Basics of Screening

(What every coach should know)

Basic Information / Setting Screens:

The screen is used mainly as the building block for running and executing a Motion Offense, but screens are also used with Zone Offenses, Inbounds Plays, and with Breaking the Press.  The term “Setting a Screen” is often used out of context because although one player is actually “setting” the screen, the screen will never work if the player “using” the screen does not execute their part.  Both parts of setting a screen have to work in order to set a successful screen, both parts are equally important.  Like any other fundamental skill used in basketball, if you want it to work correctly in the game, it will need to be drilled into the players in practice over and over until they get it.  Setting a screen is also called setting a “Pick” by some coaches.

Important Note:  Setting and Using screens one of the hardest skills to “master” but is certainly a skill that any player (short, tall, fast, slow, good, bad) can learn to do well.  It all depends on the player, and attitude.  There is no reason that any player on your team cannot learn and execute a proper screen.

What exactly does a screen look like:

Let’s take a look of a video clip of a screen to give you a good idea of what a screen should look like.  The video clip example will show a baseline screen. 

Screening Example – CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO CLIP!  

Note:  A good solid screen is one of the hardest things that a defense can “combat” and can create opportunities for high percentage shots for your offense.

Setting Screens – The Basic Steps

Players must be taught how to “set” a screen and also how to “use” a screen, without both, the screen cannot be successful.

Basic Steps of the “Screener”

a) Signal the player - Call their name, use hand signal to communicate.

b) Use the proper angle (usually the screener will “V” cut to surprise the defender they are screening). 

c) Jump stop to a “stationary” position, one full step away from the defender (screener has to be “set” before the user moves).

d) Stay in position, do not move for one full second (wait for the user to rub elbows before moving).

e) “Seal” the defender (which means screen, wait, then turn in such a way that you are blocking the defender).

f) Look for a pass after sealing the defender, get in a position to score. If a screen is set properly, the screener should always be open after the screen.

Basic Steps of the “User”

a) Make eye contact with screener (this lets the screener know you are ready).

b) V-Cut and “turn” the defender away from the screener (this takes the defenders eyes off what is happening).

c) Turn the defender into the screen (the timing is critical).

d) “Rub” off the shoulder / elbow of the screener as you go by them.

e) Cut (quickly) and have your hands ready to receive a pass (always be ready to receive a pass after another player screens your defender, and make the cut quickly).

Screening Principles – CLICK HERE FOR HANDOUT!

Different Types of Screens:

There are many different types of screens, all have a specific purpose.  Here are just a few of the most popular ones used in youth basketball.

1.  The Down Screen – Used when a player screens down and away from the ball – usually screening a player that is near the basket that wants to move up high towards the ball.

Down Screen Example – CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO CLIP!

2. The Up Screen – Used when a player screens up towards the ball – usually entails screening a player that is up high that wants to curl low and towards the ball or wants to move down low to a position near the basket as part of a play, etc.

Up Screen Example – CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO CLIP!

3. Backdoor Screen (Rear Screen) – Is the type of “Up” screen that allows the “user” of the screen to confuse the defense by cutting behind the screen.  The video clip is the same as the Up Screen example because it shows the "user" of the screen making a back door cut (away from the ball).

Back Door Screen Example – CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO CLIP!

4. Low Screen (Baseline Screen) – Any screen that takes place low, around the baseline areas, or even a simple block to block screen.

Low Screen Example – CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO CLIP!

5. Ball Screen (Screening the Player with the Ball) – This is the type of screen that can either be part of a play, or is used simply to get a defender off your ball handler.  The video clip example shows a pick and roll play with Player 2 setting a screen for Player 1 (who is dribbling the ball). 

Ball Screen Example – CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO CLIP!

6. Screen Away from the Ball – This is more of a screening "term" that relates to a basic screen that is usually part of a motion play or is used as part of a quick hitter play where players pass the ball to the wing area and "screen away" from the ball. 

The Different Types of Cuts used with Screens:

There are different types of cuts used with screening and all have a specific purpose.  It is very important to teach your players the importance of “cutting” and how critical it is to the execution of the screen.

1.  The Curl Cut – Is best used when a defender is following the offensive player. Curl around the screener with your hands ready to receive a pass.

Curl Cut Example – CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO CLIP!

2. Pop / Flash to the Ball – Quickness is the best way to get open to receive a pass, there’s nothing worse than a player getting a good screen and moving slowly to the ball (once a screen is set, flash quickly to the ball).

Pop / Flash to Ball Example – CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO CLIP!

3. Backdoor Cut (Fist) – This type of cut is used when the defender is cheating a little, the cutter fakes like they are using the screen, but then “back cuts” to the basket. The video clip demonstrates an Up Screen, and a Back Door cut...

Backdoor Cut Example – CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO CLIP!

4. The “V” Cut – The most basic, and most taught “cut” used in youth basketball.  The “V” cut works best if the player goes into the cut at medium speed, then out of the cut at a fast speed (In Medium, Out Fast).

“V” Cut Example – CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO CLIP!

There are different types of offenses that utilize screens, all have a specific purpose.  When teaching the younger players try to keep it simple until they are comfortable, then move on…  Since this information is covered in more detail in other sections on this site, I will only cover each briefly here:

1.  Motion Offense – Used mainly vs. a man to man defense, but sometimes a coach will call motion offense just to get their players moving vs. a zone defense.

Motion Offense (Basic) – CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO CLIP!

2. Zone Offense – Yes, screens do work vs. zone defenses, but you have to use wisely.  Use screens vs. a zone defense when you need to get your shooter open, or simply use screens to “bother” the defense.  If the offense is setting screens vs. a zone defense it will bother the defense – causing the defense to have to work harder to get to there area of coverage, and better yet the defense will start taking their eyes off the ball and start looking for the screens.  Try it!

Zone Offense (45) – CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO CLIP!

3. Inbound Plays – Screens are very effective vs. zone or man to man defenses when it comes to inbounds plays.  The example will show an inbounds play setting screens vs. a zone defense.  The general rule is that when inbounding the ball, the other team will always run a zone defense to protect the basket, but if they don’t, make sure to use an inbounds play that will make the other team pay for their mistake (in the form of an easy basket for your team).

Box 2 Inbounds Play – CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO CLIP!

4. Press Breaking – When the other team runs a full court press and they are totally denying the inbounds pass – you have to set a screen (or two) to get your ball handler open.

Press Breaker Example – CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO CLIP!

5. Pick and Roll Plays - The screen is used in many offenses, but one of the most popular is the “Pick and Roll” plays.  The pick and roll is not used much at the younger ages, but all players should be exposed to this very effective offensive play and skill.  I won’t go into much detail here, but I will show examples of some very popular pick and roll plays used vs. man to man defense.

Pick and Roll 4 – CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO CLIP!

Pick and Roll Play – CLICK HERE FOR HANDOUT!

Sealing the Defender after a Screen:

One of the most effective screening skills that a player can learn is “sealing a defender.”

This is always available right after a screen is set properly.  If the offensive player sets the screen, then turns their body in such a way that they are now “blocking” or “sealing” off a defender – this puts the offensive player in a great position to receive a pass (and a scoring opportunity).

Sealing a Defender After a Screen (refer to diagram).

1. Player 4 has just set a screen, both feet are planted on the court.

2. In this example 4 will use their right foot as the pivot foot.

3. The 4 will take their left foot and swing around (back pivot) to a position that seals off the defender.

4. The 4 is now in a better position to receive the ball (scoring opportunity), or in a very good position for an offensive rebound.

Sealing a Defender Example – CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO CLIP!

Why screens do not work:

There are many reasons why a screen will not work – here are a few of those reasons:

1.  The player setting the screen did not take the proper angle (and the defender can see them coming).

2.  The player setting the screen jumped into the defender (this is called a “moving” screen).

3.  The player using the screen did not use the screen properly – they did not turn their defender.

4.  The player using the screen left too early (before the screener even go there).

5.  Timing is also a big problem with setting and using screens properly – only one of the two players needs to be off a little (1/2 second is all it takes) for the screen to be unsuccessful.

6.  Lack of communication between screener and user.

7.  Coaches put the wrong players on the court!  Coaches must find the 5 players that work together the best when it comes to setting screens – this could mean that you may have to change out your regular starting 5 with players that will execute screens properly.

8.  Laziness / sloppiness on the part of one or both players.

Even though any player can learn to Set and Use a screen, keep in mind that Setting and using screens is one of the hardest basketball skills for the younger players to execute properly.  It’s mostly because of the mental part of the game (lack of focus, discipline, concentration, lack of knowledge), and it is a very hard skill to remember to do properly in the game (just like boxing out is).  It will take time, be patient, eventually it will all come together...