Kristian Ferrell
A basketball screen is a fundamental skill and action in which an offensive player attempts to block or delay a defender, creating space and separation for another offensive player to take advantage of scoring or playmaking opportunities. Screens can be set 'on ball' (for the ball handler) or 'off ball' (for an offensive player not in possession of the ball). When setting a screen, the player must remain stationary and allow the defensive player a reasonable opportunity to avoid the screen. If the screener moves to make contact and gain an advantage, it is considered an offensive foul.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A basketball screen is a fundamental skill and action where at least one offensive player attempts to block or delay a defender. |
| Objective | To create space and separation for another offensive player to get open for scoring or playmaking opportunities. |
| Types | On-ball screen (or pick/ball screen), Off-ball screen, Back screen, Cross screen, Down screen, Stagger screen, Away screen, Flat ball screen, Side screen, Step-up screen, Drag screen. |
| Body Position | Feet shoulder-width apart, back straightened, knees slightly bent, hands across chest or lap, elbows within the player's cylinder (vertical plane). |
| Illegal Screens | Occur when the screener doesn't hold their position, doesn't give the defender a chance to avoid the screen, moves to make contact, leans or moves into the defender, or steps out of bounds. |
| Tactics | Pick and roll, Pick and pop. |
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On-ball screens
An on-ball screen, also known as a pick or ball screen, is a basketball screen set on a defender that is directly guarding the ball. It is a broad term for any basketball screen set for the player who is currently in possession of the basketball. On-ball screens are the most common way a basketball offence attacks a basketball defence, with screens occurring on nearly every basketball play.
There are multiple types of on-ball screens, including the flat ball screen, the side screen, the step-up screen, and the drag screen. These screens are typically used in pick and roll or pick and pop situations to create offensive scoring opportunities. In a pick and roll, the screen action takes place directly with the ball handler, who is then able to shoot, pass, or drive to the basket. In a pick and pop, the ball handler drives to the basket while the screener squares for a jump shot.
To set an on-ball screen, a player will position their feet about shoulder-width apart with their back straightened and knees slightly bent to form a good base. They will put their hands across their chest or across their lap and keep their elbows within their own cylinder, also known as a vertical plane.
When setting up an on-ball screen, the ball handler should direct their teammate to a specific location on the court. They should keep level with the screener's position to prevent their defender from shooting the gap between them and the screener. As the screen is initiated, the ball handler should stay tight to the screener by staying low and touching their shoulder or calf. If the defender shoots the gap around the screen, the ball handler should reject the screen. If the defender follows them through the screen, the ball handler should curl to the basket.
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Off-ball screens
An off-ball screen is a fundamental basketball skill and action. It involves a player setting a screen on a defender who is not directly guarding the ball. For instance, if a player with the ball is positioned on the right side wing, an off-ball screen could be set at the top of the court, in the low post, or in the corner. Off-ball screens are complex tactics that require the coordination and execution of three different players, each with distinct but crucial roles.
The success of an off-ball screen relies on the seamless functioning of the ballhandler, shooter, and screener as a single unit. This demands precise footwork, timing, non-verbal communication, and experience. While opponents typically employ only one or two methods to defend against off-ball screens during a game, players must be adept at recognising and countering various defensive strategies. Coaches must also remain vigilant for any defensive adjustments made by the opposing team.
There are several types of off-ball screens, including the back screen, cross screen, down screen, and stagger screen. Each type of screen has a unique purpose and effect on the game. For example, a cross screen can create scoring opportunities for players near the basket, while a down screen can open up jump shot opportunities for players on the perimeter.
The back screen, sometimes called a rip screen, involves an offensive player setting a screen behind a defender guarding a teammate. The screened teammate can then use the screen to get open near the basket for a potential scoring opportunity. The down screen is the most commonly used off-ball screen, and it is used to free up shooters for open shots.
Understanding and effectively utilising off-ball screens are essential for creating space, generating scoring chances, and ultimately enhancing a team's offensive capabilities in basketball.
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Illegal screens
There are several rules that players must adhere to when setting a screen. Firstly, the offensive player must remain stationary at the moment of contact with the defender and allow the defender a "reasonable opportunity" to avoid the screen. If the offensive player moves to make contact and gain an advantage, it is considered an illegal screen, resulting in an offensive foul. This includes any movement of the feet after setting the screen, as well as leaning or moving into the defender to cause contact.
Additionally, in the case of an on-ball screen, if the player with the ball dribbles towards the screener and the defender makes contact with the screen before the screener is stationary with their feet planted, it is also an illegal screen. For an off-ball screen, if the defender attempts to avoid the screen before contact, the screener can move to re-establish the screen as long as it is before the moment of contact. However, according to the NBA Rule Book, a screener cannot step out of bounds to set a screen, especially on the baseline in the frontcourt.
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Pick and roll
A basketball screen is a fundamental skill and action where an offensive player attempts to block or delay a defender. The aim is to create space and separation for another offensive player to get open for scoring or playmaking opportunities. An on-ball screen, also known as a pick or ball screen, is a type of basketball screen set on a defender that is directly guarding the ball. On-ball screens are typically used in pick and roll or pick and pop situations to create offensive scoring opportunities.
There are several variations of the pick and roll. The corner pick and roll is set near the corner, which can be difficult to defend as defenders are not used to defending ball screens from this position. The flat pick and roll is executed with the screener's back facing the basket and can be set near the 3-point line or in the back court. It can be used against pressure and is also useful in transition. The A-set pick and roll is executed with two screeners at the top, and the ball handler chooses which direction to go.
The pick and roll can be a very effective tactic, as demonstrated by players like Karl Malone and John Stockton. It can be used to finish at the rim, make good decisions, blow by defenders, and pull up for a jump shot off the dribble. However, it requires good technique and timing to be executed successfully.
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Pick and pop
The pick and pop is particularly effective when the post defender is focused on stopping the ball, as this leaves the pop player open for a jump shot. The ball handler must attack the paint by taking multiple dribbles to the middle of the floor, creating too large an area for the post defender to cover. After clearing the screen, the post player must arc towards the perimeter, turning their shoulders towards the basket so they are ready to shoot immediately.
The pick and pop is best defended by athletic post players who can switch the screen, preventing the ball from getting too deep. If the post player is less athletic, a hedge and recover strategy can be employed, where the post defender briefly helps stop the ball before recovering to defend the pop.
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Frequently asked questions
A basketball screen is a fundamental skill and action in basketball where an offensive player attempts to block or delay a defender. This is done primarily to create space and separation for another offensive player to get open for scoring or playmaking opportunities.
An on-ball screen, also known as a pick or ball screen, is set on a defender that is directly guarding the ball. Off-ball screens are set on a defender that is not directly guarding the ball.
Some common types of on-ball screens include the flat ball screen, the side screen, the step-up screen, and the drag screen.
An illegal screen is when the screener does not hold their position or does not give the defender at least one step to avoid the screen. It is also illegal for the screener to make contact with the defender by holding, leaning, or moving into them.
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