Andrew Pace
Screening is a fundamental tactic in basketball, involving an offensive player (the screener) blocking a defender to obstruct their movement and create scoring opportunities for teammates. There are two main types of screens: on-ball screens (or picks) and off-ball screens. In an on-ball screen, the screener obstructs a defender who is directly guarding the ball, while in an off-ball screen, the screener targets a defender who is not guarding the ball. Screening effectively requires good technique, including proper foot positioning and use of angles, and it is crucial for the screener to remain stationary during the screen to avoid an offensive foul.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A basketball tactic used by the offensive player to block a defender, allowing a teammate to shoot, drive to the basket, or receive a pass. |
| Types | On-ball screen (or pick/ball screen), off-ball screen, down screen, ball screen, back screen, away screen, cross screen, stagger 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 | Occurs when the screener moves to make contact and gain an advantage, or holds/leans/moves into the defender to cause contact. |
| Tactics | Pick and roll, pick and pop. |
| Defending Tactics | Slide by the pick, switch defensive assignments, fight over the screen (not allowed in basketball), jump to the ball and cut over the screen. |
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What You'll Learn
On-ball and off-ball screens
Basketball screens are a strategy used to block a defensive player. When a screen is set, the player setting it (the 'screener') must remain stationary at the moment of contact with the defender, giving them a "reasonable opportunity" to avoid the screen. If the screener moves to initiate contact, it is called a foul. After setting the screen, the screener is often open to roll to the basket and receive a pass.
There are two main types of screens: on-ball screens and off-ball screens. On-ball screens are set for the player who currently has possession of the ball. This is a great way to create an offensive advantage. A flat screen is an example of an on-ball screen, where a player sets a screen for the player with the ball while their back is facing the basket.
Off-ball screens are set for players who do not have possession of the ball. The keys to the success of off-ball screens lie in their execution and coordination. Proper footwork, timing, non-verbal communication, and experience are crucial for effective off-ball screens. Down screens are the most commonly used off-ball screens, used to free up good shooters and get them open for shots.
There are several variations of each type of screen, such as the elevator screen (a type of on-ball screen) and the back screen (an off-ball screen). A successful screening strategy can give a team a significant advantage on offense, and screens are set frequently at all levels of basketball.
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Illegal screening
To set a legal screen, the offensive player must remain stationary at the moment of contact with the defender and allow them a "reasonable opportunity" to avoid the screen. The screener must stay within their "cylinder", an imaginary vertical plane approximately shoulder-width apart, and must not make contact with the defender by leaning or moving into them. If the screener holds, leans, or moves into the defender to initiate contact, this will result in a foul.
Illegal screens can also occur when a defender anticipates a screen and beats the offensive player to the spot, causing the screener to alter their positioning. This can result in the screener being penalized for an illegal screen if they do not give the defender enough time or space to avoid the screen.
It is important to note that the determination of an illegal screen can vary depending on the official's perspective, and there may be instances where borderline illegal screens are ignored or not penalized.
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Pick and roll
The pick and roll is an offensive play in basketball, also called a ball screen or screen and roll. It involves three players and is designed to create an open shot opportunity.
The play begins with a defender guarding a ballhandler. The ballhandler moves toward a teammate, who sets a screen (or pick) by standing in the defender's way, forcing the defender to choose between guarding the ballhandler or the screener. If the defender tries to guard the ballhandler, the screener can move toward the basket, creating space for the ballhandler as the defender guarding them may switch to the ballhandler. Alternatively, if the defender chooses to guard the screening teammate, the ballhandler has an open shot or can pass to an open teammate.
The success of the pick and roll depends on teamwork, with the ballhandler and screener needing to recognize the situation quickly and make the right decisions. The play requires agility, communication, and coordination. It is often employed by a shorter guard handling the ball and a taller forward or center setting the screen, creating favorable mismatches if the taller defender switches to guard the ballhandler.
There are variations of the pick and roll, such as the pick and pop (or pick and fade), where the screener moves for an open jump shot instead of rolling to the basket. Another variation is the pick and slip, where the screener fakes setting a screen before slipping behind the defender to accept the pass. The pick and roll can also be combined with different angles and alignments to create different plays, such as the side pick and roll, angle pick and roll, and step-up or flat screen.
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Pick and pop
The pick and pop is particularly effective when used against certain defensive coverages and can be influenced by the shooting ability of the screener and the post defender. If the post defender is focused on stopping the ball, the pop player will likely be open for a jump shot. The pick and pop can also be used to force a less athletic defender out of their comfort zone, creating an advantage for the offense.
To execute a successful pick and pop, the ball handler must attack the paint by dribbling towards the middle of the court. This creates a large 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 to be ready to shoot immediately.
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Basic screening positions
To successfully set a screen in basketball, the offensive player must first establish their position to allow a teammate to move towards them. This teammate will be the cutter, who will change pace and direction, moving or dribbling very close to the screening player.
The screener must be stationary at the moment of contact with the defender, allowing them a "reasonable opportunity" to avoid the screen. The screener should be square to the defender, with their chest in line with the defender's shoulder and hips. The screener should then pivot 180 degrees to face the basketball.
The cutter should fake in the opposite direction to the one they intend to take, causing the defender to lean the wrong way and lose a few steps. The cutter can then change direction and run off the screen, towards the basket or away from it.
There are several types of basic screens:
- Down Screen
- Ball Screen
- Back Screen
- Away Screen
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Frequently asked questions
Screening, also known as setting a pick, is an offensive move in basketball where a player (the screener) blocks or impedes a defender who is guarding a teammate. This is done to free up the teammate from defensive pressure, allowing them to move or receive a pass more easily.
There are two main types of screens: on-ball screens and off-ball screens. An on-ball screen is set on a defender who is directly guarding the basketball, while an off-ball screen is set on a defender who is not guarding the ball. Examples of on-ball screens include the flat ball screen, side screen, and step-up screen. Off-ball screens include the back screen, cross screen, and down screen.
Yes, illegal screens occur when the screener does not give the defender a "reasonable opportunity" to avoid the screen. This can include moving into the defender to initiate contact or not allowing enough time for the defender to react. An illegal screen results in a foul for the offending player.
Screens are often used in pick and roll or pick and pop plays. In a pick and roll, the ball-handler dribbles towards the basket after using the screen, while the screener rolls towards the basket for a potential pass. In a pick and pop, the screener moves away from the basket for a jumpshot.
Defenders can counter screens by sliding by the screen if there is space, switching defensive assignments with a teammate, or fighting over the screen (pushing the screener away) in sports where this is allowed. In basketball, defenders can also try to anticipate the screen and fake in the opposite direction to force the offensive player to adjust their positioning.
