How To Use The Transition Drag Screen To Expose Any Defense

NBA teams know that transition is a great time to attack! If you watch NBA games, you'll see teams set a transition drag screen numerous times a game.

When we say "transition drag screen," we mean that a guard (usually the point guard) has dribbled the ball into the forecourt. At that point, the trailing forward comes and sets a ball screen.

This action is used to try and generate an immediate advantage.

It's a big part of the Early Attack Offense With Ryan Schultz. Coach Schultz uses 10 different automatic actions to attack in transition.

The beauty of the Early Attack is that these actions become automatics. In other words, players know what to do based on what the ball does. This allows you to attack without stopping to call a play or "set it up."

The drag screen covers 2 of the 10 options.

Why The Drag Screen Is Better Than Traditional Ball Screens

In the past, we've covered some of the challenges of making ball screens a core part of your offense.

One great thing about the drag screen is that it removes a couple of those difficulties:

First, most teams sprint back in transition. That means the ball handler does not have to work as hard to get to the screen. They are likely to arrive in the half court with space from their defender, enabling them to get to the screen easier.
Second, because most bigs camp out in the paint in transition defense, often there is no one to help when the guard comes off the ball screen. This allows the guard to generate space and speed to attack.
Finally, because the screen is set in the middle third of the floor, the guard has a number of passing options available.

While those are strengths, many teams use the drag screen as a stand-alone option. In other words, if the point guard can't get to the paint, there's no "play after the play."

The Early Attack solves that problem. Yes, your point guard is still looking to attack. However, if they can't, the offense seamlessly slows into your next scoring action.

With that in mind, let's look at a couple ways you can attack with the drag screen.

Put The Defense In a Blender With This Drag Screen Recipe

Most teams guard ball screens by switching or dropping the big and having the guard fight through. When 1 sees those coverages, here's the solution!

The action starts with the 4 setting the transition drag screens.
The screen should be set a couple feet outside the lane line.
The 1 dribbles off the screen, attempting to get downhill.

The 4 continues after their ball screen and sets a down screen for the 2 in the corner.
If 1 cannot get to the paint, they continue dribbling at 3 and execute a dribble handoff.

5 immediately sets a back screen for 1.

5 pops out the perimeter and receives a pass from the 3.
As that's happening, 1 continues across the lane and sets a cross screen for 4.
4 runs off the screen to the front of the rim.
5 looks to pass to 4 for a layup.

If 4 is not open, 3 sets a down screen for 1.
1 runs to the top of the key to receive a pass from 5 looking for a catch and shoot opportunity.

After you've run those options a couple times, your opponent may adjust and try to prevent 4 from using the cross screen. If so, use the option below.

The play starts with the same drag screen and DHO we saw in the first two frames above.

After the handoff, 5 sets the back screen for 1.

If 1's defender is anticipating the pass to 5 and is going to try to prevent 4 from coming off the screen cleanly, 3 maintains possession up top.
4 runs off the screen and immediately screens 1's defender, leaving a window to pass to 1.
If 4's defender switches onto 1, 1 will seal them, allowing for an interior pass and layup for player 1.

Coaching Tips

This action has similarities to other actions within the Early Attack Offense, making it easy to disguise from the defense.
This action puts pressure on the defense by creating scoring opportunities at the rim. Stress to your players to look inside first.
Timing is crucial. Players receiving screens must wait for the screen. A good rule of thumb is to go when they hear the feet of the player screener jump stop into the screen. Screeners must sprint to their next spot as soon as the player they are screening for is past the screen.
Players should set up all cuts.
If 1 is open off the back screen from 5, 3 should pass them the ball. This scoring threat occupies x1, leaving the defense unprepared for 1's cross screen for 4.
If teams switch, you are sure to create mismatches with all the screens this option offers. Be patient!

How The Early Attack Gives Your Players Clarity Without Sacrificing Speed

In most cases, speed and organization work against each other. This is why transition can often seem chaotic.

However, it need not be that way. Coach Schultz's system allows your players to play at maximum speed AND be structured in how they attack.

With practice, players will be able to recognize which option they are in and execute that option with no lag time.

Once that happens, you've got the best of both worlds.

The drag screen is a great starting point. Round out your transition offense with the rest of the Early Attack Offense With Ryan Schultz.