Shake Action: Smart Off-Ball Movement in Ball Screen Offense
Goal
Teach players how to create a two-on-one advantage by using “shake action” behind a spread ball screen. This action forces the help defender (tag) to make a decision, either give up the roll or the lift. Simple to teach, hard to guard.
Setup
Use a spread ball screen alignment (four-out, one-in or five-out).
Ball handler (1) starts at the top or slot.
Screener (5) comes to set the ball screen.
A wing player (2 or 3) is positioned in the corner on the same side as the screener.
That corner player is responsible for the “shake” movement.
Step-by-Step Execution
Step 1: Set the Ball Screen
5 sets a solid screen for 1.
1 attacks off the screen downhill.
Step 2: Initiate the Shake
As 1 comes off the screen and 5 rolls, the corner player (2) lifts up the wing behind the ball handler.
This creates an off-ball “shake” movement timed with the screen and roll.
Step 3: Read the Tag
The help defender (usually guarding the shaking player) becomes the tag defender.
He must decide:
Tag the roll = leave the shake shooter open.
Stay with shooter = leave the roller open.
Step 4: Make the Read and Pass
1 reads the tag:
If the tag stays home → pass to the roller (5).
If the tag helps on the roll → pass to the shaking shooter (2).
Both options are in rhythm and in space.
Coaching Tips
Sync the shake with the screen. The timing between the roll and lift is everything.
Teach both reads. Players must know how to hit either the roller or the shaker.
Corner player must stay patient. Don’t lift too early.
Use guided defense in practice to simulate real reads.
Youth coaching tip: Teach the shake with limited dribbles to emphasize decision-making.
High school variation: Run the shake with skip pass options or opposite-corner relocations.
Full Breakdown: Teaching Shake Action
What is Shake Action?
Shake action is a modern off-ball concept that activates a weak-side shooter to lift behind the ball handler during a screen-and-roll. While it appears like simple movement, it puts the defense into a tough position by creating a classic help dilemma. The tag defender has to choose: cover the roller or contest the shooter.
At the youth and high school levels, teaching shake action introduces players to decision-making and off-ball timing, foundational skills in any motion or ball screen offense.
Why It Works
Two-on-one advantage: Any time you create a read between two defenders covering three players, you’re forcing a mistake.
Hard to rotate: Most defenses don’t communicate quickly enough to rotate help while covering the lift.
Built-in spacing: Shake automatically clears the corner and widens the floor.
Teaches off-ball awareness: Players learn that movement without the ball creates scoring chances.
When to Use It
In spread pick and roll offense where you have a shooter in the corner.
After a dribble handoff or as part of pistol action.
Against teams that tag the roller heavily from the strong-side corner.
Teaching Points for Youth Coaches
Start with dummy defenders to teach timing and angle of the lift.
Use cones to mark “shake zones”, lift point should be inside the wing, not all the way up to the slot.
Emphasize catch-and-shoot mechanics in rhythm.
Add decision-making drills where coaches or defenders cue the read.
Teaching Points for High School Coaches
Install shake as a layer inside your base ball screen offense.
Add complexity:
Skip pass to opposite corner if help rotates late.
Shake into hammer screen on the backside.
Use rescreen or flip after initial read.
Use film sessions to break down tags: who helps, when, and what window it opens.
Shake Drills
1. 3-on-3 Shake Read
1, 5, and 2 vs. 2 defenders + tag help.
Goal: read and punish the tag.
2. Shake Shooting Drill
Start in the corner, lift behind screen, catch and shoot.
Focus on footwork and timing with ball handler.
3. Shake + Skip Drill
Add opposite corner shooter.
Simulate tag helping, then swing skip pass across the court.
Forces players to see second-level defenders.
4. Shake to Hammer Setup
Player shakes up, defense rotates, then flare/hook screen set for opposite corner.
Practice as progression out of missed shake.
Common Mistakes and Fixes
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Shake happens too early | Teach to wait for the ball screen |
| Tag not recognized | Use color jerseys or coach callouts |
| Poor spacing | Use markers to show lift/corner zones |
| Ball handler over-dribbles | Limit to 2-3 dribbles max in drill |
| Shooter lifts into defender | Emphasize wide angle on lift, stay out of slot |
Final Coaching Cues
“If he tags, shake shoots. If he stays, roll scores.”
“Drag the defense, don’t rush the lift.”
“You’re reading the help, not your man.”
“Lift with purpose, make the tag move.”
