Spain Action
Breaking down the popular Spain Pick and Roll action
“Spain” Action in Basketball
Definition
Spain Action — also called Spain Pick-and-Roll or Stack Pick-and-Roll — is a ball-screen concept where, after the initial pick-and-roll is set, a third offensive player sets a backscreen (or “stack screen”) on the defender guarding the roller.
This extra layer (the backscreen on the big) creates confusion in standard pick-and-roll coverages and often results in open layups, lobs, or wide-open threes.
In short:
It’s a pick-and-roll with a simultaneous off-ball backscreen — often disguised within the flow of the offense.
Core Structure of Spain Action
Ball Handler (1) - Initiates the ball screen and comes off looking to score or pass.
Screener/Roller (5) - Sets the ball screen, rolls hard to the rim after setting the screen.
Backscreener (2 or 3) - Sets a backscreen on the roller’s defender (often a big man in drop coverage). This player often pops out for a three after setting the backscreen.
Typical Steps
Ball screen is set by a big (5) for the ball-handler (1).
As (1) comes off the ball screen, a third player (2) sets a backscreen on (5)’s defender (X5) — who is usually the drop defender.
Roller (5) tries to sprint to the rim for a lob or pocket pass.
Backscreener (2) after setting the backscreen, pops to the three-point line for a shot.
The ball-handler (1) reads:
Lob to 5 if the defense miscommunicates.
Kick out three to 2 if his man helps on the roller.
Mid-range pull-up if the defense goes under and there’s space.
Attack if the defense is confused and paths are open.
Why Spain Action is So Effective
Messes Up Standard PnR Coverages: Drop coverage is particularly vulnerable because the roller’s defender is screened.
Creates Two High-Value Shots: Layup/lob or open three — both are extremely efficient outcomes.
Hard to Communicate Defensively: Defenses have to call out the backscreen while managing ball-screen navigation.
Built-in Counters: If teams switch to stop Spain action, offenses can immediately post a mismatch or ghost screen/pop.
Spain Action Variations
Double Spain
Two backscreens stacked on the roller’s defender — extremely hard to defend (common in Euroleague).
Spain Twist
The roller sets the ball screen, then twists back into a re-screen before the backscreen comes.
Wide Spain
Instead of a tight ball screen at the top, the Spain action happens from a wider ball screen (like on the wing).
Delay Spain
Initiated out of a “Delay” (5-out) set, where the big has the ball and initiates the ball screen late.
Ghost Spain
The backscreener fakes the backscreen and immediately pops out without touching the big’s defender, confusing switching schemes.
Video Examples
Zipper - Spain Ball Screen
Gut - Spain Ball Screen
Motion Strong - Touch - Spain Ball Screen
DHO - Empty Spain Ball Screen
Defense Challenges Against Spain Action
Drop Coverage Gets Burned - The big defender is screened as soon as they drop into coverage.
Switching Is Tricky - Two simultaneous actions make coordinated switches extremely difficult.
Late Help Opens Up Shooters - Help rotations open easy kick-out threes if defenses commit too hard to the roller.
Communication Must Be Elite - Poor communication = lob or three-pointer in under 2 seconds.
Defenses typically try to:
Pre-switch to avoid the backscreen.
Top-lock and deny the backscreener.
Go into “next” coverage (early rotation from weakside).
Key Teaching Points
Timing Is Everything: Backscreen must happen immediately after the ball screen.
Spacing Must Be Proper: Clear weakside spacing to punish help defenders.
Screen Angles Matter: Both the ball screen and backscreen need clean angles for confusion.
Ball Handler Reads Must Be Quick: Cannot hold the ball; must exploit the confusion immediately.
Shooters Must Be Ready to Fire: After popping from the backscreen, must be shot-ready.
Summary
Spain Action is a brilliant evolution of the pick-and-roll, layering an off-ball backscreen to attack defensive drop coverages, switching, and communication gaps — all while creating either a lob or a three-point shot, the two most efficient looks in basketball.
It’s fast, deadly, and adaptable — which is why it’s a favorite action at every level of modern basketball.