Setting Up in 1-3-1
Start in a 1-3-1 with the low post on the same side as your best three-point shooter. The point guard opens the play with a simple entry pass to the wing on that side.
The Hidden Screen
The low post sets a screen on the backside of the defender guarding the far corner — but only at the last moment, right as the entry pass is about to be thrown. Setting it too early tips the defense off and lets them fight through before the shooter even moves.
Behind that screen, the shooter slides down to the corner, completely clear of his primary defender.
The Skip Pass
The wing who caught the entry pass fires a strong, direct skip pass across the zone to the shooter in the corner. This pass has to be thrown well — a lazy, looping pass gives a zone defender time to fly across and tip or contest it.
Coaching Points
Time the screen to the pass, not before — the surprise is the entire point of the play.
Coach the skip pass as an overhead pass specifically, so it can't be tipped by a defender closing the passing lane. Rep this in practice before running it in a game.
When to Use It
Skipper asks a lot of the passer, so it suits high-school-and-up teams more than very young ones. Younger teams may struggle to execute the skip pass cleanly enough to make the play worthwhile.