Screen, pick, drag. Whatever name it goes by, it has become an effective asset to any successful offense. Anyone who has any familiarity with the game of basketball understands the basic concept. A screen or "pick" occurs when an offensive player attempts to block, or "screen", a defensive player away from the man he is guarding, thereby freeing up that offensive player for an open shot or pass.1 The principle of this is simple. However, learning to execute a screen properly, and effectively, is something that can be a little more difficult. To be effective in executing a play involving a screen there are several rules that the screener, receiver, and passer all need to be aware of.
The screener must start by being able to see the ball, allowing them to properly time the placement of the screen. Once arriving at the defender, they must widely plant their feet and lower their body position, providing a solid stance to obstruct the defender. When doing this, the screener must pay special attention to the angle at which they set the screen. The screeners back should be facing the direction the player receiving the screen will be cutting. If the screener’s angle is too flat, the defense will be able to quickly recover to a good defensive position. After the screen has been used, it is the screener’s job to quickly put themselves in a position the receive a pass.2 Some coaches prefer the screener to pivot facing the ball, opening themselves up to the pass and also possibly shielding a defender who may try to go underneath the screen. Others may prefer the screener to turn and sprint towards the basket, creating as much space between themselves and the player being screened as possible. This helps to open up the floor and limit the amount of a help that the defender guarding the screener can give.
The player receiving the screen must stay stationary or move in a way to help the screener until they are in position. Once the screener has arrived, it is the player receiving the screen’s responsibility to set their defender up and use the screen effectively. To do this they must make sure they are as close to the screener as possible when coming off of the screen, allowing no space for the defender to go between them. It is also the player’s responsibility to read the reaction of their defender and how they are playing the screen. This will help the offensive player know what cut to make to create the best shot.
If the screen is happening away from the ball, the passer also has a set of rules to follow. It is their responsibility to see the entire floor, particularly the screener. They must be able to read and react to the way the defenders play the screen and anticipate an offensive player coming open. If you wait for the moment when you see the player open, then it will most likely be too late to make the pass, especially at high levels of competition. The pass made must be a good, crisp pass, away from the defense, that puts the offensive player in the best position to score.2
All three components of the play; the screener, the player receiving the screen, and the passer, have a set of rules or principles to guide them through the play. With the implementation of these principles, the chances for an open shot should increase. As with any offense, the players abilities to read and react to the defense and each other can help their success. However, knowing these screening principles will go a long way to increasing your team’s basketball IQ.
References
1Gels, J. A. (n.d.). Basketball Fundamentals - Setting Screens, Coach's Clipboard Basketball Coaching and Playbook. Retrieved February 22, 2016, from http://www.coachesclipboard.net/Screens.html
2Gandolfi, G. (2009). NBA coaches playbook: Techniques, tactics, and teaching points. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics
3Oregon Basketball Analysis: These Screens Will Set You Free. (2014). Retrieved February 22, 2016, from http://fishduck.com/2014/01/oregon-basketball-analysis-these-screens-will-set-you-free/
4“AND-1!”: A Breakdown Of How Tom Thibodeau Gets Carlos Boozer His Favourite Look. (2013). Retrieved February 22, 2016, from http://pippenainteasy.com/2013/02/05/and-1-a-breakdown-of-how-tom-thibodeau-gets-carlos-boozer-his-favourite-look
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