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Screens are an offensive play in basketball, where a non-ball-handling player acts as a screen for a defender by placing their body between the defender and a teammate. This creates space for teammates to make moves without defensive intrusion. Screens are a common strategy in basketball, with multiple types of screens, such as backscreens, double screens, and flare screens, each serving a specific purpose. The rules around screens are strict, and illegal screens, such as moving screens, are considered fouls.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A ball screen is an offensive play in which a non-ball-handling offensive player screens a defender by placing their body between the defender and a teammate. |
| Purpose | To create separation from defenders and create space for teammates to catch or distribute passes, attack the hoop, or shoot a jump shot. |
| Participants | Most screens take place between two teammates who are not handling the ball at the time. However, every player on the court can be a potential screen-setter. |
| Types | Backscreens, double screens, cross screens, down screens, flare screens, pick-and-roll screens. |
| Rules | The screen setter's feet must be planted while setting a screen. If their feet are in motion, it is an illegal screen (moving screen or illegal pick) resulting in an offensive foul and turnover. If a player sets a blind screen while moving their feet and intentionally bumps into an unaware player, it can result in a technical foul. |
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What You'll Learn
Ball screens and their purpose
A ball screen is a broad term for any basketball screen set for the player who currently has possession of the ball. It is one of the best ways to create an offensive advantage in basketball.
Ball screens are important because they can be used to create space and separation, which can then generate opportunities to score. When a screen is set, the screener's teammate will have a better chance of getting open because their defender will have to avoid the screen before getting back into a defensive position. This is a huge advantage for the offensive team.
There are two types of ball screens: on-ball and off-ball. On-ball screens are set for the player with the ball, while off-ball screens are set for a teammate without the ball to get open for a pass. A flat screen, for example, is a type of on-ball screen where a player sets a screen for the player with the ball while their back is facing towards the basket. This can be very difficult for the defender to avoid, especially if the ball-handler is moving quickly. A back screen, on the other hand, is an off-ball screen where a player sets a screen behind a defender that is guarding a teammate. This often catches the defender unaware and allows the offensive player to cut towards the basket and receive an open pass.
It is important to note that an illegal screen can occur if the offensive player setting the screen does not stay within their own cylinder or does not allow the defender enough time or distance to avoid the screen. A screen is also illegal if the screener moves to make contact with the defender to gain an advantage.
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Different types of screens
Screens are an important part of basketball, with the best screeners being those who are committed to setting a good screen. While the rules vary slightly between different sports, in basketball, the offensive player setting the screen must remain stationary at the moment of contact with the defender. If the screener moves to make contact, this is an offensive foul.
There are many different types of screens, and here are some of the most common:
Back Screen
Also known as a rip screen, this involves an off-ball player setting a screen behind a teammate's defender. This often catches the defender off-guard and allows the offensive player to cut towards the basket to receive the pass and score.
Ball Screen
This is a broad term for any screen set for the player with the ball. It is one of the most common offensive plays and is a great way to create opportunities for teammates to shoot, pass, or attack the hoop.
Cross Screen
This occurs when a player cuts to the opposite side of the floor to set a screen for a teammate. It is usually set near the middle of the lane in front of the basket.
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.
Step Up Screen
This involves a player stepping out of the low post to screen for the player with the ball to attack the baseline.
Ram Screen
A special type of screen where a player on offense receives an off-ball screen from a teammate and then sets an on-ball screen for another teammate. This can be used to counter a hedge defensive tactic.
Ghost Screen
A fake screen where a player slowly runs towards a teammate as if to set a screen, but then sprints off to another location without setting it. This can be used to create potential mismatches.
Flex Screen
This involves an offensive player cutting towards the area between a low post block and the adjacent corner to set a screen for a second offensive player near that corner.
Hammer Screen
Derived from the hammer set play, this involves screening action on the weak side, which can create an open three-point shot opportunity.
Stagger Screen
Two screens are set at different angles, allowing the cutter to rub off one or both screens.
Bump Screen
Similar to a stagger screen, but the bottom player in the stagger screens for the top player to cut to the corner for a perimeter shot.
New York Screen
The wing cuts toward the basket, and the post player steps off the lane to set a screen for the shooter to cut over towards the ball.
These are just some of the many types of screens used in basketball, each with its own strategic purpose to create opportunities for the offense.
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How to set up a ball screen
A ball screen is an offensive play in basketball, and it's the most common way a basketball offence attacks a basketball defence. It involves a teammate positioning their body in front of a defender to create space for a teammate to shoot, attack the basket or pass the ball without defensive intrusion.
To set up a ball screen, you need to:
- Create separation from defenders. This can be done by putting your defender in a difficult position before setting the screen.
- Don't telegraph the screen.
- Sprint to set the screen.
- Use a Ram Screen.
- Set the screen with your back facing the direction you want your teammate to go.
There are several different types of ball screens, including:
- Cross screens: the screener sets the pick in a driving lane, allowing an interior player room to post up, receive an entry pass and attack the hoop.
- Down screens: the screener sets the pick near the baseline, giving a teammate an open jump shot.
- Flare screens: the screener sets a pick near the top of the key, creating space for an open jump shot.
- Flat screens: the screener sets the screen with their back facing the basket.
- Staggered screens: two players set a screen for a teammate, but they're not next to each other.
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Illegal screens and fouls
Illegal screens and resultant fouls are a confusing aspect of basketball for many players and spectators. A screen is a legal tactic where an offensive player positions themselves to block a defender, creating space for a teammate to gain an advantage. However, an illegal screen occurs when the player moves into the defender, denying them a fair chance to adjust their position and avoid contact. This is often referred to as a 'moving screen' or 'moving pick'.
Illegal screens can result in fouls being called against the offending team. To avoid this, players should maintain a wide and firm base, keeping their limbs close to their body and not extending them towards the defender. It is also important to hold their position and give the defender enough space to react and adjust. Referees will look at replays to confirm if a foul has occurred, reviewing which player reached the spot first and if the defender initiated the contact.
The consequences of illegal screens can range from fouls to potential injuries for both players involved. It is important for players to understand the difference between legal and illegal screens to avoid penalties and play fairly. Coaches should emphasize the fundamental skills required to set legal screens and the potential consequences of frequent illegal moves, such as loss of possession or giving opponents scoring advantages.
Illegal screens are often the result of players trying to gain an unfair advantage or due to the fast-paced nature of the game, with officials sometimes missing the infraction. However, it is crucial for players to prioritize clean and legal play over exploiting loopholes, especially at lower levels of competition.
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Screens and their impact on defences
Screens are an offensive basketball play designed to create separation from defenders. They involve a teammate positioning their body in front of a defender to create space for a fellow teammate to shoot, attack the basket, or pass the ball without defensive intrusion. Screens are the most common way a basketball offence attacks a basketball defence, with screens occurring in nearly every basketball play.
There are several different types of screens, including back screens, double screens, cross screens, down screens, and flare screens. Each type of screen has a specific purpose and can be used to create different scoring opportunities. For example, a down screen is when a screener sets a pick near the baseline, giving a teammate an open jump shot, often from behind the three-point line.
The impact of screens on defences can be significant. Firstly, they can create confusion for the defence, as it becomes difficult to keep track of players when multiple screens are run. This can lead to defences switching into less reliable matchups. Additionally, screens can force defences to adjust their positioning and strategy to account for the offence's screening tactics.
It is important to note that there are rules in place to regulate the use of screens. According to the NBA rule book, a screen setter's feet must be planted while setting a screen. If their feet are in motion, it is called a moving screen or an illegal pick, resulting in an offensive foul and turnover. A technical foul may also be called if the screening player sets a blind screen while moving their feet and intentionally bumps into an unaware player.
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Frequently asked questions
A screen, also known as a basketball screen or a pick, is an offensive play in basketball where a teammate positions their body in front of a defender to create space for another teammate to shoot, attack the basket, or pass the ball without defensive intrusion.
There are multiple types of screens, including backscreens, double screens, cross screens, down screens, and flare screens. Most screens are off-ball screens, which involve two teammates who are not handling the ball. Each type of screen has a specific purpose, such as creating space for a teammate to cut to the basket or get an open jump shot.
To set a screen, a player must position their body between the defender and a teammate. This can be done by simply blocking the defender's path or by making contact with the defender to impede their movement. The player setting the screen must have their feet planted and cannot be moving, or it will be called an illegal screen or a moving screen, resulting in a foul.
The primary purpose of a screen is to create separation from defenders and generate space for teammates. Screens can also be used to confuse the defense, force switches into less favourable matchups, and create advantageous situations for the offense.
