Andrew Pace
Basketball screens are an integral part of the game, being set nearly every single time down the floor at all levels of basketball. There are many different types of screens, and they can be set by anyone. Setting a screen allows you to put your defender in a difficult position by creating separation between yourself and them, making it hard for them to provide support on the dribbler or cutter. One type of screen is the ball screen, which is used in a drill to teach players how to react when a defensive player hedges a ball screen and leaves space to split it. This move is called split the hedge, and there are two ways to do it, according to Performance Enhancement Specialist Paul Fabritz. One of them is the push and chase, where you push the ball off the dribble toward the basket and chase it, getting to the rim in one or two dribbles.
Characteristics of Slipping a Screen in Basketball
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Equipment | 1 basketball and a partner |
| Starting Position | The player will start at the top of the key in ball-screen position, and the coach/partner is going to come off the ball screen. |
| Movement | As the coach/partner comes off the ball screen, the player will roll. Make the dribble low and long. |
| Court Awareness | It is important to get your eyes around quickly to locate the ball on lob plays. |
| Ball Handling | Catch the ball under control with a nice soft touch. |
| Speed | Make game-speed moves so that you can get used to finishing at game speed. |
| Separation | Put your defender in a difficult position by creating separation between yourself and them before setting the screen. |
| Strategy | If the defender hedging the screen leaves too much space between the screen, a small opening appears where the offensive player can split the hedge. |
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What You'll Learn
- Split the hedge: Make dribble low and long, staying small
- Push and chase: Push the ball off the dribble toward the basket and chase it
- Create separation: Put your defender at a disadvantage by creating space before setting the screen
- Finishing out of the pick and roll: Practice catching the ball under control and rolling at game speed
- Avoid a moving screen: Be aware of the rules to avoid being penalised
Split the hedge: Make dribble low and long, staying small
To split the hedge and make a low and long dribble while staying small, you need to focus on quick, agile movements and keeping the ball close to the ground. Here are the steps to execute this move effectively:
First, start with the ball in your dominant hand and stand in an athletic stance with your feet shoulder-width apart. Keep your eyes up and scan the defence to anticipate their moves and find the gap you want to exploit. This initial positioning is crucial for setting yourself up for success.
Now, dribble the basketball slightly in front of you with a low, controlled bounce. Keep your dribble low to the ground by bending your knees and maintaining a low centre of gravity. This protects the ball from defenders trying to steal it and sets you up for the next move.
As you dribble, use a quick and agile change of direction to split the hedge, which refers to the defensive line of your opponents. This move requires speed and precision. Keep your eyes on the gap you want to exploit and use your peripheral vision to be aware of your teammates and other defenders.
To execute the move, make a long, low dribble with the opposite hand, pushing the ball ahead of you into the gap you've identified. Stay small and maintain your low centre of gravity as you change directions. This will help you stay agile and responsive to any defensive moves.
As you push the ball forward, use your off-hand to protect it by extending your arm out and keeping it low. This will prevent defenders from reaching in and stealing the ball as you drive to the basket or create a passing lane. Stay light on your feet and be ready to adjust your direction or speed as needed.
Finally, depending on the defensive response and your team strategy, you can choose to continue dribbling, pass to a teammate, or take a shot. The key to this move is creating opportunities by splitting the defence with your quick, low dribble while staying agile and responsive to the dynamic game situation.
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Push and chase: Push the ball off the dribble toward the basket and chase it
To slip a screen in basketball, you can use the "push and chase" method. This involves pushing the ball off the dribble toward the basket and chasing it. Here's a detailed guide on how to execute this move effectively:
Push and Chase:
The "push and chase" is a simple yet effective technique to split the screen and get past your defender. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to execute this move:
Step 1: Dribble Control
Start by dribbling the basketball with control and confidence. Keep your eyes on the ball and your defender, assessing their positioning and reactions.
Step 2: Push the Ball
Using your dribbling hand, push the ball forward with a quick and decisive motion. The push should be strong enough to propel the ball ahead of you toward the basket. Aim for a spot a few feet in front of you, creating a small gap between you and the defender.
Step 3: Chase the Ball
As soon as you push the ball, chase after it with quick, agile steps. Maintain your balance and focus as you run to catch up with the ball. This movement should be explosive and swift, catching your defender off guard.
Step 4: Continue Dribbling
Once you've caught up to the ball, continue your dribble with a series of quick, controlled dribbles. Use these dribbles to further advance toward the basket and create additional separation from your defender.
Step 5: Attack the Basket
With the defender now trailing, you have a clear path to attack the basket. Use your dribbling skills to get closer to the rim, and if done properly, you should be able to reach the rim in one or two dribbles.
Step 6: Finish with a Shot
As you approach the rim, assess your options. You can choose to finish with a layup, a jump shot, or a pass to a teammate for an easy score. The "push and chase" move is particularly effective in creating scoring opportunities by disrupting the defender's positioning.
Additional Tips:
- Practice this move at game speed to improve your execution during actual games.
- Work on your ball handling and court awareness to make better decisions when splitting the screen.
- Remember to follow the rules of dribbling, such as the restrictions on pivot feet and the number of steps taken while dribbling.
- Combine the "push and chase" with other dribble moves, such as crossovers or behind-the-back dribbles, to further confuse defenders.
- Use this move in various offensive plays, such as the pick and roll, to create even more scoring opportunities.
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Create separation: Put your defender at a disadvantage by creating space before setting the screen
Creating separation before setting a screen is a crucial aspect of basketball offence, as it puts the defender at a disadvantage and creates space for your teammates to work with. Here are some detailed instructions on how to achieve this:
Firstly, don't telegraph the screen. This means keeping your intentions hidden so that the defender is less prepared for your next move. Surprise is a powerful tool in basketball, and by not giving away your next move, you can gain an advantage.
Secondly, sprinting to set the screen can be an effective tactic. By quickly increasing the pace, you can catch the defender off-guard and create that valuable separation. This sudden change in speed can disrupt the defender's balance and timing, making it harder for them to recover and defend your teammate.
Another technique is to use a "Ram Screen". This involves using your body to create a barrier between the defender and your teammate, forcing the defender to navigate around you. This is a powerful way to create separation and give your teammate the advantage they need to make a play.
Additionally, when setting an off-ball screen, position your body with your back facing the direction you want your teammate to go. This can confuse the defender and create the necessary space for your teammate to make a move.
The "push and chase" method is another useful technique. By pushing the ball off the dribble toward the basket and then chasing it, you can quickly get into a favourable position with just one or two dribbles. This can create the desired separation and put your teammate in a more advantageous position.
Finally, practice your ball handling and court awareness. These are vital skills that will help you anticipate defensive moves and make better decisions when setting screens. The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll become with creating separation and setting effective screens for your teammates.
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Finishing out of the pick and roll: Practice catching the ball under control and rolling at game speed
To practice finishing out of the pick and roll, you'll need a partner and a basketball. The pick and roll is an offensive play where a player sets a screen for a teammate with the ball and then moves toward the basket to receive a pass.
- Catch the ball under control: Focus on catching the ball with a soft touch and maintaining control. This will allow you to make quick and precise moves.
- Practice at game speed: Get used to finishing at game speed by making game-speed moves. This will help you execute the play with precision and efficiency during an actual game.
- Keep your head up: Avoid tucking your chin into your chest while attacking the basket. Keep your head up to anticipate defensive moves and make better decisions.
- Be aggressive: Attack the basket aggressively while maintaining control. This increases the chances of creating scoring opportunities for yourself or your teammates.
- Locate the ball on lob plays: Develop the skill of quickly locating the ball during lob plays. This will help you make better decisions and find open teammates.
- Roll towards the basket: After setting the screen, the screener should roll towards the basket looking to catch the ball and finish inside.
- Communicate and coordinate: Success in the pick and roll relies on teamwork, agility, communication, and coordination. Work on signaling your intentions to your teammates and coordinating your moves effectively.
- Recognize defensive strategies: Understand how defenses counter the pick and roll. For example, defenders may choose to "switch" assignments or "hedge" by impeding the ball handler. Recognizing these strategies will help you make better decisions.
- Make quick decisions: The ball handler must recognize the situation quickly and decide whether to shoot, pass to the screener, or find an open teammate. Practice assessing the defensive setup and making split-second decisions.
- Create space: Ensure the screen is set at the proper angle to prevent the defender from slipping under it. Create space for your teammate to dribble and attack by holding the screen until they can effectively use it.
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Avoid a moving screen: Be aware of the rules to avoid being penalised
To avoid a moving screen penalty in basketball, it is important to be aware of the rules. A moving screen occurs when the screener doesn't plant their feet or moves laterally or in the opposite direction from the person they are screening. It is a foul and results in a turnover, with possession of the ball going to the defending team.
To set a legal screen, the offensive player must get directly in the defender's path, allowing them a reasonable opportunity to avoid the screen. The defender must be given enough space to detour around the screen. The distance required will depend on the speed of the players. If the defender is stationary, the screener must leave at least one foot of space between them. If the defender is moving, the screener must stop soon enough to allow the defender to stop or change direction.
It is important to maintain good form when setting a screen. The screener should stand up straight with their arms tucked in and legs planted under their shoulders. They should not lean into the defender or extend their arms or legs too wide. The screener must not make contact with the defender or cause them to lose their balance.
By following these rules, players can avoid committing a moving screen violation and ensure a fair and clean game. It is important to respect the rules and play with integrity, even at lower levels where officiating may be less stringent.
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Frequently asked questions
A basketball screen is a move used to put a defender in a difficult position by creating separation between the screener and the defender. This makes it challenging for the defender to effectively guard the dribbler or cutter. Screens are a fundamental part of basketball strategy and are used at all levels of the game.
Slipping a screen refers to the offensive player taking advantage of the space created when a defender hedges a ball screen. By splitting the hedge, the offensive player can create an opening to attack the basket and score points.
To slip a screen effectively, you need to develop good ball handling and court awareness skills. One technique is the "push and chase" method, where you push the ball off the dribble toward the basket and then chase it, allowing you to reach the rim in one or two dribbles.
Yes, there are many different types of basketball screens, and understanding the various options is crucial for both players and coaches. Each type of screen can create different advantages and opportunities on the court.
