Elevator Screen

The elevator screen is a creative and highly effective offensive action in basketball that involves two screeners positioning themselves several feet apart, creating an opening or "elevator door" through which a shooter runs. As the shooter passes between the two screeners, they quickly close together like elevator doors shutting, setting a double screen that blocks pursuing defenders and creates an open shooting opportunity. This sophisticated play has become a staple in modern offensive systems, particularly for teams looking to create open looks for their best shooters without relying on traditional pick and roll actions. The visual imagery of elevator doors opening and closing makes this play both memorable and easy to recognize when watching basketball at any level. The mechanics of executing an elevator screen require precise timing and coordination among three offensive players. Typically, the two screeners position themselves at the elbows or high post area, standing parallel to each other with approximately four to six feet of space between them. The shooter, often starting from the opposite side of the court or the baseline, sprints through the gap between the screeners as if running through opening elevator doors. The critical moment occurs as the shooter passes through, when both screeners step together and set screens on the trailing defender, effectively blocking their path and creating separation for the shooter. This timing must be practiced extensively, as closing too early allows the defender to navigate around the screens, while closing too late gives the defender time to contest the shot. Historically, the elevator screen gained prominence in the NBA during the Golden State Warriors' championship runs in the mid-2010s, though the concept existed in various forms before this period. Coach Steve Kerr and his staff, particularly assistant coach Alvin Gentry, implemented elevator screens as a key component of their offensive system designed to maximize the shooting abilities of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. The play became so synonymous with the Warriors that many basketball observers began referring to it as the "Warriors' elevator screen," though other teams quickly adopted and adapted the concept. College basketball programs, particularly those emphasizing motion offense and off-ball movement, had utilized similar concepts for years, but the Warriors' success brought the play into mainstream basketball consciousness and led to its widespread adoption. The strategic advantages of the elevator screen make it particularly valuable in modern basketball's three-point-centric landscape. This play creates high-quality shooting opportunities by generating significant separation between the shooter and defender, often resulting in completely uncontested attempts when executed properly. Unlike traditional screens where defenders can fight over or under, the elevator screen's double-screen nature makes it extremely difficult for defenders to navigate, especially with the screens closing as they arrive. The play is particularly effective for elite shooters who need only a moment of separation to release accurate shots, as the quick catch-and-shoot opportunity comes before help defenders can rotate. Additionally, elevator screens can be disguised within normal offensive flow, making them difficult to anticipate and defend without specific game-planning. The personnel requirements for successful elevator screen execution are specific but achievable for many teams. The two screeners need to be solid screen-setters who understand timing and positioning, though they don't necessarily need to be the team's best players. In fact, the screeners are often post players or versatile forwards who can set firm screens and potentially create additional offense if the defense overcompensates. The shooter must be a legitimate three-point threat, as the entire play's effectiveness depends on the defense's fear of leaving them open. This player must also have the conditioning to sprint through screens repeatedly and the quick release necessary to capitalize on the brief windows of opportunity created. The passer, usually a primary ball handler, needs good vision and passing accuracy to deliver the ball to the shooter precisely as they emerge from the screens. Defensive counters to the elevator screen have evolved as the play became more common in offensive playbooks. The most fundamental defensive response involves the trailing defender fighting through the screens more aggressively, though this requires anticipation and physical effort. Some teams employ switching strategies, having defenders switch assignments before the shooter reaches the screens, though this can create mismatches that offense can exploit in subsequent actions. Another approach involves having the screeners' defenders step out to contest the shooter temporarily while the original defender fights through, requiring excellent communication and trust among defenders. Some defensive schemes emphasize denying the initial pass to the shooter emerging from the screens, forcing the offense to reset or find alternative options. In extreme cases against elite shooters, teams may commit an additional defender to help contest, accepting the risk of leaving another offensive player open. Coaching the elevator screen involves teaching numerous details that separate effective execution from unsuccessful attempts. Screeners must understand the importance of their initial spacing, as standing too close together doesn't allow the shooter to pass through comfortably, while positioning too far apart makes it difficult to close effectively and set solid screens. The timing of the door closing must be drilled extensively, with screeners learning to read the defender's position and close at the optimal moment. Shooters must develop the ability to set up their defender, using change of pace and false cuts to make the defender chase them through the screens. They must also be ready to shoot immediately upon receiving the pass, as hesitation allows defenders to recover. The passer must recognize defensive positioning and deliver the ball at the precise moment when the shooter is most open. Variations of the elevator screen have emerged as teams adapt the concept to their personnel and offensive philosophy. Some teams run elevator screens near the baseline rather than at the elbows, creating corner three-point opportunities that are statistically efficient. Others incorporate a screener slipping to the basket if the defense collapses on the shooter, adding a secondary scoring option. More complex versions involve multiple movements before the elevator screen, disguising the action within larger offensive sets. Some teams use elevator screens as part of their after-timeout plays, when they can ensure precise execution of the action. The concept has also been adapted for mid-range shooting opportunities, particularly for players who excel in that area but may not be elite three-point shooters. In contemporary basketball, the elevator screen has become a recognized and respected offensive weapon that teams at all levels incorporate into their playbooks. Professional teams use it as a staple action for their elite shooters, running it multiple times per game in critical situations. College programs teaching modern offensive concepts include elevator screens in their offensive systems, recognizing the play's effectiveness and its educational value in teaching players about screening, timing, and spacing. High school and youth programs with capable shooters have begun implementing simplified versions of the play. The elevator screen's popularity continues to grow as analytics confirm the high-quality shooting opportunities it creates. The elevator screen exemplifies modern basketball's evolution toward more creative and sophisticated offensive actions designed to maximize spacing and shooting. As defenses become more adept at defending traditional pick and roll actions, plays like the elevator screen provide alternative methods for creating quality looks. The play's success relies on fundamental basketball skills like screening, cutting, and shooting, while adding layers of timing and coordination that challenge defenses in unique ways. Whether used as a primary offensive action or as an occasional change-up, the elevator screen represents the type of innovative thinking that continues to push basketball strategy forward, creating new problems for defenses to solve while generating efficient scoring opportunities for offenses willing to invest the practice time necessary for crisp execution.