Kristian Ferrell
Screens, also known as picks, are a blocking move used by offensive players in basketball to obstruct a defender and create space for a teammate to either shoot, pass or drive towards the basket. While screens are legal in basketball, there are rules that govern their use. A screen is deemed illegal if the player setting it moves to make contact with the defender or fails to give the defender enough time or distance to avoid the screen. The player setting the screen must be stationary, with both feet on the floor, at the moment of contact.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Legal screening | Player is stationary (inside their cylinder) when contact occurs |
| Legal screening | Player has both feet on the floor when contact occurs |
| Illegal screening | Player is moving when contact occurs |
| Illegal screening | Player does not give sufficient distance in setting a screen outside the field of vision of a stationary opponent when contact occurs |
| Illegal screening | Player does not respect the elements of time and distance of an opponent in motion when contact occurs |
| Illegal screening | Player makes prohibited contact while setting a screen |
| Illegal screening | Player does not allow an opposing defender enough time and/or distance to avoid the screen |
| Illegal screening | Player does not hold their position |
| Illegal screening | Player does not give the defender at least one step to avoid the screen |
| Illegal screening | Player does not give the defender enough time and/or distance prior to the defender making contact with the screen |
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Legal screens
Screens, also known as picks, are a blocking move in basketball that offensive players use to block or impede defenders. This creates space for teammates to shoot, pass, or drive towards the basket. Legal screens are an important part of basketball tactics and can be used to great effect by teams.
A legal screen is when a player is stationary and has both feet on the floor when contact occurs with a defender. The player must be inside their 'cylinder'—an imaginary area surrounding a player's body—and not moving when the contact happens. The screener must also leave enough space for the defender to avoid the screen by stopping or changing direction. This distance is usually between one and two normal steps.
The player being screened is responsible for any contact with the screener and must give them enough time to set the screen. The screener should communicate to their teammate that they are screening. If the screen is in the field of vision of the defender, the screener can be as close as they like, provided there is no contact. If the screen is outside the defender's field of vision, the defender must be allowed to take a normal step towards the screen without making contact.
Illegal screening occurs when a player is moving when contact is made, does not give sufficient distance, or does not respect the time and distance of a moving opponent. Moving screens are a colloquial term for when a screener makes prohibited contact with a defender by moving their body while the defender tries to avoid the screen. This can result in an offensive foul and loss of possession.
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Illegal screens
Screens, or "picks", are one of the most effective ways for the offense to gain an advantage in basketball. However, setting an illegal screen can result in an offensive foul and the loss of basketball possession to the opposing team.
A screen is considered illegal when the player setting the screen, or the "screener", makes prohibited contact with a defender. This can occur when the screener does not remain within their "cylinder", an imaginary vertical plane approximately shoulder-width wide, and uses parts of their body to make contact with the defender.
Another form of an illegal screen is when the screener does not allow the defender enough time or distance to avoid the screen. The time and distance required depend on the speed of the defender and is usually at least one or two normal steps. If the defender is in motion, the screener must leave enough space for the defender to avoid the screen by stopping or changing direction.
In summary, to avoid setting an illegal screen, the screener must remain stationary within their cylinder, provide the defender with sufficient time and distance to avoid the screen, and refrain from making prohibited contact.
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On-ball screens
Screens, also known as "picks", are a blocking move used by an offensive player to block a defensive player. This creates space for a teammate to either shoot, pass, or drive to the basket. Screens are one of the most effective ways for the offense to gain an advantage, with the majority of offensive possessions relying on them.
To set up an on-ball screen, the ball handler must first direct their teammate to a specific location on the court. The ball handler should then keep level with the screener's position to prevent the defender from shooting the gap between them. As the screen is initiated, the ball handler should stay tight to the screener by staying low and touching their shoulder or calf. If the defender shoots the gap, the ball handler should reject the screen. If the defender follows the ball handler through the screen, they should curl to the basket. As the ball handler exits the screen, they should keep their eyes up to survey the floor and decide whether to pass or drive to the basket.
It is important to note that for a screen to be legal, the player setting the screen must be stationary with both feet on the floor at the moment of contact. If the player setting the screen is moving, it is considered an illegal screen, resulting in an offensive foul and an automatic turnover.
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Off-ball screens
There are several variations of off-ball screens, including the back screen, cross screen, and down screen. A back screen occurs when an offensive player sets a screen directly behind a defender, allowing another offensive player to use that screen to get open near the basket. A cross screen is set near the middle of the lane, allowing an offensive player to cut across the lane and attempt a layup or low post move. A down screen is set while facing the baseline or basket, and another offensive player can use this screen to cut towards the perimeter areas.
The success of off-ball screens depends on the execution and coordination of the players involved. Proper footwork, timing, non-verbal communication, and experience are key. It is important to note that illegal screening can occur if the player setting the screen is moving or does not provide sufficient distance or time for the opponent to react.
To execute a successful off-ball screen, the players involved must work together seamlessly. The ballhandler must be able to make precise passes to take advantage of the screen, the shooter must be able to make quick decisions and shots, and the screener must be able to set solid screens and communicate effectively with their teammates.
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Moving screens
A screen is a blocking move by an offensive player in which they stand beside or behind a defender to free a teammate to shoot, pass, or drive in to score. Screens are also known as picks. Moving screens, which are illegal, occur when an offensive player moves their feet horizontally or laterally when setting a screen. This can also happen when the offensive player moves towards a defender, either laterally or horizontally, when setting a screen.
A screen is only legal when the player setting it is stationary and has both feet on the floor when contact occurs. If the opponent is in motion, the player setting the screen must leave enough space for the opponent to avoid the screen by stopping or changing direction. The distance required is never less than one and never more than two normal steps.
To avoid a moving screen, a player must set a screen and then hold their position. They can move slightly in the direction of the defender or "firm up" to prepare for contact, but otherwise, they should not move.
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Frequently asked questions
Screens, or "picks", are legal in basketball as long as the player setting the screen is stationary at the moment of contact with the defender.
A screen is a blocking move by an offensive player in which they stand beside or behind a defender to free a teammate to shoot, pass or drive in to score.
An illegal screen is when a player makes prohibited contact while setting a screen and/or does not allow the defender enough time or distance to avoid the screen.
A moving screen is when a player makes prohibited contact with a defender by moving their body while the defender attempts to avoid the screen.
A legal screen is when a player is stationary (inside their cylinder) and has both feet on the floor when contact occurs with the defender.
