Elevator Action
Deep dive into elevator actions used in basketball for open threes and more
The elevator screen (also known as a gator screen, funnel screen, or gate screen) is a highly effective off-ball screening action used to create an open shot for a shooter—typically a quick catch-and-shoot three-pointer at the top of the key or in a central spot on the floor.
It’s called an “elevator” because two screeners close the gap like elevator doors after the shooter runs through, effectively trapping the defender behind them. Mark Jackson, former Golden State Warriors coach, exploded the popularity of the elevator action through Steph Curry and Klay Thomspon.
Core Structure of an Elevator Screen
1. Personnel
Shooter (1): Typically the best perimeter shooter, often starts on the baseline or corner.
Screeners (4 and 5): Positioned at the elbows or just inside the arc.
Ball-handler (2 or 3): Initiates the play from the wing or top.
2. Formation
Most elevator actions are run out of a box set, horns alignment, or 5-out motion.
The screeners are shoulder-to-shoulder just above the free-throw line or near the elbows.
The shooter cuts from the baseline or wing up through the screeners.
Once the shooter enters the gap, the screeners “close the doors” (step together), trapping the defender behind them.
How It Works: Step-by-Step
Setup:
The shooter is off-ball, often in the corner or short corner.
Two screeners are near the elbows (or free-throw line extended).
The Cut:
The shooter sprints up the lane between the two screeners.
The Screen:
As the shooter enters the gap, the screeners close the space by stepping together.
This prevents the defender from trailing through, often resulting in a wide-open look.
The Shot:
The shooter catches at the top (usually just beyond the arc) and immediately fires.
Why It’s Effective
Tight spacing makes it hard for the defender to stay attached.
Deceptive setup (like faking a backscreen or cut) makes the action unpredictable.
Forces switch miscommunication if defenders try to exchange responsibilities.
Hard to hedge or go under because it’s off-ball and sudden.
Variations of Elevator Screens - Video
Virginia Tech - Elevator Decoy BLOB
