Layer Nine is very advanced. Most of the screen actions or reads that are introduced in this layer are utilized for specific game plans or in-game adjustments. Within this layer, we may not introduce each concept every year. Instead, we will focus on implementing what we need based on our personnel or game plans we want to implement.

The actions, autos, and reads that should be taught in this layer include:

1. Ghost

2. Ricky

3. Twist

4. Twirl

5. Quick (Down and Flare)

6. Short Roll

7. Blade Cut

It is important to note that these new actions in this layer are meant to build upon what was taught in the previous layer and not replace them. They are new options players can utilize and choices or reads they can make.

Once these concepts are implemented teams should begin to teach Layer Ten of our Motion Offense.

In Layer Nine, players should learn how to Ghost Screen. They should be used against teams that switch screens or have a really good screen coverage that we want to blow up. They create confusion since the defense thinks a screen is happening, but it's not actually set. Ghost screens can occur in two types of situations:

1. Any type of off ball screens.

2. Ball screens.

There are several teaching points that are important to setting effective Ghost screens. They include:

• The screener needs to sprint towards his intended target. They should communicate the screen both verbally and physically like they would in any other screening situation. 

• When the screener gets close to their teammate's defender, they should reach out and make slight contact with that defender. For example, as they approach they should reach out and touch the defender's shoulder or back. This will make the defender believe an actual screen is being set.

• The screener should not set the actual screen, as a Ghost Screen is a fake screen. Right before they set the screen, they should open up and sprint past the screen. They can also slip to the rim or make another type of cut of their choosing.

• The intended target can act as if they are receiving the screen by making a straight cut or driving like they are using a ball screen, or they can hold in place.

Below are some examples of Ghost Screens being set:

Ricky Screens are simply re-screens, or a second screen for the same player on top of the first screen. Ricky Screens can happen in a variety of situations:

• Ball Screens

• Down Screens

• Flare Screens

• Away Screens

• Rip Screens

• DHOs

• Pistol Action

• Any other combo screening action

Ricky Screens are best used against teams that are tagging a good scorer or switch off ball screens. Ricky Screens create confusion for the defense and force them to defend multiple actions strung together.

Below are some examples of Ricky Screens. Please note that the examples below are only a few actions where Ricky Screens can be effective, as Ricky Screens work with any type of screening action. Ricky Screens can also be used within our sets as well.

• A Twist Screen is when players interchange before setting their screen.

• There are a few reasons to set a twist screen:

  • 1. To confuse switching teams.

    2. To get shooters or scorers into the spot within the screen where they receive the screen and are a cutter.

    3. To mask screen actions that we are trying to set.

• Players simply interchange before engaging in the screen action. The more the interchange looks like a screen (think Ghost Screen) the more effective it'll be.

• Below are some examples of twist screens.

• A Twirl Screen is a screen where the cutter who received an initial screen turns their cut into a second, immediate screen. 

• Twirl Screens are used for several reasons:

  • 1. To confuse the defense.

    2. To attack switching defenses.

    3. To mask actions, making them harder to guard.

• Below are a few examples of Twirl Screens.