UCLA Double

When to use it

Half-court, against man-to-man, when you need a two and want layered action: a cut to the block first, then a ball screen, then a double screen. Fits an end-of-game or after-timeout possession with a guard who can read screens.

Personnel

1 is the point guard and main cutter, who ends up reading the whole set. 3 is the wing who takes the entry pass. 5 steps up for the back screen, then ball screens for 3. 2 and 4 are the double screen on the weak side; 4 slips and 2 spaces out. 1 needs to catch and finish or make the next pass.

Reads

1. First read. 1 after the cut off 5's back screen: if 1's defender is trailing or gets caught, 1 is open on the block for a pass from 3.
2. Second read. 3 uses 5's wing ball screen and attacks while 1 swings around toward the weak-side double from 2 and 4.
3. Third read. 1 coming off the double screen from 2 and 4. If the defenders of 2 and 4 help or switch, look for 1, or for 4 slipping.
4. Fourth read. 4 slipping out of the double screen toward the ball, with 2 spaced out. Pass to the slipper if 4's defender turns to chase 1.

Counter

If the back screen cut is denied, do not force it. Play the ball screen with 5 and 3, then keep reading 1 and the slipping 4 off the weak-side double.

Teaching cues

• 3: cut to the wing, catch the entry pass and be ready to dribble into the screen.
• 5: step up and set the back screen for 1, then go straight to the wing ball screen.
• 1: cut tight off 5, then come back across off the double screen.
• 4: slip the double screen when your defender turns his head to 1.
• 2: space out so the screen is a clean double first, then give room.