A flare screen in basketball is a type of off-ball screen used to free up a teammate, typically a shooter, by creating space away from the ball. In this play, a player sets a screen on a defender, but instead of the player with the ball using the screen to cut towards the basket (as in a traditional pick-and-roll), they use the screen to move to the perimeter or to the wing, often for an open jump shot. The player setting the screen usually moves in the opposite direction of the ball, which “flairs” the player away from the defense and into an open shooting position.
The flare screen is particularly effective for teams with players who can shoot from long range, as it helps create open looks for three-pointers. It requires good timing, communication, and spacing to execute properly, as the defender guarding the player using the flare screen must be screened off effectively, and the player with the ball needs to read the defense and make a quick pass.
