
Teaching a screen in basketball is an important aspect of the game that can help players get open to receive the ball and create scoring opportunities. A screen, or pick, is when an offensive player blocks a defender, freeing up their teammate for a pass or shot. There are various types of screens, including ball screens, cross screens, back screens, and down screens, each with its own nuances and effectiveness depending on the game situation. When setting a screen, players must be patient, choose the correct angle, and time their movements to avoid fouls and maximize their advantage. Coaches play a crucial role in teaching these skills effectively, ensuring their players understand the different types of screens and how to use them strategically to enhance their offensive capabilities and ultimately win more games.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To block a defensive player, freeing up an offensive player for a pass or shot |
| Types | Ball screen, cross screen, double screen, down screen, flat screen, flex screen, floppy screen, hammer screen, back screen, two-plane screen |
| Screener's positioning | Square to the defender, with the middle of their chest in line with the defender's shoulder and hips |
| Screener's movement | Pivot and square your chest to the passer, fake a cut towards the rim, sprint into the screen, explode out of the cut |
| Offensive player's movement | Be patient and wait for the screen, fake in the opposite direction, blast off the screen |
| Defender's reaction | Run into the screen, run around the screen |
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What You'll Learn

Explain the purpose of a screen
A basketball screen is a fundamental skill used to block or delay a defender, creating space and separation for another offensive player to take advantage of. It is a way to free up a teammate, allowing them to get open and receive the basketball, creating an offensive advantage. When a screen is set, the defender must either push into the screening player or divert around them, losing a few steps and giving the offensive player an opportunity to cut to the basket and receive a pass.
There are two main types of screens: on-ball screens and off-ball screens. An on-ball screen, also known as a pick or ball screen, is set on a defender who is directly guarding the ball. This can be done with a flat ball screen, side screen, step-up screen, or drag screen. On the other hand, an off-ball screen is set by a screener on a defender who is not guarding the ball. Examples of off-ball screens include the back screen, cross-screen, down screen, and stagger screen.
There are also several variations of screens, such as the flat screen, where the player's back is facing the basket, making it difficult for the defender to avoid. Another variation is the flex screen, which is set on the weak side of the floor, allowing the offensive player to cut along the baseline. The hammer screen is another type, which is a variation of the back screen, set on the weak side of the court, enabling a teammate to cut to the corner for an open shot.
The purpose of a screen is to create opportunities for the offensive player to score or make plays. It is an important tactic in basketball, as it helps the team gain an advantage by creating space and providing passing and shooting options. Screens are often used to set up plays, such as the pick and roll, or the pick and pop, where the ball-handler drives to the basket while the screener squares up for a jump shot.
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Demonstrate different types of screens
When teaching your players about screens, it's important to note that there are many different types, each with its own advantages and nuances. Here are some examples of different types of screens and how to demonstrate them:
- The Back Screen: This involves an off-ball player setting a screen behind a teammate's defender. This often catches the defender off guard, allowing the offensive player to cut towards the basket and receive a pass for an open layup. To demonstrate this, set up a scenario where the defender is guarding an offensive player. Have another player come from behind the defender to set the back screen, allowing the offensive player to cut towards the basket.
- The Ball Screen (or Pick and Roll): This is a broad term for any screen set for the player with the basketball. It's one of the simplest and most effective ways to create an offensive advantage. Demonstrate this by having a player with the ball and a defender guarding them. Then, have another player come and set a screen on the defender, allowing the player with the ball to roll off the screen and create space.
- The Cross Screen: This occurs when a player cuts to the opposite side of the floor to set a screen for a teammate, usually in the paint. Demonstrate this by setting up a scenario in the paint, where one player cuts to the opposite side to set a screen, allowing their teammate to get open for a quick shot or layup.
- The Double Screen: This involves two players setting a screen side-by-side, making it more challenging for the defender of the player receiving the screen. However, it also attracts more defenders to the area. To demonstrate, have two players stand side-by-side to set the screen, and then show how the player receiving the screen can use this to their advantage.
- The Down Screen (or Pin Down): This is a screen where the screener faces their chest towards the baseline, causing the player receiving the screen to cut away from the hoop. Demonstrate this by having the screener face the baseline and show how the player can cut away from the hoop to get open for a shot.
- The Flat Screen: In this screen, a player sets a screen for the player with the ball while their back is facing the basket. This can be challenging for the defender to navigate, especially if the ball-handler is quick. Demonstrate this by having a player with their back to the basket set a screen, and show how the player with the ball can use this to create space.
Remember, when demonstrating these screens, it's important to emphasize the fundamentals of good screening, such as making contact with the defender without fouling, using proper footwork, and reading the defender's reactions.
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Teach players how to set a screen
Teaching players how to set a screen is an important part of basketball coaching. A screen is a way to block a defensive player, freeing up your teammate for an open shot or pass. Here are some detailed instructions on how to teach players to set a screen:
Firstly, it's important to understand the different types of screens. There are four main types: ball screens, down screens, cross screens, and back screens. Each type of screen has a specific purpose and can be used in different situations. For example, a back screen involves setting a screen behind a teammate's defender, catching them unaware and allowing the offensive player to cut towards the basket. A cross-screen is when a player cuts to the opposite side of the floor to set a screen, often used to get a player open for a quick shot. Understanding these different types of screens will help players know how to use them effectively during a game.
Next, players should focus on the fundamentals of setting a good screen. This includes making sure they square up to the defender, with their chest in line with the defender's shoulder and hips. It's also important to make contact with the defender without fouling, holding, or pushing them. Players should get their feet wide and plant them solidly, maintaining their position. They should also be mindful of the angle of the screen, creating an angle that makes it difficult for the defender to go over or under.
To effectively use a screen, the offensive player must work with the screener. The offensive player should set up the defender by faking in the opposite direction before exploding in the other direction, catching the defender off guard. After the offensive player has used the screen, they should pivot and open up to the basketball, creating space for themselves.
Practising various drills can help players improve their screening skills. For example, the "two-plane screen" drill, where players cut in one direction and then quickly change direction toward the screen. Another drill is simply practising sprinting into the screen, which makes it harder for the defender to react in time. Drills like these will help players become more comfortable with setting and using screens.
Finally, it's important to emphasise the value of screening. Screening is often an under-appreciated skill, but it can be extremely effective in creating scoring opportunities. By understanding the different types of screens, the fundamentals of setting good screens, and practising various drills, players can improve their screening abilities and become more well-rounded basketball players.
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Show players how to use screens to their advantage
When teaching players how to use screens to their advantage, it's important to first explain the fundamentals of screening and its importance in creating offensive opportunities. Players should understand that a screen is used to block or "screen" a defensive player, allowing their teammate to get open for a pass or shot. Emphasize that screening is an under-taught skill that can benefit players of all sizes and positions, not just big guys.
Next, demonstrate the different types of screens, such as ball screens, cross screens, back screens, down screens, and double screens. Explain the specific techniques and angles involved in each type of screen. For example, in a ball screen, the screener must make contact with the on-ball defender, forcing the defense to react. In a cross-screen, players simply move across and set a screen on the side of the defense, but it has numerous options, making it challenging to guard. For a back screen, an off-ball player sets a screen behind a teammate's defender, often catching them unaware. A down screen involves the screener facing their chest towards the baseline, resulting in the player receiving the screen cutting away from the hoop. A double screen, meanwhile, involves two players setting a screen side-by-side, making it more challenging for the defender.
Teach players the importance of timing and patience when using screens. They must wait for the screen to be set before making their move. Demonstrate how to set up the defender by faking in the opposite direction or changing speeds to keep them off-balance. Encourage players to explode out of the screen, leaving the defender behind and creating more time and space for a shot.
Finally, run drills and exercises to reinforce these concepts. For example, have players practice setting and using different types of screens in various game scenarios. Emphasize the importance of communication and teamwork in effectively using screens to create scoring opportunities.
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Practise with drills and exercises
Screening is an under-taught skill in basketball, and it is important to practise drills and exercises that focus on this skill. When setting a good screen, there are multiple options depending on how the defenders defend the cutter and screener. For example, in a down screen, there are four options: curl, pop out, back-cut, and slip. The cutter and the screener must read the defence and choose the correct option.
One drill to teach players how to read the defender and use the screen to their advantage is to have a coach at the top with the ball, who passes to the cutter. The cutter and screener must then decide between options such as those mentioned above.
Another drill to teach screening and cutting is the 3 motion offense drill. In this drill, both people at the top of the key start with a basketball. The players then rotate counter-clockwise or to the right. By passing the ball quickly, the defence will have more space to cover in less time, creating mini offensive advantages.
When teaching players how to set a screen, it is important to emphasise the importance of making contact with the defender without fouling, holding, or pushing. Players should also be taught to get their feet wide and plant them solidly, and to square their chest to the defender, with the middle of their chest in line with the defender's shoulder and hips.
Additionally, players should be taught to change speeds when approaching the screen, to keep the defender off balance. They should also fake a cut towards the rim and the player with the ball, to create a better angle for the screen and make it more difficult for the defender to react in time.
Cross-screening is another simple action to teach, where players simply move across and set a screen on the side of the defence. This has numerous options, making it extremely difficult to guard. Players can practice these reads by drilling them until they become second nature.
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Frequently asked questions
A screen, or pick, is a move in basketball where an offensive player blocks a defensive player, allowing their teammate to get open for a pass or shot.
There are several types of screens, including ball screens, cross screens, back screens, down screens, flat screens, double screens, and hammer screens. Each type of screen has a specific purpose and advantage.
The player setting the screen (the screener) should make solid contact with the defender without committing a foul. They should also be patient and wait for the screen to be set before moving. The screener should also pivot and square their chest to the defender and passer to improve their field of vision and decision-making.
Coaches can emphasise the importance of screening as a fundamental skill and teach players to recognise different types of screens. Drills and exercises can be used to practice setting and using screens, such as the P.A.S.S. system, which focuses on proper fundamentals. Coaches should also teach players to vary their speed and angles when setting screens to create advantages over defenders.




















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