Pin Down

A pin down, also known as a down screen, is an off-ball screening action where a player sets a screen for a teammate cutting from the baseline or low post area toward the perimeter. This fundamental basketball play is designed to free shooters and create scoring opportunities by using a screen to separate the cutter from their defender. Pin downs are essential components of many offensive systems, particularly those designed to create catch-and-shoot opportunities for perimeter players. The name "pin down" refers to the screener "pinning" or holding the defender down near the basket while their teammate cuts toward the three-point line or mid-range area. The mechanics of a pin down involve precise timing, positioning, and execution from both the screener and the cutter. The screener typically starts near the free throw line extended or the elbow area and moves toward the baseline to meet the defender of the cutter. The screener must establish a legal screening position with feet set and body stationary before contact occurs. The screen should be angled to direct the cutter toward their intended destination, usually the wing, top of the key, or corner. The cutter begins near the baseline or block and times their cut to arrive just as the screen is set, allowing them to brush shoulder-to-shoulder with the screener to maximize separation from the defender. Pin downs are particularly effective for creating shots for team's best shooters. Many NBA teams run multiple pin down actions per game specifically to free elite shooters like Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, JJ Redick, or Duncan Robinson. The screen forces the defender to navigate around an obstacle, providing just enough separation for the shooter to catch and release before the defender can contest. Even if the shot isn't taken, the threat of the shooter receiving the ball off a pin down stretches defenses and creates driving lanes for teammates. There are several ways to defend pin downs, each with advantages and disadvantages. Fighting over the screen, where the defender chases the cutter over the top of the screen, maintains defensive assignment continuity but requires effort and can still result in contested shots if the defender is a step late. Going under the screen, where the defender slides between the screener and the basket, allows the defender to stay connected but may give the cutter an open shot if they're a capable shooter. Switching the screen exchanges defensive assignments, preventing separation but potentially creating mismatches. Hedging, where the screener's defender steps out briefly to slow the cutter, requires coordination and recovery but can disrupt the timing of the catch. The cutter's technique in using pin downs is as important as the screener's technique in setting them. Elite cutters like Ray Allen and Reggie Miller mastered the art of setting up their defenders before using screens. This involves taking the defender in one direction (often toward the baseline) before changing direction sharply to use the screen. Contact with the screen is essential—cutters should brush against the screener rather than running loosely around them, as this maximizes the physical barrier between them and their defender. The cutter should also be ready to catch and shoot immediately upon receiving the pass, as hesitation allows defenders to recover and contest. Reading the defense is crucial for both screeners and cutters in pin down situations. If the defender goes under the screen, the cutter should stop immediately at the screen for a catch-and-shoot opportunity. If the defender fights over the screen, the cutter can continue toward the top of the key or even cut backdoor to the basket. If defenders switch, the cutter may have a size mismatch to exploit with a drive or post-up. If the defense shows or hedges aggressively, the screener should slip to the basket for a potential lob or pass. These reads happen in split seconds and require experience and basketball IQ. Pin downs appear frequently in traditional offensive sets and continuity offenses. The Flex offense features pin downs as its primary screening action, with continuous down screens creating scoring opportunities. Horns sets often begin with pin downs for shooters on the wings. Many teams run "pin down series" where multiple consecutive pin downs are set for the same player, forcing defenders to chase them through screens repeatedly until they break down. These elaborate sequences exemplify modern basketball's emphasis on movement and screening to create open shots. The screener's positioning and angle significantly impact pin down effectiveness. A well-angled screen forces the defender into the screener's body, creating maximum interference. Poor angles allow defenders to slip around the screen easily. The width of the screener's stance matters as well—a wide, stable base is harder for defenders to get around. Some screeners are coached to "hold" the screen longer, maintaining their position to ensure the cutter has cleared before rolling or popping. Pin down screens can lead to various second-option actions if the primary scoring opportunity doesn't materialize. The screener can pop out after screening for a potential shot if their defender helped on the cutter. The screener can slip to the basket if the defense overcommits to defending the cutter. The cutter can pump fake and drive if the defender contests too aggressively. The ball can be reversed to another side where the defense has rotated away. These secondary options prevent defenses from simply shutting down the pin down action and moving on. Communication between screeners and cutters is essential for successful pin downs. Teams develop verbal and visual signals to indicate when and where screens will be set. The cutter might call for the screen at a specific time or location. The screener might communicate what read they're seeing from the defense. This coordination ensures both players are working together rather than at cross purposes. Pin downs can be countered by physical defense within the rules. Defenders may hand-check or grab cutters to slow them down before they reach the screen, though this risks being called for a foul. Defenders can fight through screens with physicality, accepting contact while maintaining their pursuit. Some teams employ switching schemes specifically to neutralize pin down actions, accepting small mismatches to prevent shooters from getting clean looks. The evolution of NBA offense has increased the frequency and complexity of pin down actions. Modern offenses recognize that creating catch-and-shoot three-point opportunities through screening actions produces highly efficient offense. Teams now run pin downs not just as isolated actions but as parts of larger offensive sequences combining ball screens, pin downs, and player movement into intricate patterns that confuse defenses. Illegal screens on pin downs occur when screeners move into defenders' paths while the defenders are in motion, extend arms or legs beyond their cylinder, or lean into defenders. Officials watch pin down situations carefully, though some contact is allowed. Screeners must understand the boundaries of legal screening to avoid turnovers from illegal screen calls. Practicing pin downs requires dedicated drill work that simulates game situations. Teams run shooting drills off pin downs to build the muscle memory for catching and shooting in rhythm. They practice with defenders to learn how to read different defensive coverages. They work on timing between screeners and cutters through repetition. Film study of elite pin down actions helps players understand proper technique and execution.