Step through it
The cue: “Switched? Find the mismatch.” Only the defender who gives the read is drawn.
Read the three steps as text
- 1 has the ball and 4 sets a ball screen. X1 guards the handler and X4 guards the screener.
- The defence switches. X4, the big, is now on 1 and X1, the small, is now on 4. That is a size mismatch on both sides.
- 4 posts up on the smaller X1, and 1 feeds him in the post. If the big stays on 1, 1 drives past him instead. The cue: Switched? Find the mismatch.
Ask, don't tell
After the rep, ask one question: “Who had the size advantage after the switch?” Judge the decision, not whether the shot went in.
Why it is in this library
Every read here passes the same tests: it is a read, not a reaction; it has few moving parts; it fits five-out spacing; it transfers as a concept; and it falls back into normal play if the read is not there. Teach the roles (screener, cutter, passer), not the positions.
Unofficial fan-created resource. The read is distilled from published coaching playbooks, curated and reviewed by Ravi Sundram, and the diagram is a schematic drawn for this site. Not affiliated with any team, coach or league.