Basketball: Switch Every Screen and Attack the Mismatch

3v3 basketball situations where the defense switches on every screen, and the offense has to take advantage of the mismatch it creates. Students work on defensive communication and reading mismatches on offense.

How to play

1. Make trios of similar ability in pinnies; on half court, three on offense, three on defense, and one or two trios waiting (2 min).
2. Walk-through (4 min): the offense sets an on-ball screen; the two defenders involved call "Switch!" and trade players. The offense looks for whoever ended up guarded by someone shorter or slower.
3. 3v3 game (12 min): king of the court; the trio that scores stays on offense and the defense leaves. A basket from a mismatch (a post-up or a 1-on-1 on the perimeter) is worth 3 points.
4. If the defense switches without talking and leaves an attacker open, stop play and give the offense a point.
5. Debrief (2 min): which mismatch paid off most, and how did you spot it?

Rules

• Every switch is called out loud.
• Screens are set standing still with arms in; a moving screen is a foul.
• Each possession has a 20-second shot clock.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: plays as the passer at the top of the key, without screening or cutting.
• Hearing impairment: the "Switch!" call comes with a tap on a teammate's back.
• Lower skill level: is placed with two teammates who use him or her as a screener.

Learning goals

• Call and execute defensive switches on screens.
• Spot the mismatch and get the ball to the player who has the edge.
• Follow the rules of a legal screen.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Basketballs: 4
• Basketball hoops: 2
• Pinnies: 13
• Cones: 8
• Whistle: 1

Teacher tip

The offense tends to keep running the same play after the switch: have the passer look for the mismatch first. Balance the trios so real mismatches exist.

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