Kristian Ferrell
Setting a screen in basketball is an important offensive tool used to block or separate a defensive player from the person they are guarding, allowing the offence to create space for a shot or pass. This is a fundamental skill that can be taught to youth basketball players, and there are several types of screens that can be used, including the down screen, the up screen, and the backdoor screen. The pick and roll, where an offensive player sets a screen for a teammate, is considered one of the most effective plays in basketball. To set a screen, the player must sprint to the correct position, set their feet, and make contact with the defender without committing a foul.
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What You'll Learn
The importance of setting and using screens
Setting and using screens is an important skill to master in youth basketball. A screen, or "pick", is when an offensive player blocks or delays a defender, creating space and separation for another offensive player to shoot or pass. Screens are fundamental to most offensive plays and can be used to create high-percentage shots for your offense.
There are several types of screens, including on-ball and off-ball screens. On-ball screens are set for the ball-handler, while off-ball screens are set for a defender who is not directly guarding the ball. Examples of off-ball screens include the back screen, cross screen, down screen, and stagger screen. The down screen, for instance, is used when a player wants to move up high towards the ball, while the backdoor screen allows the user to cut behind the screen, confusing the defense.
To set a screen, players should position their feet about shoulder-width apart, with their back straightened and knees slightly bent. They should also keep their elbows within their own cylinder and their arms tucked into their chest. It is important to establish a stationary stance, with feet firmly planted on the floor, to avoid an illegal screen. The angle and timing of the pick are also critical factors.
Using a screen effectively requires coordination with teammates. The player receiving the screen must be patient and wait for the screen to arrive before cutting around it. After the teammate cuts or dribbles around the screen, the screener then "seals" off the defender and "rolls" toward the hoop, creating an opportunity for a pass.
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The 'pick and roll'
The pick and roll is one of the simplest offensive plays in basketball, but when executed correctly, it can be one of the most challenging for the opposing team to defend against. The pick and roll involves an offensive player setting a screen for a teammate, followed by the screener "rolling" to the hoop. Here are the steps to execute an effective pick and roll:
- Create Separation: Before setting the screen, the screener should create as much distance as possible between themselves and their defender. This reduces the defender's ability to assist in defending the dribbler.
- Set the Screen: The screener must make contact with the defender they are trying to block without committing a foul. Stand with your feet wider than shoulder width, bend your knees, and keep your hands and elbows inside your body to avoid an offensive foul.
- Roll to the Hoop: After the teammate dribbles around the screen, the screener ""seals" the defender and cuts or "rolls" towards the basket. This can be done with a reverse pivot or a quick "rim run" cut by stepping off the screen and opening up to the ball.
- Maintain Contact: During the roll, the screener should maintain contact with the defender as long as possible. This prevents the defender from easily sliding underneath the pick.
- Pass and Score: The final step is to make a quick and accurate pass to the roller. A one-handed bounce pass off the dribble is often the best option. If executed correctly, the pick and roll can create high-percentage scoring opportunities for your team.
It's important to note that the pick and roll requires practice and repetition to master. It's a powerful tool that can make your team more dynamic and unpredictable on offense.
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Different types of screens: down, up, backdoor, flare, ball, away
A screen, or "pick", occurs when an offensive player blocks a defender from guarding another offensive player, freeing up the offensive player for an open shot or pass. Setting a screen is a great way to get yourself open for a pass and shot.
Different Types of Screens
Down Screen
The down screen is used when a player sets a screen down and away from the ball, usually screening a player near the basket that wants to move up high.
Up Screen
The up screen is used when a player sets a screen up towards the ball. It usually involves screening a player that is up high and wants to curl low and towards the ball or move down low to a position near the basket.
Backdoor Screen
The backdoor screen is a type of "up" screen that allows the "user" of the screen to confuse the defense by cutting behind it.
Flare Screen
A flare screen is an off-ball screen that allows a player to cut away from the basketball to a spot around the perimeter. It is used to create separation for a potential open jump shot near the perimeter or another type of playmaking opportunity.
Ball Screen
A ball screen, or "on-ball screen", is set by an offensive player near the top area in the middle of the court, while facing away from the adjacent baseline.
Away Screen
To execute this move, you go away from the ball and set a fake screen. Instead of making the screen, you make a 180-degree turn by pivoting on your inside foot to receive the pass.
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How to set a screen: positioning, timing, and technique
Setting a good screen in youth basketball is a critical yet often overlooked skill. A screen or "pick" occurs when an offensive player uses their body to block or separate a defensive player from the person they are guarding, allowing their teammate to get free and make a shot or pass. Here are some key points on positioning, timing, and technique:
Positioning
When setting a screen, it is important to get into the right position. Sprint to the spot to ensure you make contact with the defender on time. Use the proper angle to surprise the defender, often achieved by a "V" cut. Position your body vertically, with your chest in line with the defender's shoulder and hips. Keep your feet wide and planted solidly on the ground. Do not lean forward or backward, as this can result in an offensive foul.
Timing
Timing is crucial when setting a screen. Make sure you are set and stationary before your teammate cuts or dribbles around the screen. The offensive player must be patient and wait for the screen to arrive. If they move too soon, the defender can easily get around it.
Technique
When setting a screen, make sure to establish solid contact with the defender without committing a foul. Focus on setting a strong screen rather than worrying about rolling quickly to get the basketball. After making contact, you can roll or slip to the basket for a possible layup or move to the perimeter for a shot.
Remember, setting a screen is about getting your teammates open and creating opportunities for them. It is a selfless act that is vital for breaking down the defense and can lead to scoring chances for your team.
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How to use a screen: cutting, sealing, rolling, and pivoting
Using a screen effectively is a great way to create opportunities for your team to score. Here are the key steps to using a screen, focusing on cutting, sealing, rolling, and pivoting:
Cutting
When using a screen, the offensive player must cut or dribble around the screen. This action must be timed correctly, as cutting too early will allow the defender to get around the screen. The cutter should also set up the screen by stepping toward the hoop first, then cutting back over the screen. This is known as a \"V-cut\" and is used to surprise the defender. The cutter should also rub off the shoulder or elbow of the screener as they go by.
Sealing
After the offensive player has cut around the screen, the screener must seal off the defender. This can be done with a reverse pivot, where the screener turns and cuts to the hoop. Alternatively, the screener can make a \"rim run\" cut by quickly stepping off the screen and opening up to the ball. Sealing the defender correctly will put the screener in a good position to receive a pass or score.
Rolling
After sealing the defender, the screener should roll or cut toward the hoop. This action is often referred to as a \"pick and roll\" or \"screen and roll,\" and it is one of the simplest yet most effective offensive plays. The screener should keep the defender on the outside and drive to the basket, creating an opportunity for a pass or shot.
Pivoting
When using a down-screen, the screener usually faces the basket with their back to the ball. After screening, the screener pivots to face the ball before making a roll move. This pivot allows the screener to change direction and drive toward the basket.
By mastering these techniques, young basketball players can effectively use screens to create scoring opportunities and improve their offensive gameplay.
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Frequently asked questions
A screen or "pick" is when an offensive player attempts to block or separate a defensive player from the person they are guarding, freeing up the offensive player for an open shot or pass.
It's important to sprint to the spot to make sure you're on time to make contact with the defender. The screener must make contact with the defender without fouling, holding, or pushing them. The screener should also be stationary with their body vertical and square to the defender.
Some common types of screens include the down screen, up screen, backdoor screen, ball screen, and flare screen.
