates multiple scoring options and constantly shifts defensive responsibilities. The timing between the cutter and the screener is paramount. The screener must be set and stationary before contact, with a solid base to absorb potential impact. The cutter must approach the screen with purpose, initiating their cut just as the screen is being established, and making contact as tightly as possible to deny their defender a clear path. This precision ensures that the defender is truly impeded, rather than merely re-directed, maximizing the advantage gained and setting the stage for subsequent offensive flow.

Common Mistakes

One of the most frequent errors in executing the Flex Screen, particularly by the cutter, is failing to 'rub' the screen tightly enough. Instead of making shoulder-to-shoulder contact and aiming to hit the screener's hip, cutters often drift too wide or prematurely veer away from the screener. This creates excessive space between the cutter and the screen, allowing the defensive player to easily 'fight over' the top or simply trail the cutter without being impeded. The correction involves the cutter committing aggressively to the screen, aiming to make physical contact and 'bumping' off the screener, effectively 'shouldering' their defender into the screen to maximize its impact. On the screener's part, a common mistake is setting a 'soft' or illegal screen. This includes setting a screen that is not stationary (a moving screen), failing to establish a wide, balanced base, or setting the screen at an ineffective angle. A screener who is not solidly planted or whose body is not positioned to effectively block the defender will either commit an offensive foul or be easily dislodged, negating the screen's purpose. The correction requires the screener to establish a wide stance, be completely stationary before contact, and position their body perpendicular to the direction of the cutter's defender, effectively 'sealing off' the path. Additionally, a screener failing to effectively roll or seal after the initial screen, particularly if their defender helps on the cutter, misses an opportunity for a potential shot or post-up. Defensively, the primary mistake against a Flex Screen is a lack of communication and anticipation. The defender guarding the cutter often gets caught on the screen because there's no verbal cue or help from the screener's defender. The screener's defender might be caught flat-footed, slow to 'tag' the cutter, or unwilling to execute a timely switch. The correction demands constant communication: the defender guarding the cutter must loudly call 'SCREEN!' to alert their teammate, while the screener's defender must be prepared to 'bump' the cutter, 'show' and recover, or execute a decisive switch depending on the defensive scheme. Failure to communicate leads to easy scores or breakdowns, allowing the offense to dictate the action without resistance.