BLOB 2-3 Zone Offense3 min read

Side Cross Elevator

Watch this play in motion

Open the set on the board and press play to see every cut, screen, and pass animate step by step.

Part of the Side Cross Elevator family β€” see the other reads off this same set.

Side Cross Elevator is a compact, effective way to spring a shooter open in the strong-side corner by screening a zone's two wing defenders one right after the other β€” the second screener runs directly off the first, elevator-style, without ever telegraphing what's coming.

Setting Up

Push a standard box formation toward the ball side, and start both post players outside the zone's two wing defenders rather than in their usual spots. Neither post should face the direction he's about to screen β€” giving that away early is the easiest way to lose the advantage.

The Chained Screens

The first post sprints up and sets a screen directly on the top wing defender. The instant that screen lands, the second post runs off his teammate's back and sets his own screen on the bottom wing defender β€” one screen leading straight into the next.

The Corner Cut

The shooter watches for the first screen to land, then sprints off the second screener's back to the corner, ready to shoot the moment he arrives. The inbounder delivers the pass for the three.

Coaching Points

If the top defender ducks under the first screen to jam the shooter's path, have the shooter go over the top of it instead and still get to the corner.

If both wing defenders fight over the top of their screens, use the weak-side player as a safety valve, and teach both screeners to slip and show themselves to the inbounder if that happens.

Neither screener should square up toward his assignment before the play starts β€” that's the single easiest way to give this away.

Key Takeaways

  • β€’Push the box toward the ball side, with both posts starting outside the zone's wing defenders.
  • β€’One screen runs directly into the next β€” the second screener works off the first one's back.
  • β€’The shooter reads the first screen landing before breaking for the corner off the second.
  • β€’Teach an over-the-top counter for when a defender ducks under the first screen.
  • β€’Disguise is everything β€” neither screener should face his target before the play begins.