Basketball Play: Horns Cross Cut Entry with Back Screen, Double Stagger and Flare Option

This play of Horns start with the regular horns set up but with the positions a bit reversed. Player 2 and 3 start on the elbow, while player 4 and 5 on the low block. Player 2 and 3 cut through the paint and go to the opposit corner from their starting positon. Player 4 and 5 come up to the elbow. Player 1 dribbles to the side of 4.

Player 1 gets a screen from 4 and then a screen from player 5.

Option 1: Player 2 sets a back screen for player 4. Player 4 cuts to the paint, player 1 passes to the post. Player 4 tries to score from the post up.

Option 2: If Player 4 does not have an good opportunity to play in the low post. Player 2 goes to set a double stagger with player 5 for player 3. Player 3 cheats on the first screen and cuts to the paint, while player 4 clears to the corner. Player 1 passes to player 3 for a post play or scoring from the cut.

Option 3: As a last option, player 5 sets a flare screen for player 2 for a 3 point shot.

Horns Basketball Play

The Horns offense is a widely used basketball set that positions two bigs at the elbows while the guards space out on the wings or corners. This alignment creates multiple offensive options, including pick-and-rolls, handoffs, and screens, making it difficult for the defense to anticipate the next move. The Horns formation is effective because it allows teams to maximize floor spacing while generating quick scoring opportunities through dynamic player movement.

Teams can initiate the play by having one big set a ball screen for the point guard while the other big rolls or pops. Off-ball actions like cross screens, double staggers, and flare screens can be incorporated to create open shots or post-up chances. Many professional and college teams use the Horns offense because it forces defenses to make quick decisions, often leading to mismatches and open scoring opportunities.

Double Stagger Screen Basketball Play

The double stagger screen is a strategic off-ball action used to create open perimeter shots. It consists of two consecutive screens set in a staggered formation, allowing a shooter to navigate through and gain separation from their defender. This play is especially effective for freeing up three-point shooters and generating scoring opportunities off movement.

In a typical double stagger action, two players set screens at different angles or depths for a shooter curling around. The key to executing this play successfully is proper timing and spacing, ensuring the shooter receives the ball in rhythm for an uncontested shot. Defenses often struggle to navigate through the multiple screens, leading to open jumpers or driving lanes.

Coaches frequently use the double stagger screen within motion offenses and set plays, pairing it with flare screens, cross screens, or ball screens to create a multi-option offensive attack. This play is a staple at all levels of basketball.