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A basketball screen is a fundamental skill used by an offensive player to block or delay a defender, creating space and separation for a teammate to shoot, attack the basket, or pass the ball. The most common type of screen is the ball screen, also known as a pick, where a player positions their body in front of a defender to create space for a teammate. There are several different types of screens, including the flat screen, side screen, step-up screen, and the drag screen, each with its own specific purpose and application. Setting a good screen requires technique, such as sprinting to the spot, setting your feet, and using your arms to protect yourself from the defender. Screens are an important part of basketball offense, allowing for more efficient scoring opportunities and creating advantages for the offensive team.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To block or delay a defender, creating space and separation for another offensive player to score or playmake |
| Types of screens | Ball screen, back screen, cross screen, down screen, flat screen, flex screen, flare screen, drag screen, double screen, step-up screen, side screen, away screen, etc. |
| Setting a screen | Sprint to the spot, set your feet shoulder-width apart, bend your knees, use a wide and grounded stance, protect yourself with your arms |
| After setting a screen | Roll or slip to the basket, pop to the perimeter, get into the next position or action |
| Avoiding an illegal screen | Do not move your feet, allow the defender a "reasonable opportunity" to avoid the screen |
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What You'll Learn
The fundamentals of setting a screen
Setting a screen in basketball is a critical but often overlooked fundamental skill. A screen occurs when an offensive player attempts to use their body to block or separate a defensive player from the person they are guarding, thereby freeing up that offensive player for an open shot or pass. Setting a screen is all about teamwork and can help your team find success. Knowing how to set an effective screen is an intangible asset that many coaches value. Here are the fundamentals of setting a screen:
Signalling the Screen
Signalling the screen is the first step in setting it up. You can do this verbally by saying "screen" or visually by raising your fist in the air for your teammate to see.
Setting up the Proper Angle
To set the correct angle, V-cut into your defender to create space, ending in a position next to the defender you want to screen. Your body positioning is based on the angle at which you want your teammate to go. You should position your hips and butt in the direction you want your teammate to move, ensuring that your feet are set and not moving before contact. This will prevent a turnover due to a "moving screen" offensive foul.
Spacing out the Screen
As you approach the defender to set the screen, be careful not to run into them, or you'll be called for an offensive foul. Try to leave about one foot of space between yourself and the defender. It is then your teammate's responsibility to dribble just past your front foot and lead shoulder, forcing the defender into the screen.
Protect Your Body
The defender may not know they are being screened, so they might run into you as they try to guard your teammate. You want to make sure you are balanced with your knees bent. To protect your body, cross your arms over your chest or put your arms in front of you with your hands meeting at your waist.
Finish Your Screen
As your teammate with the ball moves past your shoulder, you can reverse pivot and roll to the basket, ready to receive a pass and finish with a layup. Another option is to flare for a shot. As your teammate goes past your shoulder to drive the ball, you can again reverse pivot and relocate to the wing to receive the pass and shoot a jump shot.
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Different types of screens
There are several types of screens in basketball, each with its own unique characteristics and tactical advantages. Here is an overview of some of the most common and effective screens:
Off-ball screens
An off-ball screen is set by a player on a defender who is not directly guarding the ball. This can occur anywhere on the court, away from the player with the ball. Examples of off-ball screens include:
- Back screen: This is when an offensive player sets a screen on the weak side of the court, allowing their teammate to cut to the corner for an open shot. This often catches the defence off-guard.
- Cross-screen: This involves a player cutting to the opposite side of the floor to set a screen for a teammate, often creating an opportunity for a quick shot or layup.
- Down screen (wide pin-down): This is when the screener faces their chest towards the baseline, causing the player receiving the screen to cut away from the hoop. This is often used to get shooters open on the perimeter.
- Stagger screen: Two screens are set at different angles, allowing the cutter to rub off one or both screens. A second screen is set by a perimeter player, freeing the cutter for a shot.
On-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. Examples of on-ball screens include:
- Flat screen: The player setting the screen has their back to the basket, making it difficult for the on-ball defender to avoid, especially if the ball-handler is attacking the rim.
- Drag screen: This is an on-ball screen set by a trailing offensive player in transition.
- Side screen: This is set on the defender directly guarding the ball-handler.
- Step-up screen: This is another type of on-ball screen used to create space between the ball-handler and their defender.
Other screens
There are also several other types of screens that don't fall neatly into the above categories:
- 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.
- Flex screen: This is set on the weak side of the floor, allowing the offensive player to cut along the baseline into the paint.
- Horns screen: Two off-ball players set an on-ball screen on either side of the ball-handler's defender, giving the dribbler the option to attack left or right.
- Ram screen: An off-ball screen that immediately becomes an on-ball screen. This is effective because the defender has little time to recover and provide help on the ball-handler.
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How to set up a ball screen
Setting up a ball screen is an important part of basketball offence. It is a way to create space and generate scoring opportunities. A ball screen is when a teammate positions their body in front of a defender to create space for a teammate to shoot, attack the basket, or pass the ball.
To set up a ball screen, the player must first get into position. This involves setting a wide and grounded stance, with feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, and knees bent. The player should then use their arms to protect themselves, by covering their torso and midsection. The screener should be stationary, with their body straight and vertical, and square to the defender. The middle of the screener's chest should be in line with the defender's shoulder and hips.
The next step is to create separation from the defender. This can be done by sprinting to set the screen, and using a 'Ram Screen'. The angle of the screen is also important, and the player should set the screen at the best angle possible. The offensive player should then blast off the screen, leaving the defender behind and creating time and space for a shot.
After the screen has been set, the player can roll to the basket, move to the perimeter for a shot, or get into the next position to continue the offensive. It is important to note that the screener must be prepared for impact from the defender and that illegal contact is prohibited.
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How to use a screen as the ball handler
Using a screen as a ball handler is a great way to create an advantage on your team's offensive drive. There are several types of screens, but the most common type is the pick and roll, also known as an on-ball screen. This play involves a direct action between the ball handler and a teammate. Here are some tips on how to use a screen as the ball handler:
Setting Up the Screen
As the ball handler, you initiate the screen by directing your teammate to a specific location on the court. You want to create separation between your teammate and their defender to make it difficult for the defender to recover and guard the ball handler. You can do this by sprinting to set the screen and using a "ram screen." Once your teammate is in position, stay level with them to prevent your defender from shooting the gap between you.
Executing the Screen
As you approach the screen, stay tight to your teammate by staying low and touching their shoulder or calf. If your defender shoots the gap, reject the screen and curl to the basket. If they follow you through the screen, you have several options:
- Shoot: If the defender goes under the screen, you can shoot from behind the screen. This is a difficult shot, but it can be very effective.
- Drive: You can drive to the basket, especially if your defender is playing tight defense.
- Pass: As you exit the screen, keep your eyes up to survey the floor. Decide whether to pass the ball to your screening teammate, who may be open for a roll to the basket, or drive to the basket yourself.
Additional Considerations
- It is important to note that, according to the NBA rulebook, a screen setter's feet must be planted while setting a screen. If their feet are in motion, it is called an illegal screen or moving screen, resulting in an offensive foul.
- Be aware of the placement of the other offensive players on the court. For example, if there is a player in the ball-side corner, it may make more sense to "blue" to avoid the box.
- Have a distinct plan, and make sure your teammates know what it is.
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How to use a screen as the screener
Using a screen as the screener is an important tactic in basketball to create scoring opportunities and get players open. Here's a guide on how to use a screen as the screener effectively:
Setting Up the Screen
Before setting the screen, it's crucial for the offensive player to set up the defender. This involves faking in one direction, often with a slight head fake, causing the defender to lean the wrong way. Then, when the offensive player changes direction, the defender will be out of position. The offensive player must also ensure that they don't leave too early while the screener is still moving, as this can result in an offensive foul.
Footwork and Body Position
When setting the screen, the screener should position themselves with their feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and arms tucked in close to the body. This provides a stable base and makes it harder for the defender to knock them off balance. The screener should aim to remain stationary at the moment of contact, allowing the defender a "reasonable opportunity" to avoid the screen. Any movement to initiate contact will result in an offensive foul.
Types of Screens
There are several types of screens that can be used in basketball:
- Down Screen: This is a basic screen where a player sets a screen for a teammate by cutting to an area and stepping down to create space.
- Back Screen: A back screen is set behind a defender, allowing the offensive player to cut towards the basket and receive an open pass.
- Away Screen: This screen allows a player to cut away from the ball to create space.
- Ball Screen: Also known as an on-ball screen, this involves a player setting a screen for the player with the ball.
- Elevator Screen: Set by two players, the elevator screen involves the screened player cutting between the screeners who then step together to "close the gate." This allows the offensive player to cut directly while the defender must navigate around.
- Flare Screen: An off-ball screen that lets a player cut away from the ball to the perimeter for an outside shot.
- Flat Screen: The player with the ball faces their back towards the basket while setting a screen for a teammate.
- Staggered Screen: Two players set a screen for a teammate, but they are not side by side. One is in front, while the other is a step or two behind.
- Step Up Screen: The screener steps out of the low post to screen for a player with the ball to attack the baseline, keeping 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 to the strong side block.
Screening the Screener
One advanced tactic is "screen the screener," also known as "pick the picker." This involves a player (the screener) setting an initial screen for a teammate and then getting open themselves by using another screen from a different teammate. This creates multiple scoring options near the basket or the perimeter.
By understanding the different types of screens and how to effectively set them up, basketball players can improve their offensive capabilities and create more scoring opportunities for their team.
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Frequently asked questions
A basketball screen is a way for an offensive player to block or delay a defender, creating space and separation for another offensive player to get open for scoring or playmaking opportunities.
There are several keys to setting a good screen. First, you must sprint to the spot to ensure you make contact with the defender. Second, you should set your feet with a wide and grounded stance to make the screen legal and prevent a turnover. Third, use your arms to protect yourself once you are in position.
Some common types of screens include the back screen, cross screen, down screen, flat screen, flex screen, ball screen, and double screen.
Defensive tactics to defeat a screen include sliding by the pick, switching defensive assignments with another defender, or fighting over the screen (pushing the screener away) if allowed.
After setting a screen, you can roll to the basket for a layup, move to the perimeter for a shot, or get into your next position to continue the offensive set.
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