Step through it
The cue: “Catch, then see how he closes.” Only the defender who gives the read is drawn.
Read the three steps as text
- 1 has the ball at the top and 4 comes to set a ball screen, with X4 guarding the screener.
- 1 uses the screen and X4 steps over to stop the ball. 1 passes to 4, who has popped out to the top, and X4 is a long way from him.
- X4 closes out hard with his weight moving forward. 4 attacks the closeout and drives past him. The cue: Catch, then see how he closes.
Ask, don't tell
After the rep, ask one question: “How fast was he coming at you?” 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.