Staggered Double Ball Screen to High Low

Quick, effective way to manipulate defensive spacing and get an easy look inside for your bigs. Here is a breakdown of the execution, timing, and coaching keys to run this set successfully.

📋 The Play Breakdown

1. The Initial Setup

• Alignment: Traditional Horns formation.

• The Guard (1): Brings the ball up the center of the floor.

• The Bigs (4 and 5): Stationed at the elbows.

• The Wings (2 and 3): Spread deep into the corners to empty the lanes and maximize floor spacing.

2. The Entry & Relocation

• The Trigger: 1 passes to 5 at the right elbow.

• The Cut: Immediately after passing, 1 cuts hard to the left wing.

• The Fill: As 1 relocates, 4 starts drifting slightly toward the top of the key to replace the space.

3. The Ball Swing & Rim Run

• The Shift: 5 quickly reverses the ball, passing it out to 1 on the left wing.

• The Dive: The moment the ball leaves 5‘s hands, 5 dives hard down the lane to the opposite low block, seeking a deep post seal.

• The Safety: 4 completes the relocation to the top of the key.

4. The Hi-Lo Look

• The Trigger: 1 swings the ball up top to 4.

• The Finish: This creates a textbook Hi-Lo alignment. 4 now catches the ball at the top of the key with eyes immediately on 5, who is sealing their defender deep under the basket for an easy high-low entry pass and layup.

🔑 Coaching Keys for Success

💡 Spreading the Corners: The success of this play relies on 2 and 3 staying disciplined in the corners. If their defenders sag into the paint to help on 5‘s dive, it’s a kick-out for an open three-pointer.

• Crisp Passing: The ball reversal from the elbow to the wing needs to be sharp. If 5 holds the ball too long, the defense will recover and clog the lane.

• The Post Seal: Teach your 5 man to use the defender’s momentum against them. As they dive to the low block, they must lock the defender on their high hip to give 4 a clean passing angle.

• 4’s Decision Making: 4 needs to catch the ball ready to shoot or pass. If the defender plays over the top of 5, the lob is there. If the defense sags, 4 has an open mid-range or three-point look.

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