Andrew Pace
Basketball screens are an important concept in basketball offense. They are used to create space and separation, which can then generate opportunities to score. There are several types of screens, including ball screens, down screens, back screens, and away screens, each with its own specific technique and purpose. For example, in a ball screen, a player will set a pick for the ball handler, allowing them to create a scoring opportunity. In a down screen, a player will usually set a pick facing the basket to allow a teammate to run off the screen. To set an effective screen, players must be patient, use a wide stance, and set their feet to avoid a moving screen offensive foul. The angle of the screen is also crucial, as it can determine whether the defender can easily slide over or under it.
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What You'll Learn
The importance of screening angles
Screening is an important aspect of basketball that can help create scoring opportunities and win more games. The angle of a screen is critical to its effectiveness, and coaches should emphasize this to their players. The angle of a screen can determine whether it is a successful play or an offensive foul.
When setting a ball screen, the player must make contact with the on-ball defender and force the defense to react. The angle of the screen should be set so that the defender cannot easily slide under or over it. Setting it straight on the defender's hip will allow them to slide under with minimal contact, while setting it too far on their back will enable them to slide over the top. The ideal angle is slightly adjusted when the ball is on the side. The screen should be set close to the defender to limit their space to navigate, but care must be taken not to foul.
The backscreen is another type of screen that is relatively easy to set because the defender often cannot see it coming. The backscreen is set almost straight on the defender's back, with a slight angle. As the player uses the screen, the defender must move backward at a slight angle, and the screener's mid-line should straddle the defender's outer leg.
The angle of a screen is also important in the "pick and roll" or "on-ball screen" play. The screener can roll (cut to the basket), pop (move to the perimeter), or re-screen. The angle of the screen will depend on the movement of the screener and the preference of the dribbler. For example, in a "flat pick and roll," the screener has their back to the basket, while in a "lifted middle pick and roll," the screener moves toward the basket, creating more space for the dribbler to "attack the rim."
In addition to the angle of the screen, the player receiving the screen must also be patient and wait for the screener to be completely set. If the player leaves too early, it can result in an offensive foul. The player should also set up the defender by faking in the opposite direction to get them leaning the wrong way. This will create more time and space for the offensive player to set up for a shot.
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Screening techniques for offensive players
Screening is a fundamental skill in basketball, and it is a great way to get players open to receive the basketball and create scoring opportunities. Offensive players can use several screening techniques to block or delay a defender, creating space and separation for themselves or their teammates. Here are some techniques for offensive players to effectively use screens:
Back Screen: This involves an off-ball player setting a screen behind a teammate's defender. It is effective because the defender often can't see it coming, and it can allow the offensive player to cut towards the basket for a pass and an open layup.
Down Screen: This is one of the most popular screens. The key is to create an angle that makes it difficult for the defender to slide over or under. The screener's shoulders should not be parallel to the baseline, as this allows the defender to easily get around.
Ball Screen: This is a broad term for any screen set for the player with the ball. It is very effective in creating an offensive advantage but requires the screener to make contact with the defender and force them to seek help. The player with the ball must be patient and wait for the screen, and the screener should set it at an angle that forces the defender to adjust their path.
Cross Screen: This occurs when a player cuts to the opposite side of the floor to set a screen for a teammate. It commonly happens in the paint and can get a player open for a quick shot or layup.
Double Screen: Two players set a screen side-by-side, making it harder for the defender of the player receiving the screen. However, this also means there will be more defenders in a small area.
Staggered Screen: Similar to a double screen, but the players setting the screen are not immediately next to each other. One player is in front, while the other is a step or two behind.
Step-Up Screen: A player steps out of the low post to screen for the player with the ball, allowing them to attack the baseline. The screener should have their back towards the baseline.
UCLA Screen: A variation of the back screen, set at the high post elbow, allowing a perimeter player to cut towards the strong side block.
Elevator Screen: Also known as a gate screen, this involves two players setting a screen, with the player receiving the screen cutting between them. The screeners then quickly step together to 'close the gate', allowing the offensive player to cut in a direct line while their defender must navigate around.
Flare Screen: An off-ball screen that allows a player to cut away from the ball to a spot on the perimeter. This can get the team's shooters open for outside shots.
Flat Screen: A player sets a screen for the player with the ball while their back is facing the basket.
When using screens, offensive players must be careful to avoid illegal screens, which occur when the screener does not stay within their area or does not give the defender enough time to avoid the screen. Additionally, the player receiving the screen should set up the defender by faking in the opposite direction before exploding off the screen, creating separation.
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Screening techniques for defensive players
Screening is a fundamental team tactic in basketball. It involves one player blocking a defender's path to free their teammate from their mark. This creates space, improves ball movement, and enables high-percentage scoring opportunities.
Timing and Communication: Defensive players must work in sync to effectively counter screening tactics. For example, if a post player shows early on a ball screen, they will get split, and if they show late, the offensive player will drive past them. Both defensive players must become one to guard the action.
Defensive Angle: Angles are crucial when guarding screening actions. Defenders must use their bodies to take quality angles to cut off the offensive players. Setting the screen too close to the defender allows them to easily slide under the screen with minimal contact. Setting it too far back will allow the defender to slide over the top. The ideal angle is slightly adjusted towards the defender’s outer hip and outer rear, forcing the defender to adjust their path.
Avoid Conceding Your Spot: Defenders should not make it easy for the offense by conceding their spot too soon. However, they must also be careful not to get called for a moving screen.
Drills and Practice: Regularly practicing defensive drills and focused training on timing, positioning, and communication will help defenders counter screening tactics. For example, the Ball Screen Defense Drill helps defenders practice techniques like hedging, switching, and going over or under the screen.
Toughness: Toughness is a critical aspect of screening, both on offense and defense. On defense, players must demonstrate mental and physical toughness, fighting through the screen to avoid it.
By implementing these techniques and developing a strong understanding of screening actions, defensive players can effectively counter screening tactics and improve their overall performance.
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How to set a good screen
Setting a good screen in basketball requires technique, timing, and teamwork. Here are some key principles and techniques to help you master the art of setting effective screens:
Body Positioning and Angles
Position your body to create an angle that makes it difficult for the defender to navigate around. Avoid setting it straight on the hip, as this allows the defender to slide under with ease. Similarly, avoid setting it too far back, as the defender can then slide over the top with minimal contact. The ideal angle is slightly adjusted to the defender's outer hip and outer rear, similar to a backscreen. This angle forces the defender to change direction and gives your ball handlers more options.
Distance and Contact
Set the screen as close as possible to the defender without committing a foul. This gives the defender less space to work with and is highly effective in disrupting their movement. Make sure to make contact with the defender without fouling, holding, or pushing. Failing to make contact allows the defender to slide around you with ease.
Communication and Timing
Setting a screen is a collaborative effort between the screener and the ball handler. Communicate with your teammate to ensure they are patient and wait for the screen to be set before making their move. A slight head fake in the opposite direction can set up the screen effectively, causing the defender to lean the wrong way and creating an opening for your teammate.
Explosive Movement
Encourage your teammate to blast off the screen with an explosive move. This leaves the defender behind and creates more time and space for a potential shot.
Practice and Feedback
Screening is a skill that requires repetition and refinement. Strive to improve your technique through practice and feedback. As you gain experience, you will become more effective at setting screens and making valuable off-ball contributions to your team.
Remember, setting a good screen is about creating opportunities for your teammates and disrupting the defence. It's a fundamental skill that, when executed well, can lead to scoring chances and winning more games.
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The different types of screens
There are several types of screens in basketball, each with its own nuances and strategic benefits. Here are some of the most common types:
Ballscreens
Also known as a "ball screen", this involves the player with the ball using a teammate (the screener) as a barrier to get past their defender. The effectiveness of a ballscreen depends on two things: the patience of the ball handler and the angle at which the screen is set. The screener must position themselves at an angle that forces the defender to go around them, preferably targeting the area between the defender's outer hip and rear.
Downscreens
Downscreens, also known as "wide pin-downs", are one of the most popular screens in basketball. They involve the screener facing their chest towards the baseline, which results in the player receiving the screen cutting away from the hoop. Downscreens are often used to get shooters open on the perimeter. The key to a successful downscreen is creating an angle that prevents the defender from easily sliding over or under.
Cross-screens
A cross-screen occurs when a player cuts to the opposite side of the floor to set a screen for a teammate. This typically happens in the paint and can be an effective way to create quick scoring opportunities for players on the weak side of the floor.
Backscreens
A backscreen, also known as a "post screen", is set on the weak side of the court, allowing the teammate to cut to the corner for an open shot. Backscreens often catch the defense off guard and are great for creating scoring chances for shooters.
Ram Screens
A ram screen is an off-ball screen that immediately transitions into an on-ball screen. It is effective because the defender from the first screen struggles to recover in time to effectively guard the ball handler in the on-ball screen.
Staggered Screens
A staggered screen, also known as a "double screen", involves two players setting a screen for a teammate but at different angles and not immediately next to each other. This allows the cutter to rub the defender off one or both screens, creating separation and making it harder for the defender to provide support.
Flare Screens
A flare screen is an off-ball screen that allows a player to cut away from the ball to a spot on the perimeter. If an accurate pass is made, it can create an excellent opportunity for outside shots, particularly for the team's best shooters.
Flat Screens
A flat screen involves a player setting a screen for a teammate with the ball while their back is facing the basket. This can be very effective, especially if the ball handler is moving quickly towards the rim, as it is difficult for the on-ball defender to avoid without committing a foul.
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Frequently asked questions
The offensive player must wait until the screener is completely set. If they leave too early, the screener will get called for an offensive foul. They should also set up the screen by faking in the opposite direction.
Put your defender in a difficult position by creating separation between yourself and them before setting the screen. Don't telegraph the screen, sprint to set the screen, and use a 'Ram Screen'.
There are four main types of screens in basketball: Ballscreens, Downscreens (wide pin-downs), Cross-screens, and Backscreens. There are also other types such as the elevator screen, flare screen, and staggered screen.
Sprint to the spot, set your feet, and have a wide and grounded stance. Use your arms to protect yourself and cover your torso and midsection. After making contact with the defender, you can roll or slip to the basket or pop to the perimeter.
