Oklahoma Action

Breaking down the lethal Oklahoma action used in high level basketball

“Oklahoma”

Base Concept

• Double drag: Two consecutive on-ball screens in transition, often with a big followed by a shooter.

• “Oklahoma” wrinkle: After the ball handler uses the double drag, the first screener (usually the shooter) receives a rescreen from the second screener (usually the big), either to curl to the rim or pop for a three.

Why It Works

• Deceptive second action: Defenders relax after the double drag; the back screen punishes this.

• Shooter momentum: The shooter (2) is already moving downhill, gaining a natural advantage.

• Mismatch potential: Forces switches in multiple phases, possibly isolating a guard on a big.

• Built-in spacing: The rolling big and the shooter popping create natural driving lanes and passing angles.

Examples

Golden State - 77 “Oklahoma” (Klay Thompson)

Play Breakdown:

After setting the first ball screen in the double drag, Thompson comes off the rescreen Oklahoma from the big man for an open three. The threat of Curry makes the play wide open

Memphis - Away 77 “Oklahoma”