Drag is an offensive action that thrives in transition and secondary break situations. High-scoring teams that play fast and value efficiency consistently look to attack in these moments, pushing the ball and creating early advantages. Because of its simplicity and versatility, Drag is used at every level of basketball from youth leagues to the NBA.
In our FastBreak PlayBook Find A Play area, you can find Drag actions in several ways:
- Search “Drag”
- Filter Play Type > Secondary
- Filter Formation/Series > Drag
- Search: Type in “Drag”
- Filter: In Play Type, select Secondary from the dropdown
- Filter: In Formation/Series, select Drag from the dropdown
A drag screen is an on-ball screen, most often set by a big, that occurs immediately during or after the transition break. This action creates a natural flow into a variety of offensive options and is especially effective when teams play 5-out, 4-out/1-in, or utilize a trailing post player. The first diagram shows a basic drag screen, while the second illustrates how a drag screen can be executed within a secondary break.
Each Drag set below demonstrates how the action can be run on either side of the floor and breaks down the key player movements and reads.
Drag Screen
In this action, the 4 trails the play while the guards fill the lanes, creating a 4-out, 1-in alignment. To preserve spacing, the 4 can roll to the rim as the 5 pops to the perimeter. Based on lineup and personnel, positions are interchangeable. The diagram shows Drag being executed from both sides of the floor.
Drag Screen Slip (Counter to Drag)
Drag Slip is a counter to the standard Drag action. Instead of holding the screen, the 5 sets the drag screen and immediately slips to the rim. This forces the defense to collapse, opening up kick-outs and swing passes for perimeter shots. If the defense doesn’t help, the slip often results in an uncontested layup as defenders overcommit to the ball.
Double Drag Screen
Double Drag follows the same principles as the original Drag, with both bigs positioned near the top of the key. There is no set order for who sets the first screen—it typically depends on which player arrives first in transition. Reads are adaptable and should be tailored to the personnel. Having a shooting big greatly enhances spacing and overall effectiveness.
Drag Flare
This variation features a different alignment, with the 5 and 3 trailing into a 5-out formation. During the secondary break, the 2 sets the drag screen while the 5 follows with a flare screen for the 2. The flare often forces a defensive switch, creating advantages for both the perimeter shot and the roll. This set puts immediate pressure on the defense and offers multiple scoring options.
Drag Pistol
Drag Pistol is a more advanced option within the Drag screen series and is typically run in early offense. The Pistol action involves a two-man game between the point guard and a wing, with a post player positioned at the top of the key.
The action begins with a pass to the wing, followed by a handoff back to the point guard. At the same time, the 4 sets a flare screen disguised as a ball screen. The timing of this sequence makes it difficult to defend, often catching defenses before they are fully set. It creates opportunities for point guard isolation and a flare option for the shooting guard.
