Today's Quote: "Show me a guy who's afraid to look bad and I show you a guy you can beat every time." - Lou Brock
Today's Theme... Ghost Screens / Actions
What is a Ghost screen?
Simply, a ghost screen is a faked screen where the screener does not actually make contact with the defensive player, but instead sprints away at the last second to an open spot. This usually results in good perimeter spacing by stretching the defense and often either (1) opens a driving lane for the ball-handler, or (2) creates an open shot for the screener.
The ghost screener slowly jogs toward the ball as if to set a ball-screen, but then quickly sprints away. Slowly jogging allows the defense time to recognize that a ball-screen (pick and roll) is coming and affects the way the defenders react to a potential screen. The defenders may be unsure whether to switch, hedge the screen, or stay with their man. This indecision can result in the ghost screener getting open for a pass and shot, or the ball handler being able to attack with the dribble or shoot an open outside shot. Defensive mis-matches can also occur.
Ghost screens often work well against good man-to-man defensive teams who switch ball-screens. Ghost screens can create a quick open perimeter shot when you are late in the shot clock, or on an out-of-bounds play. A ghost screen is also a great way to get your quick ball-handler a dribble-drive lane to the hoop.
Actions off the ghost screen
The ghost "screener" has two possible actions - flare and slip.
Flare - After jogging up to set the ghost screen, the screener instead quickly flares to an open spot on the 3-point arc for a pass and open shot. This works if your screener is a good outside shooter.
Slip - Here the screener jogs up to fake the screen but, instead of popping out to the arc, quickly back-cuts (slips) to the hoop for the pass and layup.
The ball-handler's options include the dribble-drive attack, or a pull up jump shot, or a pass to the open ghost screener either on the arc or slipping to the hoop.
Click the link below to see two videos and to learn more about these actions:
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