Amanda Knapp
Signalling for a screen in basketball is an important tactic to create space and separation for offensive players to create scoring or playmaking opportunities. To call for a screen, the ball handler will typically use a raised fist or another visual cue to indicate to a teammate that they want to receive an on-ball screen. A screener can also use a raised fist to signal to the ball handler or other teammates that they are preparing to set a screen. There are different types of screens, such as the back screen, cross screen, and flat ball screen, and defensive strategies to counter screens include sliding by the pick and switching defensive assignments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Signal | Raised fist or other visual cue |
| Who signals | Ball handler or screener |
| Purpose | To inform the ball handler or other teammates that the screener is getting ready to set a screen |
| Types of screens | On-ball screen, off-ball screen, flare screen, pick and roll, pick and pop |
| How to set a screen | Position feet shoulder-width apart, straighten back, bend knees slightly, put hands across chest or lap, elbows within own cylinder |
| Illegal screens | Moving into the defender to cause contact, sticking posterior into the defender, extending elbows |
| Defending against screens | Going over the screen, going under the screen, switching defensive assignments, sliding by the pick |
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What You'll Learn
Use a raised fist or visual cue to signal for a screen
To signal for a screen in basketball, players can use a raised fist or other visual cues. This is a crucial aspect of teamwork and communication, which are essential to a basketball team's success.
The ball handler will typically use a raised fist or some other type of visual cue to let a screener know that they would like to receive an on-ball screen. Likewise, in some instances, a screener can also use a raised fist or other visual cues to inform the ball handler or other teammates that they are preparing to set a screen. This is especially important when using off-ball screens, which are set by a screener on a defender who is not directly guarding the ball.
Visual cues can include hand signals, and verbal cues can be as simple as yelling "flare" or "screen." These non-verbal cues are highly effective, preventing miscommunication and mistakes on the court, and are especially useful when there is a lot of crowd noise.
It is important to note that the middle of the screener's chest should be in line with the defender's shoulder and hips. The offensive player should also wait until the screener is completely set before running off the screen, and they should "explode" off the screen to create more time and space for a shot.
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Set your feet shoulder-width apart, back straight, and knees bent
To signal for a screen in basketball, the ball handler will typically use a raised fist or another visual cue to let a screener know that they would like to receive an on-ball screen. Likewise, a screener could also use a raised fist or other visual cue to inform the ball handler that they are preparing to set a screen.
When setting a screen, a player should position their feet about shoulder-width apart, with their back straight and knees bent. This forms a good base for the player to maintain their balance and stability while setting the screen. The player's elbows should be kept within their cylinder, or vertical plane, meaning they should not extend beyond their sides. This ensures that the player does not stick their elbows out and interfere with the defender. The player can choose to place their hands across their chest or lap, using either an open hand or a closed fist.
Maintaining a proper stance is crucial for setting a legal and effective screen. By setting their feet shoulder-width apart, the player establishes a solid foundation that helps them remain stable and balanced during the screening action. Keeping the back straight and knees bent further enhances their stability and allows them to absorb any contact from the defender effectively. This stance also enables the player to react quickly and adjust their positioning if needed.
It's important to note that the player setting the screen must remain stationary at the moment of contact with the defender. They should provide the defender with a "reasonable opportunity" to avoid the screen. Moving into the defender to initiate contact is considered an offensive foul. Therefore, players should focus on maintaining their stance and allowing the defender the chance to navigate around the screen.
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Avoid illegal screens—don't move to make contact
When setting a screen, it is important to avoid moving to make contact with the defender. This is a surefire way to set an illegal screen. A moving screen occurs when a player moves as contact is made, denying the defender a fair chance to adjust. This can happen when the screener does not give the defender enough time and/or distance to avoid the screen.
To avoid this, the offensive player must give the defender time to react and adjust to the contact. The NBA defines this as one step to avoid the screen. Coaches often instruct players to maintain a 'firm but not wide' stance, with their feet no wider than shoulder width. It is also important to keep your arms, legs, and hips rigid.
Players who cheat on their screens with an extra elbow or by sticking their posterior into the defender as they try to get by are often labelled as cheap or dirty. You don't want to be known as the dirty team. It is better to play a clean and legal game than to try to gain an unfair advantage.
It is also important to note that the screener must stay within their own cylinder or vertical plane, which is about shoulder width. This means that the offensive player setting the screen cannot extend any body parts to delay or prevent a defender from reaching their destination.
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Common types of screens: back screen, cross screen, down screen
To signal for a screen in basketball, the ball handler will typically use a raised fist or another visual cue to let a screener know that they would like to receive an on-ball screen. Similarly, a screener can use a raised fist or other visual cues to inform the ball handler that they are preparing to set a screen.
Now, let's look at some common types of screens: back screen, cross screen, and down screen.
Back Screen
The back screen, sometimes called a rip screen, is an off-ball screen where a player sets a screen behind a defender guarding a teammate. This often catches the defender off-guard, allowing the teammate to cut toward the basket and receive a pass for a potential scoring opportunity. The UCLA screen is a variation of the back screen, set at the high post elbow, allowing a perimeter player to cut toward the strong side block. The hammer screen is another variation, set on the weak side of the court, enabling a teammate to cut to the corner for an open shot.
Cross Screen
The cross screen is an off-ball screen where a player cuts to the opposite side of the floor to set a screen for a teammate. This usually occurs in the middle of the lane in front of the basket or near the high post free-throw line area. The cross screen can create scoring opportunities for players near the basket.
Down Screen
The down screen is an offensive move where one player sets a screen facing the general direction of the baseline, allowing another player to use the screen to get open, typically toward the perimeter. The down screen can create open jump shot opportunities for perimeter players. Downscreens are considered one of the most popular screens in basketball.
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Screening angles: straight on, hip, or flat
Screening angles play a crucial role in the success of a basketball screen. The three primary screening angles are straight on (the hip), flat, and backscreen.
The straight-on or hip angle is employed when the screener's shoulders are parallel to the baseline. This angle allows the defender to easily slide under the screen with minimal contact. However, it is important to avoid setting it too close to the defender, as it may result in a foul.
The flat angle is utilized when the screener has their back facing the baseline or the basket. This angle should be avoided when the defence is forcing the dribbler to the side, as it allows the defender to easily slide over the top with minimal contact.
The backscreen is the third type of screening angle. It is set almost straight on the defender's back, with a slight angle. Backscreens are easier to execute because the defender cannot anticipate the screen, providing an advantage to the offence.
Additionally, when setting a ball screen, coaches often instruct players to target the area between the defender's outer hip and outer rear. This positioning allows the screener to force the defender in the desired direction, creating opportunities for the ball handler to attack with their dribble.
Overall, the effectiveness of screening angles depends on creating angles that make it challenging for the defender to navigate. Coaches and players must carefully consider the defender's positioning and adjust their screening angles accordingly to maximize the chances of success.
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Frequently asked questions
To signal for a screen, the ball handler will typically use a raised fist or some other type of visual cue to let a screener know that they would like to receive an on-ball screen. Likewise, a screener could also use a raised fist or other visual cue to inform the ball handler that they are getting ready to set a screen.
A basketball screen is a fundamental skill and action that occurs when at least one offensive player attempts to block or delay a defender, primarily to create space and separation for another offensive player.
There are two main types of screens in basketball: on-ball screens and off-ball screens. Common types of on-ball screens include the flat ball screen, the side screen, the step-up screen, and the drag screen. Common types of off-ball screens include the back screen, cross screen, down screen, and stagger screen.
