defense
On a switch, two defenders trade the players they guard. Before practice, decide which screens to switch, which matchups to keep and what players call out.
One called switch: X1 and X5 trade players after a ball screen. The other three defenders stay with their players. Teams do not have to switch every screen.
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
Both defenders call the switch
X1 guards 1 and X5 guards 5. Both call the switch. 5 is set before 1 uses the screen. X2, X3 and X4 stay with their players.
Diagram key
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.
A switch is a called assignment exchange, not two defenders briefly visiting the ball. These examples do not require all five players to switch every type of screen.
Against a called 1–5 ball-screen switch, X5 takes ball handler 1 and X1 takes screener 5. The other three defenders keep their players. A subsequent pass does not automatically restore the original matchups. Teams can switch all players or select particular pairs and situations.
Source-backed summary; versions may differ.
After the screen, have the offense pass away and let the screener move again. Ask both switched defenders to call the player they still guard. Continue to a shot and rebound. Watch for the small defender trying to return to an old assignment simply because the ball left the action. If a second exchange is wanted, teach a clear new call with a safe moment to execute it rather than letting both players freelance.
CoachAssist suggestion—not the source’s exact practice.
When: A planned switch still exchanges attackers.
Do this: The defender assigned to the screener follows the pop.
Then: Do not let both defenders follow the ball handler.
Source-backed summary; versions may differ.
When: The offense tries to exploit the mismatch.
Do this: A separately taught scram exchange can move a larger teammate onto the post.
Then: That is another coordinated exchange, not an automatic undo.
Source-backed summary; versions may differ.
Problem: The switch looks aggressive but leaves the roller alone.
Try this correction: Slow the screen action and ask the two defenders to call different attacker numbers before allowing the roll. Add the pass only when those assignments are clear.
Check: The receiver is guarded even when the ball handler never uses the screen.
CoachAssist suggestion—not the source’s exact practice.
Problem: The initial drive is stopped but the same inside mismatch wins every rebound.
Try this correction: Review the shot and rebound together. Test a limited switching rule or a separately taught repair instead of evaluating the coverage only at the screen.
Check: The proposed correction does not create an uncovered shooter elsewhere.
CoachAssist suggestion—not the source’s exact practice.
Changes: coverage, continuation.
When to use it: These additional choices are written-only; the displayed examples use the called 1–5 exchange.
Written variant · this option does not have its own walkthrough here.
Source-backed summary; versions may differ.
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.
Set it up: Use two stationary attackers and two guided defenders, with an adult holding the ball.
Add more when: The pair remembers the new players after movement.
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.
We have not confirmed a specific coach or team using this version. Teams may use the same name for different plays.
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.
Practices this scheme: The documented three-on-three work connects cuts, agreed screen switches and a completed stop with a rebound.
Three-on-three switching emphasizes early calls, new matchups and completed defensive possessions.
6–18 players · 5–12 minutes · basketballs
Three-on-three switching emphasizes early calls, new matchups and completed defensive possessions.
Three attackers start above and beside the lane, each matched with a defender. Spare balls and waiting players stay outside the active routes.
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.
Practices this scheme: Isolates exchanging assignments on a ball screen and responding when the screener cuts before screening or holds receiving position after the switch. Specify which players and screens may switch before using it.
Two defenders call a ball-screen switch and establish their new matchups.
4–12 players · 6–12 minutes · basketballs
Two defenders call a ball-screen switch and establish their new matchups.
Four players: handler, screener and their defenders, one ball. Walk the exchange and the screener’s possible cut away before setting the screen, then progress to controlled live play. Spare balls and waiting players stay outside the active routes.
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.
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.
The main ideas are supported by the sources below. These sources do not cover every possible version.
Kevin Fitzpatrick, featuring Kevin McGeehan · Championship Productions · 2015-08-05
Public written drill summary; full paid video not reviewed.
FIBA/Basketball Champions League · FIBA · 2021–22 competition
Official game-analysis text inspected in research lane; subsequent coordinator fetch failed. Evidence describes possessions, not a universal installation.
Gabriele Pardini · BasketballMinds · 2022-09-26
Public Italian author text reporting the September 11, 2022 CNA/CONI meeting. Selected coverage mechanics reviewed; English captions, exact assignments and geometry are original.
James A. Gels · Coach’s Clipboard · publication date not listed
Selected public switching choices reviewed. Brief synthesis only; protected source diagrams and complete teaching sequences are not reproduced.
