What this version covers
A back screener need not chase a roll defender who has already moved high.
Source-backed summary; versions may differ.
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offense
Spain pick-and-roll
A ball screen with a third player screening the defender who guards the rolling screener. That third player then moves outside. Murcia's 2022–23 examples show this inside a longer entry, not as a complete offense.
How it runs
Screen for 1, then screen the defender guarding 5
Spain pick-and-roll is a three-player action, not a whole offense. In this example, 2 screens X5, then moves outside. Start both screens without contact and leave legal space.
1–5 are players on offense. X1–X5 are defenders. Each number stays with the same player in every step; it does not lock that player into a position.
Diagram 1 of 4
1. Set two different screens
5 moves up to screen for 1. 2 moves behind X5, the defender guarding 5, and stops to set a back screen. 3 and 4 stay wide.
Diagram key
- Offense
- Defense
- Coach
- Neutral
- Ball
- Cone
- Cut
- Dribble
- Pass
- Screen
- Hand-off
- Shot
- Def. slide
Use Previous and Next beside the court, or choose a numbered step. Arrows on the court show where players or the ball move. CoachAssist drew this example; it does not show every way to run the scheme.
Spain is a three-player action inside a larger offense. Our default uses a back screen and outside release; the alternative exits early. Neither outcome is guaranteed, and the action does not require a forced lob.
In this guide · jump to a topic
Starting jobs and useful space
Know which defender each screen addresses
Our 1 handles, 5 sets the ball screen, and 2 approaches the defender guarding 5. Players 3 and 4 stay wide in opposite corners. Ask 2 to identify the intended defender before moving. Screening a location that defender has left cannot create the intended delay.
Walk the two approaches without contact first. Leave room for the roller to pass the back screener and for the back screener to release outside afterward. The handler needs to distinguish a pass inside from a pass behind the action; crowding those routes makes both choices harder.
CoachAssist suggestion—not the source’s exact practice.
Keep the possession going
Set up the read, then let the defense answer
Build the action from the first screen and roll before adding the back screener. Then place the roll defender and adjust the second approach to that actual position. Do not make the handler wait so long for perfect choreography that the first screen loses its purpose.
After the outside release catches, continue against the recovering defense. A shot, drive or return can all be reasonable. The original roller should remain a separate target, not follow the ball into the new handler’s lane. If the early exit is called, begin that version separately rather than trying to perform both second-screen choices.
CoachAssist suggestion—not the source’s exact practice.
Decisions against the defense
The back screener’s defender stays with the roll
When: The inside receiver attracts additional attention.
Do this: Check the outside release only after it becomes a visible target.
Then: The receiver reads the closeout; there is no compulsory shot because the pass reached the arc.
CoachAssist suggestion—not the source’s exact practice.
The defense commits before the back screen
When: The intended screen target or passing space has changed.
Do this: Use the taught early-exit option rather than chase moving contact.
Then: Keep corner and wing receivers separate so an extra pass is possible when its lane opens.
CoachAssist suggestion—not the source’s exact practice.
What to emphasize
- Original teaching suggestion: walk the three-player timing before adding defenders and corner players.
Problems, fixes and checks
The back screener blocks the roller
Problem: The two receivers try to leave through the same space.
Try this correction: Walk the roll first, then add the later outside release.
Check: The handler sees an inside target and an outside target at distinct angles.
CoachAssist suggestion—not the source’s exact practice.
Every repetition ends with a lob attempt
Problem: Players ignore a defender already protecting the rim.
Try this correction: Let that defender stay low and allow the offense to score another way.
Check: A safe outside decision counts as correct even if the planned inside pass disappears.
CoachAssist suggestion—not the source’s exact practice.
Versions and diagram coverage
The early exit changes a decision
Changes: read, continuation.
- The linked alternative releases before the back screen and includes a corner-to-wing extra pass.
When to use it: Use when the agreed read calls for an early release.
CoachAssist suggestion—not the source’s exact practice.
Another entry is not another definition
Changes: setup, entry, names only.
- The reviewed four-out entry remains written-only here. Changing which number back-screens does not by itself create a variant.
When to use it: Check the formation and entry separately from the core three-player action.
Written variant · this option does not have its own walkthrough here.
CoachAssist suggestion—not the source’s exact practice.
How to teach it
Choose the level that matches what your players can do now. These steps work for boys and girls. Start simpler if players need more practice.
Practice it step by step
Identify the two screen targets
Set it up: Three attackers with an adult indicating defender positions; no contact.
- Point out the ball defender and roll defender.
- Walk approaches and separate receiving areas.
Add more when: All three can explain whom the second screen addresses.
Check it in play
- Nobody screens a teammate’s path.
CoachAssist suggestion—not the source’s exact practice.
CoachAssist wrote these teaching steps. They are not an exact copy of any coach’s practice plan.
What can go wrong and how to adjust
- Set legal screens. Spain is an action name, not a claim that all Spanish teams play alike.
Coaches and teams that use it
Sito Alonso · UCAM Murcia
The 2022–23 BCL report shows a Spain pick-and-roll with a back screener moving outside. This guide isolates that action, not Murcia’s full play.
Drills for this scheme · steps and diagrams
The level selector changes the teaching steps above. It does not change these drills. Check the number of players, equipment and difficulty before using a drill.
2-on-2 Ball Screen Live
Court diagram · view the drill first
Builds a skill used in this scheme: Practices the ball handler and screener reading two defenders. It omits the third attacker’s back screen and outside exit, so teach those separately before calling the action Spain pick-and-roll.
A ball-screen pair reads two defenders through a controlled live possession.
4–12 players · 8–15 minutes · basketballs
Purpose
A ball-screen pair reads two defenders through a controlled live possession.
Set it up
Four players and one ball: handler, screener and their defenders. Waiting players and spare balls stay outside the playing/landing area. Walk one coverage before allowing a choice. Spare balls and waiting players stay outside the active routes.
Run the drill
- Agree on a short timed interval and begin at walkthrough pace. Use one active ball and one group in the playing area; add controlled opposition only when players understand the routes and can stop safely.
- The screener establishes legal position; the handler waits for the screen and reads the defenders.
- The defense uses an agreed coverage. Offense can drive, pass to the screener moving toward the basket or outward, or retreat and reset when the passing route is closed.
- Use a re-screen only after everyone has room to reset legally; do not force a dribble through two defenders.
- End on a controlled finish, secured rebound, turnover or coach stop; exchange offense and defense regardless of outcome.
- End the repetition on a controlled finish, dead ball or coach stop. Clear the ball and landing area before restarting; rotate roles and rest within the planned interval, without extending it to reach a target.
Scoring
Optional: within a short coach-chosen timed interval, count sound decisions, controlled catches or completed defensive possessions. Stop at the planned time or sooner; no required makes, winning streak or exercise penalty. Rotate roles and allow rest regardless of the score.
Coach the details
- A screener can cut to the basket after screening (roll), leave before setting the screen (slip), or move outward (pop). Choose from the defense and available space, not from a single label.
- A screen is not a collision target. Maintain control through changes of direction.
- Use comfortable passing and shooting distances and an appropriate ball. Progress by demonstrated control, not speed: keep eyes on the play, leave stopping/landing space, and stop if a route or loose ball creates a collision risk.
- Screens begin without contact. Establish a balanced, stationary position with the time and space required by the competition rules; keep arms in and do not lean, hold, shove or step into an approaching defender. Decline the action when legal clearance is unavailable.
Ways to adapt the drill
- Original CoachAssist display adaptation: these edited steps, workload limits and optional scoring are coaching adaptations, not a claim that the cited author prescribed this exact version.
- The teaching-level selector does not automatically adapt these drills for age or ability. A coach must choose suitable roles, equipment, contact, space and progressions; simplify or defer anything the group is not ready to perform.
Screen Setting Fundamentals (P.A.S.S.)
Court diagram · view the drill first
Builds a skill used in this scheme: Builds safe set, hold and release timing for an off-ball screen. It does not supply the second screen, three-player spacing or passes in Spain pick-and-roll.
A controlled progression teaches setting and using a stationary screen.
3–12 players · 5–10 minutes · basketballs
Purpose
A controlled progression teaches setting and using a stationary screen.
Set it up
Three players: screener, cutter and cooperative defender, plus a coach passer. Begin without contact on one side of a half court. Spare balls and waiting players stay outside the active routes.
Run the drill
- Agree on a short timed interval and begin at walkthrough pace. Use one active ball and one group in the playing area; add controlled opposition only when players understand the routes and can stop safely.
- The screener approaches at walkthrough pace and establishes a balanced position with legal clearance.
- The cutter waits until the screen is set, then moves close enough to use its angle without colliding with the screener.
- The coach passes only through an open window; the cutter catches balanced and may shoot from a comfortable range.
- The screener holds position until the cutter clears, then opens toward the ball. Rotate all player roles.
- End the repetition on a controlled finish, dead ball or coach stop. Clear the ball and landing area before restarting; rotate roles and rest within the planned interval, without extending it to reach a target.
Scoring
Optional: within a short coach-chosen timed interval, count sound decisions, controlled catches or completed defensive possessions. Stop at the planned time or sooner; no required makes, winning streak or exercise penalty. Rotate roles and allow rest regardless of the score.
Coach the details
- Do not require contact for a screen to count. Add guided defense only after the group understands positioning and timing.
- Use comfortable passing and shooting distances and an appropriate ball. Progress by demonstrated control, not speed: keep eyes on the play, leave stopping/landing space, and stop if a route or loose ball creates a collision risk.
- Screens begin without contact. Establish a balanced, stationary position with the time and space required by the competition rules; keep arms in and do not lean, hold, shove or step into an approaching defender. Decline the action when legal clearance is unavailable.
Ways to adapt the drill
- Original CoachAssist display adaptation: these edited steps, workload limits and optional scoring are coaching adaptations, not a claim that the cited author prescribed this exact version.
- The teaching-level selector does not automatically adapt these drills for age or ability. A coach must choose suitable roles, equipment, contact, space and progressions; simplify or defer anything the group is not ready to perform.
Sources and what we could confirm
The sources support the system guide. CoachAssist created the practice steps and checks; they are suggestions, not tested programs or a coach’s full playbook. The linked drills practice parts of the system.
Coaches run this in different ways. The sources below describe the versions covered here. These sources do not cover every possible version.
- Tactics Board — Sito's Pizarra
FIBA Basketball Champions League · FIBA · publication date not listed
Public written 2022–23 possession analysis; exact publication date unavailable. Brief paraphrase, not a complete Murcia playbook.
- Tactics Board: Timeouts, timeouts, timeouts
FIBA Basketball Champions League · FIBA · publication date not listed
Written 2023–24 Bonn/Tenerife examples reviewed. Excludes the article's inconsistent efficiency comparison.
- Spain Pick and Roll Action
James A. Gels · Coach’s Clipboard · publication date not listed
Public screen-target discussion and Wolverine opening illustration checked. No claim of proven historical origin or automatic numerical advantage.