4-on-4 Random Ball Screens is a live identity drill for both sides of the ball. Defensively, it forces constant recognition, early communication, and disciplined execution of your ball-screen coverages. Offensively, it teaches rapid read-and-react solutions to different screening locations and floor spacings. We run two five-minute segments (total 10 minutes), switching offense/defense at halftime, and allow runouts so each sequence becomes a three-trip possession (half court → transition down → transition back).

Setup & Organization
Place a coach with a ball on the baseline. Align the offense 4-out: two guards in the slots, two frontcourt players in the short corners. The four defenders start inside the paint on the elbows and boxes so they must close out into position on the toss. On the coach’s pass out to any perimeter player, the defense identifies the receiver, closes out with DOC principles, and sets help positions. As the pass is thrown, the coach calls “same” or “opposite” to dictate the ball screen’s origin.

Step-by-Step Progression
On “same,” the frontcourt player on the same side as the ball sprints up to set an empty-side (naked) ball screen, with the corner empty—ideal for ice/force-to-touch or your preferred empty-corner coverage. On “opposite,” the diagonal frontcourt player sets the screen while the same-side big lifts to fill the ball-side corner, creating a corner-occupied ball screen that requires a different coverage emphasis and help structure. Play the half-court action live to a result, immediately flow to transition the other way, then play the third trip back before resetting. Repeat continuously, varying pass targets and “same/opposite” calls to keep recognition and communication under stress.

Scoring
Only the defensive end scores. A stop (defensive rebound, forced turnover/steal, offensive foul, or shot-clock/missed shot secured) is 1 point. Any defensive foul or offensive rebound allowed resets that unit’s cumulative score to 0. Officiate tightly to reinforce discipline. Track totals across two five-minute segments, switching offense/defense after the first five.

Coaching Points
Defensive identity first: name the coverage early (ice, weak, drop, switch, show), tag roles (“on,” “up,” “low man”), and own the nail/box help. Sprint from paint-start to DOC closeouts—two-thirds sprint, one-third chop, high hands. On opposite-corner screens, be aware the corner is occupied—adjust tags and stunt timings. Finish every trip with rebound discipline (no second chances) and no fouls. Offense: create the advantage quickly—angle the screen, attack the coverage’s weakness, and keep spacing clean with purposeful corner/slot lifts.

Variations
Change coverages by call (e.g., first five possessions “ice,” next five “switch”). Allow re-screens or ghost actions on “opposite.” Add a trailer to create occasional 5-on-4 flow after runouts. Impose a time cap (e.g., must shoot by :10) to raise tempo and decision pressure.