"Peja" Action
Breaking down "Peja" action used in basketball
Peja Action
Peja action is an off-ball screen into a handoff or pitch-back, designed to free a shooter for a quick three. It typically features a shooter setting a backscreen (often for a big or a cutter), then immediately receiving the ball via dribble handoff (DHO) or pitch-back from the ball handler, often with a butt screen or quick screen on the chasing defender. The play originates from Peja Stojakovic and his time with the Sacramento Kings. This has been a staple action for shooters and scorers in all high levels of basketball ever since.
Key Sequence of Peja Action
Shooter Sets a Backscreen
The shooter (Player 2) starts on the wing or corner.
The shooter sets a backscreen for a big (Player 4 or 5) or cutter moving from the elbow/slot toward the rim.
This initiates movement and potentially occupies the help defense.
Shooter Immediately Pops Out
After setting the backscreen, the shooter pops or sprints up to receive the ball from the ball handler (Player 1), who is at the slot or top of the key.
The shooter doesn’t linger — it’s an immediate screen-and-go into a scoring action.
DHO or Pitch-Back
The ball handler dribbles toward the shooter, who comes off the backscreen and into the DHO zone.
The handoff can be a traditional DHO.
A pitch-back with the ball handler turning their back or “butt screening” the chasing defender (creating a legal moving screen by shielding with their hips/shoulders).
This helps seal the defender trailing the shooter.
Catch-and-Shoot
The shooter catches and immediately shoots, often from three.
If denied, the shooter can curl or backcut for a layup or flow into a second-side action.
Why Peja Action Works
Deceptive Role Reversal: The shooter begins as the screener, which disrupts typical defensive expectations.
Engages Help Defense Early: The backscreen forces help decisions and pulls defenders toward the rim.
Creates Natural Separation: The pitch or DHO gives the shooter space from the trailing defender.
Butt Screen = No Foul: The ball handler turning into the screen legally creates space without needing a formal screen.
