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T-Game

A four-out, one-in man-to-man set that layers cross screens, basket cuts, and screen-the-screener actions to create post-up opportunities, slips, or outside shots.

OFFENSE

Set Play

FORMATION

4-Out 1-In

CORE ACTIONS

PLAY DESCRIPTION

Overview
T-GaME is a multi-action set designed to stress man-to-man defenses through a series of cross screens, basket cuts, and screen-the-screener sequences. The play is ideal if you have big guards who can post, as it consistently creates touches near the rim while still flowing into perimeter options.

Why it works
The layered screens and cuts keep the defense in constant motion, forcing them to navigate inside traffic while respecting perimeter movement. With multiple diagonal entries and post touches, defenders often get caught in mismatches or late switches, producing high-percentage looks.

Teaching Points

  • 2 must banana cut hard to create timing for the guard exchange.

  • 5 must set solid diagonal screens, then pop or slip with purpose.

  • Timing between cross screens and cuts is critical for clean looks.

  • Guards must be aggressive posting inside when mismatches occur.

Variations
If the inside cuts are covered, 2 can curl off 5’s pin down for a perimeter look. 5 can slip out of the screening action if defenders switch too aggressively.

PRIMARY ACTIONS

  • 2 banana cuts into left slot; 1 dribbles to right slot off 2’s movement.

  • 4 lifts to right wing, receives pass from 1; 1 clears to right baseline corner.

  • 5 sets diagonal cross screen for 2; 2 dives to rim (first look).

  • 5 pops to top; 4 hits 5; 3 lifts from baseline corner, receives pass.

  • 2 sets cross screen for 4; 4 dives to rim/left block (second look).

  • 5 sets pin down for 2 (screen-the-screener); 2 curls, 5 slips inside for layup.

  • 4 clears to left corner, 1 lifts out of baseline corner for spacing.

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