Andrew Pace
A high ball screen is an offensive play in basketball, also known as a basketball screen or a pick. It is a play executed by a basketball team to create space for a teammate to shoot, attack the basket, or pass the ball without defensive intrusion. The high ball screen is a fundamental skill and action where an offensive player attempts to block or delay a defender to create space and separation for another offensive player to get open for scoring or playmaking opportunities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of screen | On-ball screen |
| Other names | Pick and roll, mid-screen, flat ball screen |
| Set by | Non-ball-handling offensive player |
| Action | Places their body between the defender and a teammate |
| Purpose | Creates space for teammates to catch or distribute passes, attack the hoop, or shoot a jump shot |
| Scoring options | Driving layup, kick-out pass for a 3-pointer, free-throw-line jumper |
| Positioning | Point guard dribbles the ball at the set's top |
| Movement | Point guard dribbles hard off the screener's shoulder to gain an edge |
| Defender | Defender loses track, switches to less reliable matchups |
| Screening angle | Most important part of an effective screen |
| Illegal use | Moving screen or blind screen |
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What You'll Learn
How to set up a high ball screen
Setting up a high ball screen is an effective way to create offensive advantages in basketball. A high ball screen is a type of basketball screen set for the player with possession of the ball, allowing them to shoot, attack the basket, or pass without defensive intrusion. Here are some detailed instructions on how to set up a high ball screen:
Preparation:
Before setting up the high ball screen, it is crucial to understand the different types of screens and their purposes. Screens can be used to create separation from defenders, confuse the defence, or force defensive switches. Common types of screens include back screens, double screens, cross screens, and flare screens. Each type of screen has a specific setup and purpose, so choose the one that aligns with your team's strategy and the skills of your players.
Player Positioning:
To set up a high ball screen, start by positioning your players effectively. Place your point guard at the top of the set with the ball, and position your forwards or centres at opposite elbows. Locate the two guards in opposite corners. This setup provides multiple scoring options and facilitates the execution of the high ball screen.
Executing the Screen:
The right-elbow player initiates the high ball screen by coming up and setting the screen for the point guard. The point guard then dribbles hard off the screener's shoulder to gain an advantage. Simultaneously, the left-elbow player sprints towards the hoop, creating a driving lane. The screener follows by rolling to the free-throw line area, providing an additional option for the point guard. The left-corner player acts as a safety defender, providing support in case the opposition gains control of the ball.
Post-Screen Options:
After setting the high ball screen, the point guard has several options available. If the point guard has a step on the defender, they can drive to the basket for a layup. Alternatively, they can pass the ball to the screener, who can settle for a mid-range jumper, or to the left-elbow player cutting to the basket. The high ball screen creates multiple scoring opportunities, depending on the defensive reaction and the skills of the offensive players.
Additional Considerations:
When setting up a high ball screen, it is important to consider the timing and technique. Ensure that the players involved in the screen set it at the right moment, creating separation from their defenders. Additionally, the screeners must keep their feet planted to avoid an illegal screen, which can result in a foul. Effective communication and precise execution are key to a successful high ball screen.
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The role of the screener
The screener should aim to create separation between themselves and the defender before setting the screen. This can be done by not telegraphing the screen, sprinting to set it, and using the correct angle. Setting the screen with their back facing the direction they want their teammate to go can also be effective. After setting the screen, the screener often has the option to roll to the basket and receive a pass, a tactic known as the pick and roll.
In addition to the pick and roll, there are several other tactics that involve the screener. The pick and pop is when the ballhandler drives to the basket while the screener squares for a jump shot. The dribble handoff is when the screener starts with the ball and hands it off to their teammate, staying close to block the defender. The hammer screen is a type of screen that occurs on the weak side of the court, creating the potential for an open three-point shot for the team's best shooter.
The screener can also play a role in the flex offense, a strategy that involves setting a screen on the weak side of the floor to allow an offensive player to cut along the baseline into the paint. The UCLA screen is another variation, set at the high post elbow, allowing a perimeter player to cut towards the strong side block. These different tactics demonstrate the importance of the screener in creating opportunities for their teammates to score or advance the ball effectively.
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The pick and roll
The success of the pick and roll depends on the ball handler, who must quickly decide whether to shoot, pass to the screener, or pass to another open teammate. The screener must also be alert to receive the pass and finish the play. The pick and roll is often used by a shorter guard handling the ball and a taller forward or center setting the screen, which can create favorable mismatches if the taller defender switches to guard the ball handler.
The Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry and Draymond Green are known for their use of the high pick-and-roll, with Curry's long-range shooting ability often causing the opposing team to double up their defenders against him. Curry then passes to Green, who leads a 4-on-3 offense with the option to pass to wing shooters, lob an alley-oop, or drive to the basket.
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Off-ball screens
A back screen, a type of off-ball screen, involves an off-ball player setting a screen behind a teammate's defender. This element of surprise allows the offensive player to cut towards the basket, receive the pass, and score an open layup. The UCLA screen, a variation of the back screen, is set at the high post elbow, enabling a perimeter player to cut towards the strong side block. This screen was popularized by John Wooden's UCLA offense during the 1950s and 1960s.
Another off-ball screen is the flare screen, which allows a player to cut away from the basketball to the perimeter. When combined with an accurate skip pass, this screen can create open shots for the team's top shooters. The flat screen is another off-ball variation where a player sets a screen for the ball carrier with their back facing the basket. This screen is challenging for the on-ball defender to navigate, especially if the ball-handler is quick and driving to the rim.
Down screens, also known as pin downs, are commonly used off-ball screens. They involve the screener facing their chest towards the baseline, resulting in the screened player cutting away from the hoop. This type of screen is particularly useful for freeing up shooters on the perimeter. Double screens, deployed perpendicular or parallel to the baseline, are also used to create opportunities for shooters, especially for last-second shots or after timeouts.
When executing off-ball screens, it is crucial to not telegraph passes. Passers should occasionally drive in the opposite direction to prevent the on-ball defender from intercepting the passing lane. Understanding how opponents defend off-ball screens is essential, and players should be alert for counter options. Spacing is also important, with most passes being made within a 12' to 15' distance to spread the defense and enable quick, accurate passing.
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Back screens
The back screen is a key component in Gregg Popovich's motion offence with the San Antonio Spurs, and in the Spain pick and roll, a screening action created by Sergio Scariolo, head coach of the Spanish national team. Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors is also known for using back screens for his teammates, as his opponents guard him closely and will leave cutters open to defend him.
The UCLA screen is a variation of a back screen, made popular by John Wooden's UCLA offence during the 1950s and 1960s. It is set at the high post elbow and allows a perimeter player to cut towards the strong side block. Another variation of the back screen is the flex screen, which is set on the weak side of the floor, allowing the offensive player to cut along the baseline into the paint. This screen is a staple of the flex offence.
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Frequently asked questions
A high ball screen, also known as a mid-screen or flat ball screen, is a type of basketball screen that is set near the middle of the lane in front of the basket. It is a fundamental skill and action where an offensive player attempts to block or delay a defender to create space and separation for a teammate to shoot, attack the basket, or pass.
A basketball screen is a broad term for any type of screen set for the player who currently has possession of the ball.
The most common type of ball screen is the pick and roll, also known as an on-ball screen. This involves the ball handler and a teammate. The non-ball-handling teammate sets a screen on the ball handler's defender, allowing the ball handler to attack the basket, shoot, or pass.
There are several keys to setting an effective screen, including not telegraphing the screen, sprinting to set it, and using the correct angle. It is also important to have your back facing the direction you want your teammate to go.
Other common types of screens include the back screen, cross screen, down screen, and staggered screen.
