Elbow Flash Flare Screen High-Low

When to use it

A half-court set against man-to-man when the defense is denying passes. It sends both posts to the elbows, then a flare screen frees the point guard for a return pass, with a high-low look if the defense overplays.

Personnel

3-out-2-in look: 1 at the top, 4 and 5 flashing to the elbows, 2 cutting to the block, 3 back cutting then filling the corner. 1 passes to the elbow. 5 or 4 receives the entry. The weak-side post (4) sets a flare screen for 1. 1 needs to catch and shoot or drive.

Reads

1. First read. The elbow entry to 5. 1 passes to the post flashing to the elbow.
2. Second read. The flare screen. 4 sets it for 1, and 5 passes back to 1 as the defender is screened.
3. Third read. The high-low feed. If the defense overplays the high post, 5 can pass to 2 on the block.

Counter

If the return pass to 1 is denied, look for the high-low feed to the cutter on the block. Do not force the pass into traffic.

Teaching cues

• 4 and 5: flash to the elbows with your hands up.
• 2: cut to the block and seal if the ball goes high.
• 3: back cut, then fill the corner.
• 4: set the flare screen with your feet planted, then open to the ball.