Amanda Knapp
A ball screen, also known as a basketball screen or a pick, is an offensive play in basketball. 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. The most common type of ball screen is the pick and roll, where the ball handler and a teammate work together to create separation from the defender. This can be achieved by the non-ball handling teammate setting a screen on the defender, allowing the ball handler to either attack the basket, shoot, or pass to their screening teammate. Ball screens are an effective way to confuse the defense and force them into less favourable matchups.
| 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 space for teammates to catch or distribute passes, attack the hoop, or shoot a jump shot. |
| Other Names | Basketball screen, pick, on-ball screen. |
| Types of Screens | Off-ball screens, on-ball screens. |
| Examples of Off-Ball Screens | Back screen, cross screen, down screen, stagger screen. |
| Examples of On-Ball Screens | Flat ball screen, side screen, step-up screen, drag screen. |
| Illegal Screens | If the screen setter's feet are in motion, it is deemed an illegal screen or a moving screen. If a player sets a blind screen while moving their feet, it may result in a technical foul. |
| Body Position | Players should position their feet about shoulder-width apart, with their back straightened and knees slightly bent. Hands are placed across the chest or lap, with elbows within the player's cylinder (vertical plane). |
| Strategy | Ball screens are used to create separation from defenders and confuse the defense. They can also force defenses to switch into less reliable matchups. |
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On-ball screens
The dribble handoff is another on-ball screening technique. The screener starts with the ball and hands it off, staying close to their screener as the ball is handed off to give them the best chance to block the defender.
The flat ball screen, side screen, step-up screen, and drag screen are all common types of on-ball screens.
When setting up an on-ball screen, the screener should point their body in the direction the ball handler should go. The screener should also keep their feet planted on the floor to avoid an illegal screen.
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Off-ball screens
There are several types of off-ball screens, including backscreens and down screens. Backscreens occur when an off-ball player screens a defender in the high post, allowing a teammate to backdoor cut from the perimeter to the interior. This can result in an easy lay-up basket if not defended correctly. Down screens are the most commonly used off-ball screens and are used to free up good shooters. When well-executed, they are an effective way to get the ball to shooters for open shots.
When using off-ball screens, it is important for the screener to have their feet planted, as moving screens are illegal and will result in an offensive foul and turnover. The purpose of a good off-ball screen is to create separation from defenders and confuse the defense. Running multiple off-ball screens can cause defenses to lose track and force them into less favourable matchups.
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Pick and roll
To execute a pick and roll, the ball handler must first communicate with one other offensive player to set a pick for them. This communication can be verbal or non-verbal, such as a hand signal like a fist in the air. The non-ball handling teammate then acts as the picker, setting a screen on the ball handler's defender by placing their body between the defender and the ball handler. This creates separation from the defender and generates space for the ball handler to attack the basket, shoot, or pass to the screening teammate.
The picker, or screener, should keep their feet planted and use their arms to block the defender's movement without extending them. They should position themselves in an athletic stance, with bent knees, to effectively absorb the contact of the defender attempting to get around them. As the ball handler dribbles past the defender, the picker creates an open lane for the ball handler to drive towards the basket.
During a pick and roll, the ball handler can pass the ball to the picker at any point, so the picker should be ready to catch and finish the play. The picker should also drive to the basket, keeping the defender that switched onto them on the outside. Mastering the basics of the pick and roll and practising different scenarios will help players understand how to create high-quality shots and take advantage of the defence.
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Creating separation
There are several types of ball screens, and most are off-ball screens, which involve two teammates who are not handling the ball. Backscreens, for example, occur when an off-ball player screens a defender in the high post, allowing a teammate to cut from the perimeter to the interior.
Another type of off-ball screen is the flare screen, where a player cuts away from the ball to a spot on the perimeter. This is an effective way to get the team's best shooters open for outside shots.
The most significant type of ball screen in today's basketball is the on-ball screen, also known as the pick and roll. This is the only screen where a teammate sets a pick on the defender guarding the dribbler, separating the ball defender from the dribbling ball handler. Once the non-ball-handling teammate sets the screen, the ball handler can attack the basket, shoot, or pass to their screening teammate.
Ball screens are an effective way to create space for a basketball offence and can also be used to confuse the defence, forcing them to switch into less reliable matchups.
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Illegal screens
To set up a legal screen, the offensive screener must get directly in the defender's path and give the defender the opportunity to avoid contact. The defender's speed will determine the distance the screener must give them. Once the screener arrives at the screening spot, they can move in the same direction as the defender or move slightly to firm up and absorb the contact. However, the screener must not move backward or sideways into the defender.
A moving screen, which is a type of illegal screen, occurs when the screener doesn't plant their feet or moves in the opposite direction or laterally away from the person they are screening. It is considered a foul only if there is illegal contact. If the screener holds, leans, or moves into the defender to cause contact, it will result in a foul.
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Frequently asked questions
A ball screen is an offensive play in which a non-ball-handling teammate positions their body between a defender and another teammate to create space for the teammate to shoot, pass, or drive to the basket without defensive intrusion.
An on-ball screen, also known as a pick or ball screen, is set on a defender that is directly guarding the ball. Common types of on-ball screens include the flat ball screen, side screen, step-up screen, and drag screen. An off-ball screen is set by a screener on a defender that is not directly guarding the ball. Common types of off-ball screens include the back screen, cross screen, down screen, and stagger screen.
It is important to create space for teammates to take advantage of the screen. The screener should position their feet about shoulder-width apart, with their back straightened and knees slightly bent. The screener's feet must be planted while setting the screen; otherwise, it is considered an illegal screen.
A pick and roll is a type of on-ball screen where the non-ball-handling teammate sets a screen on the defender guarding the dribbler, allowing the dribbler to attack the basket, shoot, or pass. The screening teammate then cuts to the basket ("roll") or spots up for a jump shot.
Defenses can employ various strategies, such as switching defensive assignments or using different types of screens like back screens or down screens, to counter ball screens effectively.
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