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Shooting / 8 MINUTES

Read the screen, find the shot

Choose a receiving route from a guided defensive cue before shooting.

ON THE FLOOR

Half court · attack ↑
Read the screen, find the shot — drill diagramThe drawing shows one curl option: 3 uses stationary screener 2 and presents a window to passer 1. The coach supplies the read; the fade option is coached separately.Example: curl window123C
The drawing shows one curl option: 3 uses stationary screener 2 and presents a window to passer 1. The coach supplies the read; the fade option is coached separately.
1PlayerXDefenderCCoachBallMovePass / shotDribbleSet screen

Motion is off with your reduced-motion preference. The setup and action paths show the rep.

MAKE IT FIT YOUR GROUP

Coach the players in front of you.

Ages 12–14

Begin with one announced cue and shorter range; treat the screening setup as a separate teaching moment.

Ages 15–18

Disguise the coach’s cue and add a pass-back choice. Reward the correct route even when the shot misses.

Work & rest
Two reps in a role, then rotate; pause after each catch to discuss the available window.
Look for success
The cutter chooses a visible window from the cue while the screener remains stationary.
Players

3 players plus a coach giving a guided defensive cue

Equipment

One basketball, Basket, Three floor markers

Space

Half court with a clear wing screening area

Set it up

Put a passer at the top, a stationary screener at the wing and a shooter in the corner. The coach stands behind the cutter and gives a trailing or inside-denial cue without contact.

Run the activity

  1. The screener establishes a still, legal stance before the shooter starts the route.
  2. When the coach trails, the shooter curls into the open pocket. When the coach shades inside, the shooter fades to an open outside window.
  3. The passer waits for a visible target. The shooter catches legally and shoots only from a range that preserves balance.
  4. Rebound, reset the cue and rotate all three roles after two attempts. Do not rehearse both options at once.
ONE CUE TO SAY OUT LOUD

“Read first. Get open. Settle the feet.”

Watch for this

Choosing the route before seeing the cue or letting the screener drift into the moving cutter.

Make it easier

Rehearse one route at walking pace with the coach well away from the cutter.

Add a challenge

Use a controlled live defender and let the shooter pass back if neither receiving route opens.

Coaching references

Original HoopSketch activity and drawing. These references informed the coaching principles; the age fit, constraints and pacing are our editorial guidance. Adjust to readiness and your league’s rules.

Age and development framework

References checked October 22, 2026. Basketball-coach review pending.