Back about 1959, Pete Newell used the backdoor trap. Later, Ed Jucker of Cincinnati fame refined it by swinging the pattern from side to side. Cincinnati’s Backdoor Trap series had one purpose: to give his big men at the forward and post position tremendous scoring power in close to the basket. We all know the easiest way to score is to get a player open under the basket and give him the ball. All eight fundamental plays have this in common; however, one of the most popular moves in the past century was this backdoor trap which later evolved into the flex offense.

I like the pick-opposite because it gets players moving without the ball on the weak side of the court and helps players in receiving a pass while in motion. The screen often causes mismatches when the defense switches to counter the movement. This play can be run from any offensive formation. Only a few are shown here:

Many of the same fundamentals for plays #2 and #3 are the same for play #4. The screen must be wide and must be set on the defensive player, no matter where the offensive teammate is on the court. Since the screener will be facing the defensive man, he can set the screen as close as needed without touching him. The screener’s knees should be flexed and ready for contact.

Use a roll to widen the screen. The roll can be a reverse pivot in the direction taken by the defensive man. This gives the screener good rebounding position or leaves him open for a return pass. Whenever the screen forces a switch, you know a good screen has been set.