Ricky Action
Breaking down the "Ricky" action used in high level basketball
What is “Ricky” Action?
The “Ricky” action is a specific screen-and-rescreen pattern where a single screener sets two consecutive screens for the same player, often changing the angle or direction of the screen. The goal is to shake a defender through change of pace, angle, and direction.
It’s especially effective in:
Half-court sets to free up shooters
Late clock scenarios
After timeouts (ATOs)
Off-ball motion systems
Basic Flow of Ricky Action
1. Back Screen or Flare Screen
A shooter (Player 2) starts on the wing or slot.
A big (Player 5) sets a back screen (or flare screen) for 2 to cut toward the rim or weak side.
2. Change of Direction
After clearing the screen, 2 plants and changes direction, typically curling back out.
3. Down Screen (Re-screen)
Player 5 immediately rescreens for 2, this time with a pin-down or down screen.
2 comes off that screen to the perimeter—usually to the top of the key or wing for a shot.
Why It’s Called “Ricky”
The term originated as coaching slang, often credited to European basketball and NBA coaches who used code names to label multi-screen actions. “Ricky” has since become common vernacular for this screen-rescreen motion.
Why It’s Effective
Defensive Delay: The same defender must navigate two screens in quick succession, often at different angles.
Switch Confusion: If the defense switches on the first screen, the second screen can punish mismatches or confusion
Timing-Based Separation: The cutter has an advantage by changing speed and direction quickly.
Team Use Cases
NCAA: Creighton, UConn, Alabama, Virginia, VCU, Penn State
NBA: Miami Heat (Tyler Herro/Duncan Robinson), Mavs/Warriors (Klay Thompson), Celtics (Derrick White/Payton Prichard)
Coaching Points
Pace & deception: Cutter should sell the first cut to force defensive overplay.
Screener footwork: Must reset angle quickly without moving screen.
Spacing: Teammates must maintain wide spacing to allow clean rescreen lane.1
Timing: The re-screen must happen immediately to capitalize on defensive rotation or confusion.
Variations
Creighton - Miami "Ricky”
